This State Park In Tennessee Is So Little-Known, You’ll Practically Have It All To Yourself

Some of the best parks in Tennessee are world-renowned for the gorgeous geological formations tucked away in the mountains and the stunning waterways that snake through the meat of the region. But what about some of the little-known parks in Tennessee? State parks are maintained and regulated by the state, and since Tennessee offers such a wide expanse of outdoor activities there is a little something for everyone. If you’re looking for solitude, however, you will find it at Panther Creek Park in Morristown. This stunning park is what I would call a hidden gem of Tennessee. Panther Creek is tucked away in one of the oldest original settlements in the county, and its deep history is fascinating to history buffs. It also happens to be one of the best parks near me. So let's jump in!

Panther Creek State Park can be found in Hamblen County in east Tennessee. The area was once referred to as Panther Springs and is known as one of the oldest and most historic early settlements in the area. In fact, Panther Springs once served as the first stagecoach stop out of Knoxville.

The area was first inhabited by the Cherokee tribe, and hunting for elk, bear, and deer was prevalent. European settlers did not make their way to the area until 1785.

Panther Creek State Park presently encompasses almost 1,500 acres of land in the Holston River Valley. The waterfront park borders the Cherokee Reservoir, a waterway named in honor of the area's first inhabitants.

Visitors love to fish on the lake which is stocked with crappie, bluegill, catfish, and more. Some folks even catch 20-pound rockfish! There are commercial marinas on the lake as well for boat launching and rental opportunities. Forgot your bait? No worries! There's a bait shop on-site as well with all your picnic accouterments and fishing needs.

Make sure you stop by the visitor center if you have any questions about the 30 miles of hiking trails or the seven miles of horseback riding routes. With 17 different walking trails that traverse varying terrain, Panther Creek State Park has something for folks of all backgrounds and abilities.

Cycling, birding, and swimming are all popular activities at Panther Creek State Park. There is a disc golf course for enthusiasts, and the Panther Creek Playground is great for the little ones.

Have you ever heard of Panther Creek State Park? Will you be planning an adventure here sometime soon?

Hopefully, now we have inspired you to get to know one of the most little-known parks in Tennessee. What a beautiful place to visit! You can learn more about the beautiful Panther Creek State Park either on its official Panther Creek State Park website or the Panther Creek State Park Facebook page. The best way to experience this park is to get out on the hiking trails. A quick download of the AllTrails app will help you find the perfect hike for you before you go. Another great state park close by is Roan Mountain so check out this trail in the park you may be interested in by watching this video below: