Waterfront Living - Norris Lake
Real Estate Guide

The natural appeal of Rock Harbor

When Scott Rye stands at the topmost point of Rock Harbor development in Claiborne County, he sees lush green forests, wind-swept meadows, the rolling foothills of the Smoky Mountains and the mirror-like surface of Norris Lake.

“This is why people love Tennessee,” he said.

Rye is a regional president of the Waterfront Group, which is in the process of developing the 900-acre property four miles north of the Highway 33 Bridge on Norris Lake. A grand opening is planned for late summer when 200 of a planned 500 or more lots will be for sale. Based on his experience with other developments, Rye believes many people will be interested.

“My guess is the majority of the property will sell out during the grand opening,” he said.

The Waterfront Group has been developing mountain and lakeside recreational properties since 1994, but this is its first on Norris Lake. When Rye and project manager Dan Rawn saw the property, they were struck by the views and the possibility of close access to a major highway. By purchasing several tracts of land, they were able to secure a Highway 33 access, making the drive into the development and to the lake relatively short compared with other lakeside developments in the area.

Because the development is about an hour from Knoxville, Rye anticipates many of the buyers will be from that area, although they’ve had inquiries from people all over the Southeast and the Midwest. Many will be buying property for a second home.

“We cater to the recreational customer who’s already got a house who’s looking for a getaway, a place to retire or maybe an investment,” Rye said.

The exact lot sizes and prices have not been finalized, but Rye anticipates lots from the first phase will range from one-half acre to 15 acres and probably cost between $25,000 and $100,000. He said 60 percent to 70 percent of the lots will have lake views, as well as mountain views. House size restrictions will probably start around 1,600 square feet, but in some areas of the development they will be higher. There will be no mobile or manufactured homes allowed, but generally the style of home will be up to the buyer.

“If you have a house of your dreams you’ve always wanted, you can just purchase your lot and start building,” he said.

The development will include its own marina as well as tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and a pitch-and-putt area.

Rock Harbor is in a decidedly rural part of East Tennessee near the town of Tazewell. Cody Fritz, store manager at Cedar Grove Marina and Campground just down the road from Rock Harbor, said the area is growing in recreational use.

“I’d say 80 percent of the boats here used to be from Kentucky, but that’s changing,” he said. “Now we’re seeing more and more from Ohio and all over, as well as locals.”

Fritz said some of the “old-timers” aren’t happy about the changes, but he feels it’s been good for the economy.

“Business is growing every year,” he said. “It’s almost hard to keep up with it.”

Fritz said Norris Lake is what is bringing people out. “It’s the cleanest lake in the state,” he said. “There’s a lot of shoreline to it, so it’s a good recreational lake.”

With 800 miles of largely wooded shoreline, Norris Lake is the largest reservoir on a tributary of the Tennessee River. It’s well known for its many secluded coves, making it a relatively quiet lake in spots and good for fishing. Many marinas line the lake’s shores, providing boat and other recreational rentals.

Developed by TVA with the building of Norris Dam for flood control and electricity in the early 1930s, Norris Lake extends 72 miles up the Clinch River and 56 miles up the Powell River.

Several public parks, including Big Ridge State Park and Norris Dam State Park, as well as 22,000 acres of land owned by TVA, are located along its shores. These parks provide events and programs that promote the natural environment and cultural heritage of the area.


Rock Harbor
Location: Claiborne County
Distance from Knoxville: About 40 miles
Developer: The Waterfront Group
Builders: Buyer’s choice
Number of lots: 500-plus over the life of the development; about 200 will be on sale in late summer.
Lot prices: $25,000 to more than $100,000
Amenities: Private 300-slip marina, picnic area, pitch-and-putt area, volleyball court, tennis court and playgrounds
For more information: visit www.waterfrontgrp.com.

Norris Lake
Location: North of Knoxville in Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger and Union counties

History: Developed by TVA with the completion of Norris Dam in 1936.

Size: 800 miles of shoreline, 34,000 surface acres, maximum width 1.2 miles Closest marinas and boat docks to development: Cedar Grove Marina, New Tazewell; Lakeview Boat Dock, Sharps Chapel; Pennington 33 Bridge Marina, Maynardville; Lone Mountain Boat Dock, Tazewell; and Straight Creek Boat Dock, New Tazewell Appropriate recreational usage: Boating, skiing, swimming, pontoon- and house-boating and fishing. Famous for striped bass or rockfish, walleye and black crappie, as well as the usual species found in area lakes. Attractions: Big Ridge State Park (25 minutes), Norris Dam State Park (50 minutes), Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area (30 minutes), horseback-riding facilities

Restaurants: Old Time Grill, Tazewell; Nordstrom's Galley at Hickory Star Marina near Maynardville

For more information: www.norrislakeinfo.com