7 Tennessee Lakes That Locals Don’t Want You to Know About

Tennessee is famous for its big lakes and busy reservoirs, but tucked away in forests, valleys, and state parks are quiet gems that most tourists never discover. These hidden waters offer calm paddling, excellent fishing, and peaceful natural beauty without the crowds you’ll find at more popular spots.

Locals have enjoyed these serene lakes for years, keeping them as their own well-guarded secrets for weekend escapes and nature adventures.

1. Chilhowee Lake (Knoxville)

Tucked between the Smoky Mountains and rolling Tennessee foothills, Chilhowee Lake stretches nine miles through some of the prettiest wilderness in East Tennessee. Most travelers zoom past it on their way to bigger destinations, never realizing what peaceful beauty lies just off the highway. The lake sits at the base of Chilhowee Mountain, creating stunning views no matter where you drop your kayak or cast your line.

Fishing here brings in smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie throughout the year. The shoreline stays mostly undeveloped, giving you that wild, untouched feeling that’s hard to find anymore. Paddle along the quiet coves and you might spot deer drinking at the water’s edge or herons hunting in the shallows.

2. Laurel Hill Lake (Lawrenceburg)

Laurel Hill Lake feels like stepping back in time to when Tennessee was all farmland and forest. This 325-acre gem sits quietly in the southern part of the state, surrounded by thick woods on one side and open pastures on the other. You won’t find jet skis or party boats here—just calm water, singing birds, and the occasional splash of a jumping fish.

The lake is part of a larger recreation area that includes camping spots and hiking trails, but somehow it stays blissfully empty most days. Anglers come for the bass, bluegill, and catfish that thrive in these waters. Families spread blankets along the grassy banks for picnics while watching turtles sun themselves on half-submerged logs.

What makes this place special is how wild it still feels despite being easily accessible.

3. Indian Boundary Lake (Tellico Plains)

Deep in the Cherokee National Forest, Indian Boundary Lake is the kind of place that makes you forget the outside world exists. This small, no-wake lake sits at an elevation surrounded by towering hardwoods and mountain peaks that seem to protect it from discovery. The water is so clear you can watch fish swim past your kayak, and the only sounds you’ll hear are birds and rustling leaves.

Swimming here feels refreshing and pure, with a designated beach area that families adore. The no-wake rule means the water stays glassy smooth, perfect for paddling without fighting boat wakes or engine noise. Trout fishing is excellent, especially in the cooler months when they’re most active.

The campground right at the lake’s edge offers some of the best sites in Tennessee for those who want to wake up to mountain views and morning mist on the water.

4. Big Hill Pond Lake (Pocahontas)

Big Hill Pond Lake sits inside one of Tennessee’s most unusual landscapes—a cypress swamp forest that feels more like Louisiana than the Volunteer State. This 165-acre lake gets overlooked constantly because it’s tucked away in the far western part of Tennessee, but that’s exactly what keeps it so pristine and peaceful.

The surrounding swampland creates an otherworldly atmosphere with cypress knees poking through shallow water and Spanish moss draping from ancient trees.

Paddling here takes you through narrow channels and open water where egrets and herons hunt along the shoreline. Bass and crappie fishing is surprisingly good, with locals pulling in nice catches year-round. The park offers several trails that wind through the wetlands, giving you chances to spot wildlife you won’t see anywhere else in the state.

5. Hidden Lake in Harpeth River State Park (Nashville)

Hidden Lake lives up to its name—you can’t drive to it, you have to earn it by hiking through beautiful woodland trails in Harpeth River State Park. This secluded spot sits tucked away from the main park areas, which means most visitors never know it exists. The short hike takes you through the forest that explodes with wildflowers in spring and brilliant colors in fall.

When you finally reach the water, you’ll understand why locals keep this place quiet. The lake feels like a private sanctuary, surrounded by trees with no development in sight. It’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon of fishing, quiet contemplation, or a refreshing swim after your hike in.

Because you have to walk to reach it, the lake never gets crowded, even though it’s close to Nashville. Bring a light daypack with snacks and drinks, and plan to spend a few hours enjoying the solitude. The trail isn’t difficult, making this hidden gem accessible to most fitness levels while still feeling like a true discovery.

6. Herb Parsons Lake (Fayette County)

While everyone rushes toward the massive Tennessee River reservoirs, Herb Parsons Lake sits quietly in Fayette County, offering everything you need without the chaos. This local favorite features excellent fishing, miles of paved bike trails circling the water, and abundant wildlife that seems comfortable with the few respectful visitors who discover this place. The lake covers enough area to feel spacious but stays small enough to paddle across in an afternoon.

Families love this spot because it offers multiple activities in one location—fish from the pier while kids bike the trails, then enjoy a picnic watching ducks and geese gather near the shore. The water stays calm and clean, stocked regularly with bass, catfish, and bream that keep anglers coming back.

What makes Herb Parsons special is how it balances accessibility with tranquility. You’ll find nice facilities without the commercialization that ruins so many lakes.

7. Poplar Tree Lake (Shelby County)

Poplar Tree Lake hides within a larger state park in Shelby County, making it easy to miss even though it offers some of the best peaceful paddling in western Tennessee. Most casual travelers stick to the main park attractions, never venturing back to discover this forested gem.

Kayaking and canoeing here feels meditative—the water stays calm, the forest absorbs sound, and wildlife appears frequently along the shoreline. Nature trails wind through the woods around the lake, perfect for stretching your legs between paddling sessions or just enjoying a peaceful walk. Fishing is good for those who know where to cast, with bass and catfish lurking in the deeper spots.

Locals value this lake because it provides a quick nature escape without driving hours into remote areas. The park setting means you’ll find basic facilities without crowds or commercialization. Pack your kayak, grab your fishing rod, and enjoy a day that feels worlds away from city life.