Tailwater Access Area park
Tailwater Access Area
Reasons to Visit:
1. Superb Fishing: The Tailwater Access Area is known for its exceptional trout fishing, particularly the brown and rainbow trout. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing and catch-and-release fishing in the crystal-clear waters of the South Holston River.
2. Natural Beauty: The area boasts stunning scenery, with the river winding through picturesque forests and rolling hills. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, making for a peaceful outdoor experience.
3. Hiking and Recreation: In addition to fishing, the Tailwater Access Area offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Its trails provide a chance to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Points of Interest:
1. South Holston Dam: The Tailwater Access Area is situated just below the South Holston Dam. Visitors can witness the impressive engineering feat and enjoy the scenic views of the reservoir.
2. Watauga Dam: Located upstream, the Watauga Dam is another notable attraction in the area. It features a scenic overlook and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Interesting Facts:
1. The South Holston River is considered one of the top trout fishing destinations in the eastern United States, known for its large fish population and year-round fishing opportunities.
2. The Tailwater Access Area is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which ensures the sustainability of the river's ecosystem and maintains the area's recreational facilities.
Best Time to Visit:
The Tailwater Access Area can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on personal preferences. Spring and fall are popular seasons for fishing, as trout are more active during these times. The area experiences beautiful foliage during the fall when the surrounding forests transform into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.
In summary, the Tailwater Access Area in Tennessee offers a rewarding experience for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its exceptional fishing, scenic beauty, and recreational activities, this area presents a perfect retreat for those seeking outdoor adventures.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Tailwater Access Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cages Bend - Old Hickory Lake | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Cedar Creek - Old Hickory Lake | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Camp Light | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Seven Points - J. Percy Priest Reservoir | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Backcountry Campsite 1 | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Anderson Road - J. Percy Priest Reservoir | ✓ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Tailwater Access Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Tailwater Access Area
What can I do at Tailwater Access Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Tailwater Access Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Tailwater Access Area.