Top 6 Things to Do When You Visit Douglas Lake

When you visit the Smoky Mountain area, taking a visit to Douglas Lake is a must. This beautiful lake, also known as the Douglas Reservoir, welcomes more than 1.7 million visitors each year. There are so many activities to enjoy at the lake, such as fishing, boating, water sports and more! At Douglas Lake, you’ll have a day filled with fun while being surrounded by the gorgeous Smoky Mountains. Check out the top things to do when you visit Douglas Lake:

1. Fishing

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Douglas Lake. Depending on the month, you’ll be able to catch sauger, white bass, largemouth bass and more. It is ranked in the top 10 in the nation for largemouth bass and crappie fishing! There is no bad time to fish at Douglas Lake. Learn more about the times of the year when certain fish are easier to catch than others, and get your fishing poles ready!

2. Picnicking

Douglas Lake is a great place to have a picnic! There are picnic areas with tables that are perfect for families to have a nice lunch together before heading to the water for some fun. Pack a delicious lunch of sandwiches and fruit to enjoy while staring at the beautiful views. Share a picnic with your family and get the energy you need for an exciting day experiencing all that Douglas Lake has to offer!

3. Bird Watching

If you visit Douglas Lake between July and October, there will be excellent opportunities for bird watching! You’ll have the chance to see the fall migration of shore birds, wading birds and more that flock to Douglas Lake.

4. Boating

One of the best activities to enjoy at Douglas Lake is boating! Rent a boat and head out to the middle of the lake for a few hours to relax and take in the beauty of the area. You’ll be able to rent pontoon boats, kayaks, paddle boats and more! Boating is a great way to soak up the sun and explore the lake.

5. Water Sports

There is plenty of fun to be had out on the water! For a thrilling experience, hit the water on a jet ski or go wakeboarding. You’ll have hours of fun out on the lake. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, rent a paddle boat or kayak to take out on the water! You don’t have to rent any equipment to have fun in the water, though. The lake is open to swimming anywhere you want to take a dip! You’ll be able to find sandy beaches lining the water where you can soak up the sun before getting in the water to cool off.

6. Visit Nearby Attractions

There are a number of things to do nearby Douglas Lake as well. Head to one of the many golf courses in the area and play a round while enjoying beautiful views, go for a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or spend the night camping at one of the campgrounds in the area. You’ll also be just a few short miles from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, so you’ll be able to enjoy all the wonderful things the area has to offer!

There are days’ worth of fun activities for you to experience at Douglas Lake! Find out more information about the lake and start planning your visit today!