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The oldest lake in the Cherokee National Forest was created by Tennessee Rural Electric Company in 1910-11. Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this lake is controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Scenic views of the 1,930-acre lake are highlights along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. The lake is popular for motor-boating against the backdrop of forested rolling hills; two public boat launches are located along US 64. Swim and picnic at Mac Point and Parksville Beach. Just below the dam is Sugarloaf Park, operated by the state of Tennessee, where visitors can picnic and view a scale model of the Olympic canoe and kayak course. Scan the shoreline for the gleaming white heads of bald eagles. Camp nearby at Parksville Campground, just off US 64 on TN 30.
At a Glance
Fees:
Fee for boat ramps are $3 per vehicle per day.
Closest Towns:
Benton, Tennessee
General Information
Directions: Highway 64 follows the shoreline of this lake for about 5 or 6 miles from TVA's Ocoee #1 dam to the Greasy Creek bridge just past the highway 30 intersection. There are access points at two boat ramps and two beaches as well as a few roadside picnic tables.