Melton Hill Park
Rate this placeNearby: Guinn Road Park Solway Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Melton Hill Park is a beautiful park located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with a range of activities and facilities for visitors to enjoy.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is situated on the banks of Melton Hill Lake, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains.
One of the main reasons to visit Melton Hill Park is for its ample recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike the park's trails, go fishing or boating on the lake, or simply relax on the beach. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a disc golf course for additional entertainment.
The park is home to several unique points of interest, including the Melton Hill Dam and the Oak Ridge Rowing Association, which hosts national and international rowing events. Visitors can also explore the historic town of Oak Ridge, which played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project during World War II.
Interesting facts about Melton Hill Park include that it was named after Melton Hill Dam, which was built in 1963 and created the lake. The park was established in 1956, originally as a wildlife refuge. Today, it is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The best time of year to visit Melton Hill Park is in the summer, when the weather is warm and visitors can fully enjoy the lake and beach activities. However, the park is open year-round and offers seasonal events such as a Christmas light display during the holiday season.
In summary, Melton Hill Park in Tennessee is a beautiful and diverse park with a range of recreational activities, points of interest, and historical significance. It is a great destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in exploring the area's rich history.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Windrock Campgrounds
|
||
Poland Creek
|
||
Yarberry Peninsula
|
Guinn Road Park
Solway Park
Haw Ridge Park
Soloway Park
Carl Yearwood Park