Upper Riverine (toward Fort Loudoun)
The upstream end of Watts Bar Lake runs from Tennessee River Mile 575 up to Fort Loudoun Dam. It has more river character than reservoir, fewer dense resort nodes, and the lake's quieter cruising water.
| Tennessee River miles | TRM 575–601 |
|---|---|
| Wind exposure on the main channel | Medium main channel |
| Typical traffic | Low |
What's there
Tennessee National Marina (map) is a private resort marina on the upper lake near Loudon, with a golf course community attached. It is the most upstream full-service marina on Watts Bar.
Riley Creek Campground (map) is a TVA campground on the upper lake with RV and tent sites and a small boat ramp.
Riverside Park in Loudon and several smaller public-access points serve the upstream stretch. The lake transitions to riverine character above Fort Loudoun.
Best for
- Quiet cruising. The upper reach has the lowest traffic on the lake. Weekday cruising here is essentially private water.
- Upstream and tributary fishing. The Clinch and Emory arms provide protected fishing water with consistent current.
- Lock-through transit to Fort Loudoun Lake. The Fort Loudoun lock is upstream of this region and is the path to Fort Loudoun Lake. A round-trip is a full-day commitment with two lock cycles.
On-water character
The upper riverine reach runs from approximately TRM 575 up to Fort Loudoun Dam at TRM 602. The Clinch arm cuts off at Kingston and runs roughly 20 miles upstream before becoming too narrow for typical recreational craft. The Emory arm is shorter and shallower. Wind exposure on the main upper channel is moderate. The arms are protected.
Traffic is the lowest on the lake. Tournament use is occasional. Cabin-and-cottage shoreline density is lower than mid-lake or Spring City. The stretch is best characterized as transit and quiet cruising water rather than destination boating.
Notes for visitors
- The Fort Loudoun lock connects Watts Bar to Fort Loudoun Lake upstream. The two lakes have a roughly 70-foot elevation difference. Round-trip lock-through is a full-day commitment.
- The Clinch and Emory arms have shoaling and submerged-stump areas in places, particularly during winter drawdown when lower water levels expose hazards. Use current charts and watch your sounder.
- Public ramps in the upper reach are smaller and less heavily used than the Kingston or Rockwood ramps. Tennessee National Marina is private and not a public-use ramp.
Related on this site
Frequently asked questions
How long is Watts Bar Lake from dam to dam?
Watts Bar Lake runs 72.4 miles between Watts Bar Dam (downstream, TRM 529.9) and Fort Loudoun Dam (upstream, TRM 602.3). The upper riverine reach covers roughly the upper 27 miles.
Can I cruise from Watts Bar to Fort Loudoun Lake in a day?
Yes, round-trip is feasible in a single full day, but plan for the lock cycle (approximately 30 minutes per direction, longer with commercial traffic). The elevation change between the two lakes is approximately 70 feet.