Tellico Dam and Tellico Lake are part of an extension of the Fort Loudon project. The dam diverts water from the Little Tennessee River to Fort Loudon Lake rather than creating electricity. Construction began March 7, 1967 and the filling of the reservoir started on November 29, 1976. During construction, a new species of fish, the Snail Darter, was discovered. Construction was halted until the species was found in other places. The dam was completed in 1979 and is located 1 mile south of Fort Loudon Dam.  It is located 30 minutes southwest of Knoxville and only minutes from Maryville and Lenoir City. 
Tellico Lake's breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest is stunning. Loudon County, known as the "Lakeway to the Smokies" boasts not only

Tellico Lake but Fort Loudon Lake, Watts Bar Lake and Melton Hill Lake. So you can find just about any water activity your heart desires. On almost any given day you will see someone sail boating, pleasure boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, or jet skiing. A number of lakeside parks, boat launches, picnic areas, overnight camping and marina facilities make enjoying water activities as easy as a walk in the park.

Tellico Village is located in both Loudon and Monroe Counties and was established in 1986. It includes 4600 acres along Tellico Lake and is home to more than 4000 people. Clubs and social activities to suit anyone's taste abound in Tellico Village. Amenities include first-class recreational facilities, a country club, a yacht club and three championship golf courses. A full range of boating activities can be enjoyed from the Village. A fishing trip could yield catches such as largemouth, smallmouth, bluegill, crappie and trout. The water elevation does not vary more than 6 feet in the winter and not at all during the boating season. In addition, it flows directly into the Tennessee River allowing access to any waterway you wish to travel...

Whether you aim to play a competitive round of golf, water ski or while away the hours under a serene shade tree overlooking the water…Tellico Lake has what it takes to make your dream a reality!