Norris Dam Horseback Riding
Notification Alert

Campgrounds Closed for Renovations

Norris Dam State Park

The East and West Campgrounds are currently closed for renovation with an intended reopening in 2026. 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Trailhead Temporarily Closed Due to Construction

Norris Dam State Park

Due to construction associated with the campground renovation on the west side of the park, the trailhead at the Canteen Camp Store is currently inaccessible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and please contact the park office if you have any questions.

  • two girls riding on horseback in a forest on a sunny day.
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    view behind trees and branches of a group riding horses on a trail.

    Horseback Riding at Norris Dam

    Norris Dam State Park shares a boundary with the City of Norris.

    The following trails, located on the east side, are open for equestrian use: Camp Sam, Lake View Trail, Homestead Trail, Highpoint Trail, and more.

    Norris Dam Map

    Trails

      Camp Sam Trail

      Norris Dam State Park
      Distance
      1.50 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      East Side: Highway 441 Area Blazed Blue. This trail is easy to enter and explore the CCC Camp. If you wish to complete the trail in its entirety, the backside becomes rather difficult as you steeply traverse up to the first junction and kiosk on High Point Trail at this trail's highest point. 0.4 miles to a CCC Camp that once stood in this hollow from 1933-1942.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

      Lake View Trail

      Norris Dam State Park
      Distance
      6.55 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      East Side: Historic Cabins Area Blazed Yellow. This trail provides scenic views of the lake, places to rest and eat lunch, and a variety of plants and other historic features. This trail will take you directly to Backcountry Campsites 1 and 2.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

      Highpoint Trail

      Norris Dam State Park
      Distance
      2.45 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      East Side: Historic Cabins Area Blazed Orange. This trail follows the undefined boundary between the City of Norris Watershed and Norris Dam State Park. It runs parallel to the contour of the lakeshore.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

      Highpoint Spur Trail

      Norris Dam State Park
      Distance
      0.75 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

      Homestead Trail

      Norris Dam State Park
      Distance
      1.00 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      East Side: Historic Cabins Area Blazed Green. See if you can find the areas where you think a homestead would have once resided. This trail offers a great connector between the High Point and Lake View trails and can be utilized with the PawPaw trail to make a loop.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

      PawPaw Trail

      Norris Dam State Park
      Distance
      0.70 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      East Side: Historic Cabins Area Blazed Green. Take in the scenery of pawpaw trees, along with others, as you hike. This trail offers distant views of the lake when it connects with the Lake View trail. This trail offers a great connector between the High Point and Lake View trails and can be utilized with the Homestead Trail to make a loop.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

      Scenic Cove Trail

      Norris Dam State Park
      Distance
      0.15 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

      Sequoyah Trail

      Norris Dam State Park
      Distance
      1.35 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

    Need a Map?

    Explore our collection of printable and digital trail maps, organized by park. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or paddling, you’ll find the resources you need to navigate confidently.

     

    Find a Park Map

    Discover More at Norris Dam

    Visit the Gift Shops

    Norris Dam State Park has two gift shops.

      • Rustic wooden mill with waterwheel, surrounded by lush trees and stone steps.

      Grist Mill Gift Shop

      The Grist Mill Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

      Address:
      Lower Clear Creek Rd, Norris TN, 37828

      Hours:
      Seasonal

      • Visitor Center with stairs, surrounded by trees and greenery. Overcast sky.

      Park Headquarters Gift Shop

      The Park Headquarters Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

      Address:
      125 Village Green Circle, Rocky Top TN, 37769

      Hours: 
      8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.

    Find More Events

    More Parks with Horseback Riding

    Other Activities at Norris Dam State Park