Lakes in Tennessee With Crystal-Clear Water You’ll Want to Jump Into
Tennessee might not be the first place you think of when dreaming about crystal-clear swimming holes, but this state is packed with stunning lakes that rival tropical waters.
From mountain reservoirs tucked high in the Smokies to sprawling lakes with endless coves, Tennessee’s clearest waters offer the perfect summer escape. Whether you’re into cliff jumping, scuba diving, or just floating around on a sunny afternoon, these lakes will make you feel like you’ve found your own hidden paradise.
Get ready to pack your swimsuit and discover some of the most beautiful water you’ve ever seen.
1. Norris Lake
Imagine being able to see thirty feet down into water that glows like a Caribbean dream. Norris Lake earns its reputation as Tennessee’s clearest lake, and one look at that unreal emerald-blue water will have you planning a trip immediately. The lake stretches across 34,000 acres with over 800 miles of shoreline, giving you endless spots to explore.
What makes Norris so special is the Tennessee Valley Authority’s strict regulations that keep the water pristine. Houseboats, kayaks, and paddleboards glide over water so clear you can watch fish swimming below.
Norris Lake isn’t just clear—it’s absolutely breathtaking, and locals guard this gem fiercely while welcoming visitors who respect its beauty.
2. Dale Hollow Lake
Scuba divers travel from across the country just to explore the underwater world of Dale Hollow Lake. That tells you everything you need to know about the water clarity here. Visibility often reaches 30 to 40 feet, making it one of the clearest lakes in the entire Southeast.
Straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border, Dale Hollow offers more than just incredible swimming. The lake produced a world-record smallmouth bass back in 1955, and anglers still flock here hoping for their own trophy catch. But swimmers and boaters love it just as much for the refreshing, see-through water.
The surrounding hills create a peaceful, secluded atmosphere that makes you forget you’re still in Tennessee. Cliff jumping spots dot the shoreline, and underwater caves attract adventurous divers. Pack a cooler, rent a pontoon boat, and spend the day floating over water so clear it feels like you’re suspended in glass.
3. Watauga Lake
High up in the Cherokee National Forest sits Watauga Lake, a mountain reservoir that looks like it belongs in the Swiss Alps. At over 1,900 feet elevation, the deep blue water stays cool and incredibly clear year-round. The mountain setting creates views that’ll have your camera working overtime.
Cold springs feeding into the lake help maintain that signature clarity and crisp temperature. Even on the hottest August days, jumping into Watauga feels refreshingly cool—perfect for beating the Tennessee heat.
Kayakers and paddleboarders especially love Watauga because the calm waters reflect the mountains like a mirror on quiet mornings. Fishing is excellent here too, with trout thriving in the cold, clean water. The Appalachian Trail passes nearby, making this a favorite stop for hikers needing a swim.
4. Center Hill Lake
Middle Tennessee’s answer to crystal-clear swimming comes in the form of Center Hill Lake, where limestone cliffs tower over turquoise coves. Locals have been escaping here for decades, knowing that the spring-fed water stays clear enough to see fish darting between submerged rocks. Over 400 miles of shoreline means you’ll find your perfect swimming spot.
The cliffy geography creates natural diving platforms that thrill-seekers love, while calmer areas welcome families with young kids. Houseboats anchor in protected coves where the water glows that signature Tennessee blue-green.
Only an hour from Nashville, Center Hill feels worlds away from city life. The surrounding hills stay green all summer, and the water temperature hits that perfect sweet spot by June. Whether you’re cliff jumping with friends or floating lazily on a raft, Center Hill delivers that pure swimming experience everyone craves on hot summer days.
5. South Holston Lake
Tucked against the Cherokee National Forest, South Holston Lake offers some of the deepest, clearest water in the entire region. The mountain setting creates a peaceful atmosphere where the only sounds are birds calling and water lapping against the shore. Clarity here rivals Dale Hollow, with visibility often exceeding 25 feet.
Trout fishing draws serious anglers who appreciate the cold, clean water flowing from the dam. But swimmers quickly discover that same pristine water makes for incredible swimming conditions. The lake stays cooler than lowland reservoirs, which means refreshing dips even during heat waves.
Fewer crowds than more famous Tennessee lakes make South Holston feel like a secret hideaway. The surrounding national forest protects the shoreline from development, preserving that wild, natural beauty.
6. Douglas Lake
When local tourism boards describe Douglas Lake as having pristine water, they’re not exaggerating. Sprawling across 30,400 acres with the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, Douglas combines clear water with scenery that belongs on postcards. The views alone make the drive worthwhile, but the swimming keeps people coming back.
Popular with families and boaters, Douglas offers easier access than some of Tennessee’s more remote clear lakes. Multiple marinas and public access points mean you can launch your boat or find a swimming spot without hiking for miles. The water stays clear thanks to good circulation and careful lake management.
Summer weekends bring pontoon boats loaded with coolers and kids ready to splash all day. The combination of mountain views and swimmable water creates that perfect vacation feeling without leaving Tennessee.
