The listing brokers offer of compensation is made only to participants of the MLS where the listing is filed. The town itself is itty-bitty, coming in at only 880 folks in 2010, which only adds to the sweetness of the mountain town community. But this summer, it's starting to fill back up, astonishing both locals and . Im looking for a getaway for my sisters and myself. Location Lake in the Sky is a small mountain lake located on the slopes of Chilhowee Mountain. The cool, clear Doe River winds its way through the center of the park and supports a healthy population of trout. The state park is rustic, but there are three campgrounds and cabinsavailable to rent there. Great Smoky Mountains NP is just a few miles southeast of the lake. Of course swimming is also a popular activity whether enjoyed at Seviervilles public beach or right off your boat. With the Great Smoky Mountains to the east, we wouldnt blame you for wanting that gorgeous mountain view outside your bedroom window, so we found ourselves a few fantastic Tennessee mountain towns that are perfect for putting down roots in the South. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The lake is located east of the city of Elizabethton and is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Water skiing and tubing are extremely popular at Dale Hollow Reservoir, as is fishing. It is also home the Old Hickory Lake Arboretum, which has over 60 species of trees and shrubs. This lake has six islands, including Leatherwood Island, Big Island, Little Island, Maple Bend Island, Goose Island, and Devils Step Island. { Also, charming settlements are scattered in between high-elevated terrain. READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. our latest advice & deals in your inbox! That means staying here gives you a chance to fully explore the hiking trails, breathe in endless amounts of fresh mountain air, and engage in outdoor activities like cycling, climbing, and wildlife watching. Pickwick Lake is noted for its massive catfish and smallmouth bass, making it a popular spot for sport fishing. It is a 174 square kilometre lake, with the north end of it being a route for transportation to the Gulf of Mexico. Based on USGS quad maps, our free, online topos make it easy to zoom in on a topo map of the tallest peak of Clingmans Dome or the mountains and rivers of Cherokee . "dateModified": "2023-07-17", 7 Most Beautiful Hidden Lakes In Tennessee - Only In Your State Pulaski #12 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website. Have you heard of a kolache? Arlington . In our experience, the overview of the reservoir from the top of Panther Creek State Park is truly a must-see for anyone visiting the lake. All rights reserved. by Jonathon Engels; featured photo of Old Hickory Lake via Canva. Set in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, Johnson City is a great place to base yourself in East Tennessee and one of the states best vacation spots. Outdoor lovers flock to Tennessee to enjoy its great outdoors, which includes a number of lakes. } Located along the southwestern boundary of the park, this Smoky Mountain lake is mere minutes from historic Bryson City and the Deep Creek section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This lake has over 400 miles of shoreline, with plenty of boat docks, parks, resorts, and public access areas for people to enjoy the water. What do you think are the best mountain towns to live in Tennessee? You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There are also a couple of observation decks along the shoreline that overlook the lake. This most historic of Nashville lakes offers attractions that include Rock Castle (est. Be sure to stop at theEmerts Cove Covered Bridge, a charming piece of the towns historical heritage. There arent any commercial entertainment options here, so outdoor activities and relaxation are the name of the game! One of the most popular trails leads right to the base of Fall Creek Falls. This is a huge fishing destination, and a designated Bill Dance Signature Lake. Together with her hubs and kiddos, she spends her time exploring, homeschooling, and making memories. Located in Sevier County, Pittman Center is another tiny spot in the mountains in Tennessee that's home to only a few hundred folks. This Nashville pastry shop makes some of the best in the state! Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. Construction began in July of 1970 and was completed in 1978. There are also a few summer camps surrounding the reservoir, as well a marina that offers boat storage, boat rental and cabin rentals. Camping and hiking are enjoyed around the lake, while swimming, water skiing, boating, jet skiing and fishing are popular activities within Chickamauga Lake. View all photos (39) Its close enough to be considered a Knoxville TN lake, but its even closer to popular Blue Ridge Mountain towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Resort Cams | Watch Live Tourism Webcams Based on what you are looking for, I would suggest Lake Junaluska (near Maggie Valley and the Cataloochee area of GSMNP), Fontana lake (near Byron City and the Deep Creek area of GSMNP), or Douglas Lake (near Sevierville and the Cosby section of GSMNP). The listing brokers offer of compensation is made only to participants of the MLS where the listing is filed. In addition to fishing, kayaking, and boating, Lake Santeetlah had a designated swimming area at Cheoah Point Beach. At the local aquatic center, you can also enjoy a swimming pool, mini golf, shuffle board, and kayak/boat rentals. Looking to travel October and early November. Norris Dam State Park has more developed camping, and theCove Creek Wildlife Management Area has more wilderness to explore. Although courts decided in favor of conservation concerns, the Tellico Dam was exempted from the Endangered Species Act by the US Congress in 1980. The Douglas Dam is just over 20 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the other end of Douglas Lake is about the same distance from theCherokee National Forest. { Raccoon Mountain - TVA.com There wont be a shortage of outdoor activities in Townsend, one of the gateway towns to the Great Smokies. camibodia - Flickr. Also, the town hosts several traditional restaurants that serve heartfelt Southern fare. | May 27, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. 16 Top Lakes in Tennessee More Reelfoot Lake, just one of many lakes in Tennessee, offers bird-watching, fishing, boating and more. If youre into railways,Little River Railroad displays vintage trains and has aLumber Museum. Have you been to any of these affordable mountain towns in Tennessee? If you want to be within easy driving distance of Memphis, look no further than the darling town of Arlington. Our recreational campground and full-service marina allow you easy access to Norris Lake and the surrounding area. The original town of Butler was flooded out upon the lake's inception, and "new" Butler was built higher on the hill. Listed below are four of our favorites. Center Hill Lake Steven Conry/Flickr If you're close to Smithville, you don't want to miss out on this beautiful place. If youre into fishing, you can try your luck with trout and smallmouth bass here. READ MORE:The Ultimate Ocoee River Rafting Guide. All rights reserved. Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant is located in southeast Tennessee on a site that overlooks the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. Today, it is still a major flood control reservoir for area. Lower Pigeon is ideal for families and kids with its gentler waters and several islands. Proximity to the national park, spectacular Douglas Lake nearby, plenty of shopping options, a fantastic restaurant scene, and diverse accommodation choices make this Tennessee mountain outpost an ideal break destination. There is a large, 3.5-mile section to the north of the trail that has been called the "lower intestine" due to the way it looks on a map. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. It continues the Dolly Parton theme and has 14 attractions on 35 acres. Ivan Aldergot/ Alltrails Top of the Rock, 1584 Jasper Highlands Blvd, Jasper, TN, 37347, United States (423) 939-9037 info . The park also has 56 miles of hiking trails, a nature center, and an Environmental Education Center. Water is pumped out of the Tennessee River and used to fill the manmade lake on top of the mountain. Pittman Center Wikipedia/Brian Stansberry Located in Sevier County, Pittman Center is another tiny spot in the mountains in Tennessee that's home to only a few hundred folks. Starting from the picnic area, you can explore several of the parks most popular hiking trails including Hen Wallow Falls and Sutton Ridge Overlook, which is an excellent spot to practice your photography skills. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. Welcome to mountain lake marina & campground Norris lake's best kept secret Marina & Boat Rentals Full-service marina located on Cove Creek section of Norris Lake. While Sevierville, is closer to Smoky Mountain attractions, Dandridge offers the quaint and quiet charm of small-town southern living. TVA Around the top of the mountain, visitors can take the 13.5-mile loop encircling lake for one epic trip. } The 137 square kilometre lake sits within the Great Valley of East Tennessee, surrounded by hills, rock formations and forest. "headline": "10 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in Tennessee", She's also a sucker for a good adventure. Confederate artillery positions, and scenic overlook. It lies in the center of Top of the World, an unincorporated community. It was creating during the damming of the Tennessee River when Nickajack Dam was built. However, its perhaps best known as the site of the annual RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival, a must-visit no matter where in the state you live. Located less than an hour from Knoxville, Cherokee Lake TN (which is technically a reservoir) is widely regarded as one of the top Knoxville lakes. "@type": "ImageObject", The most scenic part would beNolichucky Gorge. One of our children is Autistic and likes to walk both outside as well as in a shopping setting. You can find Tims Ford Lake boat rentals at theLake View Marina, as well as a snack bar, courtesy dock, boat launch, bait shop, and a fish-cleaning area. Thank you! Get There are several fantastic recreation areas on Lake Chickamauga, includingBooker T. Washington State Park, Harrison Bay State Park, and theHiwassee Wildlife Refuge. Fontana Lake, North Carolina. Laurel Mountain Lake is a reservoir located just 6.4 miles from Madisonville, in Monroe County, in the state of Tennessee, United States, near Bethlehem, TN. READ MORE:30 Fascinating Facts About the Appalachian Mountains for Trivia Buffs. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Most of the land used to create the lake had been small farms that were acquired by the TVA in the 1930s. Anywhere along Tellico Lake is nothing shy of a dream. Old Hickory Lake is used for all sorts of recreation, including boating, fishing, and swimming. 5. Activities include boating, fishing, and kayaking. Little Greenbrier Trailhead is here, too, taking you to the endless outdoor activities of the national park. Located on the Kentucky/Tennessee border, Dale Hollow Reservoir was created in 1943 by the damming of the Obey River. Sitting in five counties in north central Tennessee, Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir that was created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam in 1952. The lake stretches across two counties in north-eastern Tennessee. READ MORE:The 15 Best Great Smoky Mountains Campgrounds to Visit. As for an urban outing, downtown Johnson City is an essential visit for its bars, breweries, and restaurants serving Southern cuisine. Save. It is spread across five counties, boasting a total surface area of 147 square kilometres. Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen Steal Spotlight at American Century Some or all of the listings displayed may not belong to the firm whose website is being visited. Douglas Lake is Closer to Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, while Lake Junaluska is closer to Waynesville and Maggie Valley. In nearby Bryson City, you can enjoy a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options including the famed Smoky Mountain Railroad. With water front homes right in Sevierville, this expansive lake with stunning mountain views is only 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge and just 40 minutes from Gatlinburg and the Cosby section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its also open to water skiing and swimming, and there are plenty of campgrounds around the lake (including two by the Douglas Dam). Along the parkway, you will find the Look Rock Tower trail, which is one of the easiest and most scenic trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But one thing that often gets overlooked in the mythology of the Tennessee mountains is the collection of phenomenal lakes in the state, which collectively encompass over half-million acres! The epicenter of fun, especially family fun, would be Dollywood, a theme park that combines thrill-inducing rides with Southern Appalachian flair and country music. Have you been? Another must-visit is the Cades Cove Historic District which takes you on a trip to 19th-century Appalachia. Top of the World, Tennessee - Wikipedia You can get to the top and travel along a long winding trail. The two largest lakes in Tennessee are Kentucky Lake (160,309 acres straddling the border of TN and KY) and Pickwick Lake (43,018 acres on the border with AL and MS). . Is there an area of East Tennessee that has it all? This lake is straddled by Maryville, and Vonore Tennessee, both of which are small southern towns nestled within the foothills of the mountains. Percy Priest Lake is a haven for outdoors and water enthusiasts, with the Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area and Fall Creek Recreation Area on its shores. READ MORE: The 15 Best Lakes in the Virginia Mountains to Visit. The reservoir was built for flood control, but today it is used recreationally. Elizabethton "name": "TripsToDiscover", Dont come here looking for entertainment; this destination is for a complete, unapologetic break. The Tellico Lake community tops our list as the best place to retire and for good reason. This one of a kind observation tower provides guests with 360 views of the Smoky Mountains. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A mountain climber and a cliff diver have died in separate incidents at national recreation spots in the West, officials said.