House Mountain State Park
The 500-acre House Mountain area was acquired in 1986 by the Trust for Public Land, then purchased in 1987 by the Department of Environment and Conservation. The north side of the 2,100-foot-high mountain, the highest point in Knox County, is still privately owned. The public area offers views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cumberland Mountains, and the beautiful farmlands and hills surrounding the mountain. The

House Mountain area is still largely undeveloped with no buildings, restrooms, or water supply, and the park is for day use only. There is a system of trails that range from easy to strenuous. Call the natural area to request trail descriptions and a map.

 
Fort Loudoun State Historic Area
338 Fort Loudoun Rd.   Vonore, TN 37885
423-884-6217   Fax: 423-884-2287
This 1,200-acre site is the location of one of the earliest British fortifications on the western frontier, built in 1756. Nearby were the principal towns of the Cherokee Nation including Tenase, namesake of our state, and Tuskegee, birthplace of the genius Sequoyah, commemorated by the Cherokee Nation's Museum. Today the fort and the 1794 Tellico Blockhouse overlook TVA's Tellico Reservoir and the Appalachian Mountains.

An interpretive center offers information on the area's history and artifacts that were excavated prior to the Fort's reconstruction

 
Hiwassee River State Park
&
Ocoee River
Spring Creek Road  P.O. Box 5    Delano, TN 37325
423-263-0050    fax: 423-263-0103
Hiwassee Scenic River Park is located on Spring Creek road at U.S. Hwy. 411, the Ocoee river on U.S. Hwy. 64. The Hiwassee was the first river managed in the State Scenic River program. A 23-river mile section, from the N.C. state line to U.S. 411 North of Benton, has been declared a Class III partially developed river. This stretch of river offers canoeing, rafting, fishing, hiking and nature photography. A scenic portion of the John Muir trail winds through the river gorge.

Numerous public access sites provide boat-launching ramps. At the Gee Creek campround, picnic areas, sanitary facilities and primitive camping are available. Adjacent is the Gee Creek Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest. The Ocoee River is a premier white-water river in the Southeastern United States possessing Class III, IV, and V rapids. Access sites are maintained.

 
Panther Creek State Park
2010 Panther Creek Park Rd.  Morristown, TN 37814
423-587-7046    423-587-7047 (fax)
Panther Creek State Park, covering approximately 1,435 acres, is located on the shores of Cherokee Reservoir, an impoundment of the Holston River. It is about 6 miles west of Morristown and 40 miles northeast of Knoxville. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located about 45 miles south. Near Point Lookout, the highest place in the park, the elevation reaches 1,460 feet above sea level.
Legend has it that both Panther Creek and  

Panther Springs, located about 1 1/2 miles southeast of the park, received their names from the claim of a Colonel Bradley of Virginia who, while exploring the area, shot a panther that fell into the spring.

 
Warrior's Path State Park
PO Box 5026 Hemlock Road Kingsport, TN 37663
423-239-8531     fax: 423-239-4982

Warrior's Path State Park was named for the park's proximity to the ancient war and trading path used by the Cherokee. Since that time, the park land has known a long history of travelers, and is still a pathway for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts. The 950-acre area was acquired from the Tennessee Valley Authority is 1952, to serve the people who live in or visit this section of Northeast Tennessee. It is situated on the shores of TVA's Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River.