Yarberry Recreation Area

Yarberry Recreation Area provides access to Fort Loudoun Lake, a major impoundment on the Tennessee River near Lenoir City. The Tennessee River is a significant waterway with a drainage area of over 40,000 square miles and an average flow of nearly 70,000 cubic feet per second, making it one of the major river systems in the eastern United States. Fort Loudoun Lake itself is a calm, deep reservoir created by a dam, offering a stark contrast to the free-flowing river conditions downstream.

The launch location at Yarberry sits on a major waterway suitable for a variety of boating activities. The lake environment provides relatively protected waters compared to the main river channel, with water conditions generally suitable for both motorized and non-motorized craft. Boaters should be aware that as a major impoundment, water levels can fluctuate based on dam operations, and boat traffic can be moderate to heavy during peak recreation seasons.

Access to this site provides entry to Fort Loudoun Lake, which extends several miles in both directions from the launch area. The Tennessee River system beyond the lake is a major navigation channel, so boaters venturing downstream should understand current conditions and dam release schedules that affect water levels and flow rates.