Photographers often talk about chasing light, but in Tennessee, I’ve found that chasing lakes is just as rewarding. With misty mornings, fiery autumn reflections, dramatic cliffs, and abundant wildlife, Tennessee’s lakes offer some of the most photogenic landscapes in the Southeast. From sunrise vistas to wildlife portraits and starry night compositions, these places have fueled my passion and challenged my creativity with every visit. If you’re looking for the best Tennessee lakes for photography enthusiasts, you’re in for a long list of stunning destinations.
These lakes aren’t just scenic—they’re diverse. Some are framed by forested hillsides that explode with color in the fall. Others reflect dramatic clouds over glassy surfaces. Many serve as habitats for birds, deer, and foxes that come alive during the golden hours. Whether your passion is landscape, wildlife, macro, or astrophotography, there’s a lake in Tennessee that will speak directly to your lens.
Reelfoot Lake – A Wildlife Photographer’s Dream
Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee is unlike any other lake in the state. Formed by a series of massive earthquakes in the early 1800s, it’s filled with cypress trees rising out of the water and teeming with birds, amphibians, and aquatic life. I’ve spent countless hours photographing blue herons, bald eagles, and wood ducks here. The skeletal trees reflected in the water create dramatic compositions, especially at dawn.
During winter, the lake becomes a hotspot for eagle watching. Photographers with long lenses can capture incredible flight shots or close-ups of eagles perched on bare limbs. One of my favorite times to visit is during early spring when the cypress trees begin to bud, and the reflections are vivid with green and gold.
Norris Lake – Misty Mornings and Wide Landscapes
Norris Lake in East Tennessee stretches across five counties and offers more than 800 miles of shoreline. What makes it one of the best Tennessee lakes for photography enthusiasts is the early morning mist that rolls over the hills and valleys. I’ve woken up more than once in a tent at Norris Dam State Park, stepped out with coffee in hand, and captured breathtaking fog settling between the ridges.
This lake also offers elevated vantage points. The hills surrounding it allow for wide shots that include layers of landscape—perfect for panoramic compositions or time-lapse sequences. The sunsets from the Norris overlook are something special too, casting rich colors across the water and sky.
Center Hill Lake – Hidden Coves and Dramatic Cliffs
Center Hill Lake near Smithville is one of my go-to spots for dramatic, high-contrast photography. The lake features rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and calm, reflective water. I’ve gotten some of my most moody and cinematic shots here on overcast days. When clouds hang low and light filters through in patches, the cliffs take on a sculptural quality.
Sunsets are rich here, especially when you’re perched on a bluff looking over a cove with boats cutting soft lines across the surface. Wildlife is present too—white-tailed deer, hawks, and raccoons are regular subjects around the wooded edges.
Dale Hollow Lake – Reflections and Depth
Photographers often chase perfect reflections, and Dale Hollow Lake is where I’ve had the most luck. Situated along the Tennessee-Kentucky border, this deep, clear lake offers scenes where every tree, cloud, and ripple reflects in perfect symmetry. On calm mornings, I can set up my tripod and get glass-like images that don’t even need editing.
This lake is also amazing in fall. The hills that surround it light up in orange, yellow, and red, making it a prime destination for autumn shoots. I always find myself looking for contrast here—placing a lone fisherman or kayak against a brilliant backdrop. And at night, with low light pollution, the Milky Way is often visible over the lake, making it one of the best Tennessee lakes for photography enthusiasts who love astrophotography.
Tims Ford Lake – Soft Light and Long Shadows
Tims Ford Lake near Winchester may not be as large as others, but its charm lies in the gentle landscapes and the quality of the light. This lake receives soft, even light during sunrise and sunset because of its open surroundings. The long shadows cast by pine trees and rolling hills provide natural lines that guide the eye across an image.
I’ve done some of my best portrait and lifestyle shoots here, especially in the golden hour. Families fishing off docks, kids jumping into the water, or couples watching the sunset—it’s the kind of place that lends itself to storytelling in photography. Plus, the walking trails around Tims Ford State Park offer plenty of backdrops.
Cherokee Lake – Patterns and Geometry
Cherokee Lake near Jefferson City offers a different kind of visual appeal. The lake has long peninsulas and winding shorelines that create interesting patterns from above. If you’re into drone photography like I am, you’ll love the compositions this lake provides. The tree-lined fingers of land reaching into blue water offer symmetry and abstract beauty.
Even from the ground, the lake has visual rhythm. I’ve often found myself shooting textures—ripples, stone-lined shores, or layers of light during different weather conditions. Add in the occasional boat drifting across the scene and you get just enough motion to keep the frame alive.
Percy Priest Lake – Urban Meets Nature
Just outside of Nashville, Percy Priest Lake is perfect when I want nature without the long drive. Despite being near the city, it offers surprising serenity in the early morning or late evening. It’s also ideal for urban contrast—shots that combine the natural world with hints of human presence, like planes overhead, distant skyline views, or crowded marinas.
For portrait sessions, I often use the sandy beaches or grassy overlooks. The light reflecting off the water in late afternoon adds a nice glow to faces, and it’s easy to frame a shot with soft backgrounds. While it may not have the raw wilderness of some other lakes, Percy Priest offers convenience and accessible beauty.
Watts Bar Lake – Industrial Meets Scenic
Watts Bar Lake is a study in contrasts. Situated near Oak Ridge and the Tennessee River, it blends nature with industrial infrastructure. Cooling towers, bridges, and barges often make their way into my frames here—and somehow, they work. The juxtaposition of industrial elements with natural reflections creates a narrative that feels real and grounded.
Wildlife is plentiful, and the long shoreline means you can find both open water and forested inlets to suit your mood. I’ve spent hours photographing birds on dead trees, reflections of clouds over the dam, and long exposure shots of light trails from passing boats.
Tellico Lake – Early Fall Majesty
Tellico Lake in the foothills of the Smokies has become one of my autumn rituals. The colors here are bold and rich, and the shoreline offers plenty of spots to frame them beautifully. I’ve often parked along the road at sunrise, hiked down to a quiet spot, and waited for just the right light to illuminate the scene.
This lake is also less crowded, which means I have time to compose shots without interruption. Mist on the water, colorful leaves, and distant mountains all combine to make Tellico one of the best Tennessee lakes for photography enthusiasts who want quiet, color, and composition all in one frame.
Chickamauga Lake – Endless Composition Opportunities
Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga is sprawling and full of variety. From wide open water to tree-covered banks and historic piers, the opportunities for photography are endless. I particularly enjoy shooting the bridges here—their long spans make for great vanishing point compositions, especially when the light hits just right.
Wildlife is also easy to spot. On one trip, I captured a sequence of a great blue heron diving for fish at sunrise. That image ended up winning a small regional photo contest. The combination of urban access, natural scenery, and architectural elements gives Chickamauga an edge for photographers who want diversity in their portfolio.
Tips for Photographing Tennessee Lakes
Photographing Tennessee’s lakes isn’t just about pointing your camera and shooting. It’s about reading the light, scouting the location, and sometimes waiting patiently for that one moment when everything aligns. Here are some tips I’ve picked up while chasing the best Tennessee lakes for photography enthusiasts:
- Scout locations during the day, shoot during golden hours: Midday light tends to be harsh. Get your bearings in the afternoon, then come back for sunrise or sunset.
- Pack for the terrain: Some lake spots require hiking or navigating uneven ground. Waterproof shoes, bug spray, and weather protection go a long way.
- Use a tripod for reflections and long exposures: Lakes are perfect for mirror shots and silky water effects, especially during early morning stillness.
- Try different perspectives: Get low near the waterline, shoot from elevated overlooks, or bring a drone to capture shapes and patterns from above.
- Watch for wildlife: Early mornings and late afternoons are best for spotting birds, deer, and other animals.
Final Thoughts
The best Tennessee lakes for photography enthusiasts aren’t just about scenery—they’re about variety, accessibility, and that magical combination of light and subject that makes a great photo. Whether you’re shooting from a boat, a bluff, a trail, or a dock, these lakes have something to offer at every hour and in every season.
Each visit brings a new mood, a new composition, a new challenge. And every time I load up my gear and head out, I know I’ll come back with more than just pictures—I’ll come back with memories and moments that stay with me long after I leave the shoreline.