Gliding across the water at regattas in Oak Ridge
While East Tennessee’s lakes are known for fishing, water skiing and swimming, one small stretch of Melton Hill Lake in Anderson County lures another kind of sportsman. Rowers from colleges, prep schools and independent rowing organizations flock to this flatwater stretch in a wide variety of regattas held from the spring through the fall. You’ll even see rowing teams come to practice here other times of the year, even when the snow might be falling.
This stretch of Melton Hill Lake along the Clinch River hosts rowing teams from across the country at several regattas from Spring through Fall.
Watching rowers paddle through the "flat" waters of Melton Hill lake is a beautiful site, even if you don't know anything about the sport. Individual competitors and teams of up to eight members compete in a variety of races. This course is set against a beautiful mountain backdrop that's enough to make you forget about the large smoke stacks at the nearby Bull Run Steam Plant.
A mural depicting some of the main attractions in Oak Ridge greets visitors to Melton Hill Lake Park where the regattas are held.
A small peninsula sits between the course and the launch site for the boats. During the competition, there will be a variety of food and merchandise vendors and sometimes entertainment after the competitions have ended. If you haven't been to one of these rowing competitions before, it's a great way to understand the camaraderie of the athletes, their coaches, their family and fans.
During regattas you’ll see many tents like this set up along the shore.
Most of the rowing events are free to watch. Parking is limited and found mostly along Melton Lake Drive as the main parking lots at the marina are closed during those times. Shuttles may be an option depending on the specific event. The greenway running along the river provides many great views of the races and is a relaxing place to walk, jog or bike. You can also catch the action from Calhoun’s Restaurant near the starting line. To find the regatta schedule and more about rowing in Oak Ridge visit the website of the Oak Ridge Rowing Association.
Throughout the year you’ll see many scenes like this along Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
For those of you reading this that aren't from the area and are looking for something to do when you're not watching the rowing, there's plenty to do. Oak Ridge is home to one of the sites in the Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the American Museum of Science and Energy. Upriver from the venue you'll find the Green McAdoo Cultural Center and Museum in Clinton which tells the story of the 12 African-American students who were the first to attend an all-white state supported high school in the South. Norris Dam State Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Downtown Knoxville are also not too far away.