Around Anderson County, Tennessee you’ll get the surprise of your aquatic life!  This United States inland county with adjacent Campbell and Union counties is the perfect setting for houseboat cruises and trophy fishing.    I went to Oakridge (Anderson County) Tennessee to discover some well kept secrets.  I found more well kept secrets than one would find in a scavenger hunt on a full moon lit night!

The waters of these counties, mainly the Clinch River and the Lake Norris Dam State Park hold hundreds of miles of shoreline and thousands of water acreage for every type of water sport imaginable.  Moreover, for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of hard work, the houseboats of Norris Lake Sequoyah Marina allow you a quiet blissful cruise for hours or days – your choice.

Created in 1936 by the construction of the Norris Dam, this hydroelectric project was the first of the Tennessee Valley Authority.  Norris Lake’s blue-green waters span more than 800 miles of shoreline and cover over 34,000 acres.  The Norris boundaries extend up the Clinch and the Powell rivers which feed Norris with clear spring waters.  The TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) doesn’t allow dumping into the lakes which makes Norris Lake an extremely healthy lake to swim in.   The houseboat cruises are environmentally equipped with sewage holding tanks which effectively keep the waters sanitary.

Fewer than thirty houseboats are available for rent on Norris Lake.  Each houseboat is equipped with queen beds, linens, central heat/air, a fully furnished kitchen, two full bathrooms with hot water showers, color television, VCR/DVD player, AM/FM CD stereos, satellite radio, gas grill, lounge chairs, two large coolers, 110/220 generator, top canopy, hot tubs, water slide,  a dependable  engine, plus a small emergency vessel.  All houseboats sleep twelve.  The six bedroom houseboats can be rented:  Monday – Friday, Friday – Monday, or weekly – Monday – Monday or Friday – Friday.  You can reach the marina by calling 1-865-494-7984 or emailing.  Directions there:  Nine miles from I-75; direction signs are posted!  Take I-75 to exit 122 in Tennessee.  Go east on Highway 61 through Andersonville, 4 miles, turn left on Park Rd. to the 2nd intersection – about 3.5 miles, then turn left on Sequoyah Rd. 1.5 miles, and left on Lake View Lane.

The Sequoyah Marina  is full service.  Houseboats, wave runners, pontoon rentals, covered and uncovered boat slips, with and without lifts are available to meet your vacation needs.  Houseboat slips include electric, water, and some have telephone service available.  Before boarding your houseboat for a relaxing week on the water, stop by the marina’s restaurant and order any of their delicious breakfasts, salads, desserts, and tasty grill creations.  The dockside store carries snacks, drinks, lake maps, clothing, and souvenirs for all your inquisitive friends. 

Having experienced the marina firsthand, I can tell you, I’d spend a week here without any hesitation.  The beauty of the Tennessee valley, its wildlife, and serene waters, place a spell over you.  Boating, fishing, relaxing, skiing, swimming, and eating, it’s all there.  The next time you are looking for a quiet get-a-way on the water – think houseboats at Sequoyah Marina, Anderson County, Tennessee!  Happy Traveling!

(Photos courtesy of Anderson County Board of Tourism and the Sequoyah Marina)