With more than 30 large reservoirs and a natural lake, Tennessee is easily one of the most perfect spots for lake vacations. Add in fall color and the diversity of places to stay and activities to enjoy, and it just makes sense to consider a lake-centered fall getaway in the Volunteer State in a way you haven’t seen it before. East Tennessee makes for ideal day trips, weekend getaways, or longer visits.
“Tennessee is home to an incredible 500,000 acres of lakes and 50,000 miles of streams and rivers,” says Mark Ezell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Many of these are the channels to some of our state’s best natural assets, including waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking scenic beauty. Nearly all of Tennessee’s state parks border lakes and offer nationally acclaimed bass fishing, sailing, boating and more water sports.”
Tourism is Tennessee’s second largest industry, with more than 119 million people visiting the state in 2018, according to the department’s 2018 Economic Impact Report. The state consistently ranks among the top 10 travel destinations in the United States. And it’s clear that more and more travelers are considering not only visiting our beautiful state, but buying a home here!
Seeing Fall Foliage From The Water
While Tennessee is stunning all year round, the best fall colors can be seen between mid-October and early November. This is the best time to plan your trip to your favorite East Tennessee lakes around the Smokies.
From paddle-boarding to houseboats, recreational boating offers multiple options for vacationing. Many of the state’s larger lakes offer houseboat rentals.
Houseboats offer all the comforts of home, including kitchens, large living rooms, bathrooms with tubs and showers, full-sized beds and air conditioning. Some even have upper decks for sunning. You can cruise to a secluded cove or island and stay overnight, taking time to explore the shoreline or hike. Bring your provisions to cook meals on board, and you’re self-contained for overnight, a weekend or a week of getting away with family and friends.
Available for rent at lakes across the state, pontoon boats and tritoons provide a comfortable way to cruise, stop for a picnic lunch on a lake or enjoy the fall color. Powerboats can pull skiers, wakeboarders or tubers on fun rides.
Rent or bring a kayak, paddle-board or canoe to meander along the shorelines or explore coves, streams and rivers. You can also bring your own boat and launch it at area boat ramps or some marinas.
Angling for fun
Fishing is popular in East Tennessee’s lakes, rivers and streams, especially for bass and crappie. But catfish, striped bass and trout are also readily available. “You can fish for a wide variety of species, but most people target bass and crappie, the most common species in most Tennessee lakes,” says Frank Fiss, chief of fisheries with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). “Trout prefer the colder lakes, rivers and streams in the eastern part of the state. Our lakes have different environmental characteristics that can make your fishing experience unique, so select your location based on what you’re looking to find.” Tennessee has 30 large reservoirs and one natural lake, making it the perfect spot for lake vacations.
While Fiss says that April is a top fishing month with better catch rates, Tennessee’s lakes offer great opportunities for novice fishermen as well as seasoned anglers any time of the year. “The fall bite provides good activity before the temperatures get really cold,” he says. “And our lakes are less crowded than in the summer, so you will have a different fishing experience.”
Fun on Shore
Part of the beauty of a lake vacation is exploring the nearby communities, and fall is filled with festivals and special events.
Loudon County is known as the “Lakeway to the Smokies.” “We have three lakes that have amazing views of the Smokies, plus we’re strategically located near Interstate 75 and I-40, so we’re easy to get to,” says Rachel Baker, director of tourism at Visit Loudon County. “Each of our lakes has plenty of outdoor adventure — from fishing and boating to hiking and kayaking — and when you’re ready to come ashore, we have great places to eat and a very active agritourism community with wineries, farms and dairies.”
If your checking out East Tennessee lake communities for future planning for retirement we feature Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake as an award–winning gated lakefront community. Rarity Bay combines waterfront living with mountain views and amenities that include a country club, championship golf course, tennis facilities, swimming pool, community docks, horseback riding, hiking trails, and more.
CLICK HERE for the four-minute video takes prospective home buyers on a visually stunning journey through the Rarity Bay amenities through the eyes of its current residents and dramatic drone video shots.
Lakefront Living also features the active adult community of Tellico Village, which comprises over 5,000 acres along Tellico Lake. Established in 1986, it has become one of the premier senior planned retirement communities in the southeast. Its three private top ranked championship golf courses offer outstanding play. An unparalleled number of high quality amenities help residents enjoy a truly special and fulfilling active lifestyle.
Staycation in East Tennessee Lakes
Tennessee’s lakes, rivers and streams offer attractive options for residents. With free admission to state parks and easy access to the state’s many lakes and waterways, a vacation within the state makes good sense.
“As residents, we are fortunate to have stunning, natural gems within our state,” Ezell says. “With cooler temperatures settling in, fall is an ideal time to pack up the car and explore a new place in your own backyard. Tennessee offers affordable lodging options and activities to take in fall color. What better way to enjoy some much-needed quiet time away or bring the entire family for an adventure on the water?”
Original Article by The Tennessee Magazine, CLICK HERE
Re-posted by Kody Millikan, Lakefront Living, On The Lake Realty