The serenity of Melton Hill Lake, which touches Oak Ridge on two sides, is the ultimate haven for Oak Ridgers who can’t resist the water. The lake is central to community activities.
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An international rowing course has been established on 5,690-acre Melton Hill Lake. In 1981, the Pan America canoe and kayak championships were held there, and the site is considered by the United States Olympic Committee as a premier training ground for American Olympic-class oarsmen.
Melton Hill Dam was the 21st river-control project TVA built. Work began in September 1960. The dam closed and the lake began filling on May 1, 1963. Melton Hill Dam is located on the Clinch River 23 miles upstream where the Clinch enters the Tennessee River. The dam is 57 miles downstream from Norris Dam, TVA’s first Dam. A month later, TVA opened the lock to commercial traffic. A year later, Melton Hill was generating electricity for the people of the region.
As many as 1,200 persons at one time worked on the construction of the dam. The dam, which 1,020 feet long, required more than 250,000 cubic yards of concrete.
With 173 miles of shoreline and 5,690 acres of Lake Surface, Melton Hill is a popular attraction for boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Along the lakes shorelines are county parks, a marina, several public access areas, beaches, and campgrounds.
Melton Hill Lake provides Crappie, (Late April-May). White Bass (Late Feb.-April). Largemouth (May-June) in millfoil patches. Bluegill (March- Oct.)
Boat Docks, Watercraft Rentals and Campgrounds on Melton Hill Lake
TVA Melton Hill Dam Campground
Boating
Melton Hill Marina
9133 Solway Ferry
Oak Ridge, TN
