Top Three Reasons To Visit Douglas Lake

By Author: Keith Raven
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Douglas Lake can be round in the rolling hills of the Great Valley located in east Tennessee. This lake provides individuals with a wonderful lazy summer afternoon. As you troll around the lake in your personal watercraft whether it is a houseboat or something smaller like a canoe or kayak you can enjoy wonderful views. This lake is set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountain foothills, which are lush and green. Nearly two million people a year visit this lake to participate in picnicking, camping, boating and fishing.

Today the lake is used as a recreational center and it remains an integral part of the water control system in the Tennessee Valley. However, back when it was built during World War II it was a historic lake that contributed to the war effort through hydropower. In 1941 construction for the dam was approved by President Roosevelt. The funding was quickly approved for the dam as a rush project after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Construction was started in February 1942 and was completed just a little over a year later in March 1943. The Douglas dam is considered to hold the record for completion ...
... of all projects of equal size. The water elevation of this lake is maintained by ten smaller saddle dams that hold back the French Broad River so it doesn't spill into nearby valleys. One of the ten saddle dams also helps protect the town of Dandridge from being flooded.

Douglas Lake typically stores the spring rainwater and then releases it during the drier summer and fall months to help with electricity and to maintain an adequate depth for the Tennessee River. The dropping of water levels in the summer makes room for the rains the following spring. This said, during summer you need to be more cautious of the changing bottom levels when boating on this lake.

For people who like to canoe or kayak their favorite activity on this lake is to enjoy the fall migration of shore birds, wading birds and any number of waterfowl that seem to congregate at this lake from late July to early October. You can float in your personal watercraft and watch as the bird's nest and feed along the muddy shoreline that has been exposed by shallow water to prevent spring flooding downstream.

No matter what type of water activities you are interested in you can have fun doing them at Douglas Lake. The wide expanse of water provides plenty of room for water sports. There are numerous coves and areas where individuals can go if they want to spend a quiet day on the water or find a small cove to fish at.

The lake has something for everyone. You can stay in high traffic areas if you enjoy crowds. These areas are popular for swimming and water sports. Or you can find a secluded spot where there aren't many individuals around to enjoy the peaceful nature around you. The options are endless at this wonderful lake.