The lakes and rivers surrounding Knoxville are famously known as "The Great Lakes of the South." These natural wonders, which include the Tennessee River, Clinch River, Holston River, French Broad River, and Little Tennessee River, contribute to the picturesque landscape of the valley. The TVA lakes, like Fort Loudoun Lake, Tellico Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Melton Hill Lake, Cherokee Lake, Norris Lake, and Douglas Lake, boast a combined shoreline of 3,700 miles.