Rob9876
Contributor
As far as near Knoxville, I prefer Philadelphia Quarry over Loch Low Minn, but both have thermoclines that even when 80 degrees or more on the surface they can be quite chilly on the bottom. I'm not a drysuit diver either, so normally I wear a 5mm and sometimes a 3mm vest on top, and I'll try to limit my time at the coldest/deepest parts and go up a bit where it is warmer. Generally the quarries around here aren't warm enough for me until around June, perhaps a little before -- then stay warm enough for me through about October usually.Thanks for your warm welcome! Do you have any recommended quarries in Knoxville? It'd be great if those are not too cold as I don't have a dry suit
About 2 hours north/northeast of Knoxville, near Bristol/Johnson City, Gray Quarry has aerators that circulate the water and virtually eliminate any thermoclines -- so the water on bottom is basically within a degree or two of the water on top. Makes for nice dives, and I often think it is worth the drive, but would be a bit of a long haul for you.
