Set in the Clinch River Valley, Norris Reservoir was formed by the installation of Tennessee Valley Authority's first dam in 1933. Norris reservoir and dam were named after Nebraska Senator George Norris who wrote the legislation for creation of Tennessee Valley Authority.
Construction on Norris Dam began only a few months after TVA was created and took three years to complete. During the peak of construction period, about 2,750 workers were helping build the dam. The hydroelectric power plant at Norris Dam consists of two generating units. In addition to power production, Norris Dam provides flood storage capacity for the Tennessee River system.
The town of Norris was built to house construction workers on the dam. It became a planned community that was a model for others throughout the nation. In 1948, the town was sold to private owners.
For more information about TVA's dams, visit https://www.tva.gov/Energy/Our-Power-System/Hydroelectric.
TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, it receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity to business customers and local power distributors serving 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. But TVA is much more than a power company. Through its mission of service, the Tennessee Valley Authority improves the quality of life by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable electricity; supporting communities through economic development; and carrying out environmental stewardship programs to ensure we all have a beautiful, unique place to live for generations.
Norris reservoir region features numerous hiking trails. The River Bluff Trail is the longest TVA managed trail (3.2 miles) and during April-May offers rich pockets of wildflowers. River Bluff Trail head is located above the dam just off Norris Freeway. The Songbird Trail, as the name suggests, is a popular area for people with birding hobbies. Songbird Trail is located downstream the dam and can be accessed from the parking lot off Norris Freeway. For more information about Norris trails, visit TVA's Trails webpage.
Water sports at Norris include boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing. The Tennessee state record for brown trout was caught in the Clinch River below the Norris Dam. For more information regarding recreation facilities on Norris Reservoir visit Norris recreation page.
Norris Reservoir is accessible year round and visitors can find recreational opportunities throughout the seasons. The TVA visitor center at Norris Dam is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. from May through November. It is closed when the homeland security alert level is orange (high) or red (severe).
How to Get There
Directions to the area just below the Dam
Take 1-75 headed north. take exit 122 for Hwy 61 Clinton/Norris. Turn right onto TN 61 E. Turn left onto TN 71 N / US 441 N/ Norris Freeway. approximately 6 miles once you get off the exit.
Take the ramp onto I-24 E go 6.8 mi. Merge onto I-75 N go 118 mi . Take exit 122 for TN-61 toward Norris/Clinton go 0.3 mi. Turn right onto TN-61 E/TN-61 Scenic E go 1.4 mi . Turn left onto TN-71 N/TN-71 Scenic N/US-441 N/US-441 Scenic N/Norris Fwy go 4.4 miles
Visitor centers, trails, boat ramps, and canoe access points operated by TVA are provided to the public with no fee
ADA Accessibility Notes
ADA accessibility available at boat launch below dam, fishing pier, overlook, paved trail, pavillion, picnic tables, restrooms, visitor center
Pet Friendly Notes
Pets welcome but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet. TVA is a partner of Leave No Trace and requests that visitors follow Leave No Trace practices, including picking up after your pet.