Chickamauga Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chickamauga Lake |
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Chickamauga Lock and Dam
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 Chickamauga Lake
Location in Tennessee
Chickamauga Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hamilton / Rhea / Meigs / McMinn / Bradley counties, Tennessee, United States |
| Coordinates | 35°06′14″N 85°13′46″W / 35.10389°N 85.22944°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Tennessee River, Hiwassee River |
| Primary outflows | Tennessee River |
| Catchment area | 20,790 square miles (53,846 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 36,240 acres (147 km2) |
| Max. depth | 72 ft (22 m) |
Chickamauga Lake is a large lake in the United States. It is located in Tennessee. This lake is actually a reservoir, which means it's a man-made lake. It was formed when the Chickamauga Dam was finished in 1940. The lake is a popular spot for many fun outdoor activities. It was named after the Chickamauga Cherokee people who used to live in this area.
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Discover Chickamauga Lake
Chickamauga Lake is an important part of the Tennessee River. It was created by building the Chickamauga Dam. This dam was part of a big project called the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA helped build dams and power plants across the Tennessee Valley.
Where is Chickamauga Lake?
The lake stretches for about 59 miles (95 km). It starts near Watts Bar Dam and ends at Chickamauga Dam. The lake touches several counties in Tennessee. These include Rhea, Meigs, and Hamilton counties.
Chickamauga Lake has a very long shoreline, about 810 miles (1,303 km) long. Two main bridges cross the lake. These are at State Highway 60 and Highway 30.
How Was Chickamauga Lake Created?
Chickamauga Lake was formed by the construction of the Chickamauga Dam. This dam was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA was a government program started in the 1930s. It aimed to help the region by controlling floods and providing electricity.
The dam holds back the waters of the Tennessee River. This creates the large body of water we know as Chickamauga Lake. The lake was completed in 1940.
Rivers and Other Lakes Nearby
The Hiwassee River flows into Chickamauga Lake. This happens near Hiwassee Island. This island is just north of the Highway 60 bridge.
Chickamauga Lake is connected to other lakes in the area. It is just downstream from Watts Bar Lake. It is also immediately upstream from Nickajack Lake. This means water flows from Watts Bar Lake into Chickamauga Lake. Then it flows from Chickamauga Lake into Nickajack Lake.
What's the Lake Level Like?
The lake's water level changes throughout the year. The "full pool" level for Chickamauga Lake is about 682 feet (208 meters) above sea level. You can check the current lake level online here.
During the cooler months, from fall to early spring, the lake level is lower. It usually stays between 675 feet (206 meters) and 677 feet (206 meters). In the spring, the water level slowly rises. By mid-May, it reaches its summer level. This summer level is usually between 681.5 feet (207.7 meters) and 682.5 feet (208 meters). This higher level is kept until the end of August. Then, the level drops again for the winter. The exact lake levels can change based on weather and how much power is needed.
Fun Things to Do at Chickamauga Lake
Chickamauga Lake is a very popular place for outdoor fun. Many people enjoy recreational activities here. The southern part of the lake is especially busy. This is because many people live nearby.
People come to the lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. It's a great spot for families and friends to enjoy nature.
