Lakes · Tennessee River main channel
Main-channel lake below Chattanooga, known for the gray bats of Nickajack Cave.
Nickajack Lake is on the Tennessee River itself, downstream of Chattanooga, in Marion County near the Alabama line. It’s a main-channel lake with a navigation lock at Nickajack Dam.
Its best-known sight is Nickajack Cave. TVA says endangered gray bats roost there from about late April to early October and leave the cave at dusk. The cave is protected and closed to entry — watch from a distance, keep lights and flashes off, and check TVA for viewing details before you go.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · we link to official pages instead of printing water levels, hours or fees.
We’re building verified lists of marinas, public ramps, boat rentals, fishing guides and places to stay on Nickajack Lake. Nothing is listed until we’ve checked it.