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Panther Creek State Park |
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Panther Creek State Park, covering approximately 1,435 acres, is located on the
shores of Cherokee Reservoir, an impoundment of the Holston River. The Great
Smoky Mountains National Park is located about 45 miles south.
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.
Boating
Cherokee Lake is a beautiful lake for boating. Nearby commercial marinas provide
boat launching and rental boats and motors, as well as a bait shop that supplies
fishing and picnicking needs.
Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)
Camping
Panther Creek has 50 campsites complete with water, electrical hookups, grills,
picnic tables, fire rings and a bathhouse facility. A laundromat facility is
also available.
The two bathhouse facilities provide hot showers, commodes, and lavatories. The
campground also has a dump station for self-contained trailer rigs. Campsites
are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximum stay is two weeks.
Fishing
Cherokee Lake provides year-round catches of bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish
and bream. Rock fishing is particularly good and it is not uncommon to catch
20-and 30- pound fish. There is no park fee for fishing but a valid Tennessee
fishing license is required. Nearby commercial marinas provide boat launching
and rental boats and motors, as well as a bait shop that supplies fishing and
picnicking needs.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies
Horseback Riding
Panther Creek offers 7 miles of horseback riding trails with more under
construction. You must bring your own horse. There are no camping facilities on
the trails. Please stay on the trail and remember to bring current Coggins
papers on each horse.
Horse trailers must use the parking area off Panther Creek Road, just to the
west of Boat Ramp Road. This area has maps which show the horse trail.
Contact the park for more information.
Swimming
Panther Creek State Park's large fan-shaped swimming pool opens Memorial Day
weekend and is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday
from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm until mid-August. There is a high dive, a low dive and a
wading pool for small children. A lifeguard is on duty during pool hours.
Aside from lots of nice grassy areas on which to sunbathe, there is also a small
shelter for those who want to get out of the sun.
Contact the park for more information on the openings and closings.
Directions
From East on I-40 travel through Knoxville and take Exit 394 (Hwy. 11E North).
This is about 35 miles from the park and Morristown.
From South on I-81 take Exit 12 (Hwy 160). Travel North on 160 to Hwy. 11E, turn
right and then take the next left. The park is approximately 2.5 miles on the
right.
From Gatlinburg, get on I-40 East and take Exit 417 (Hwy. 92). Travel toward
Jefferson City. At the light, turn right (Hwy. 11E North). Travel to Morristown
and Panther Creek State Park.
Other Activities
The park offers a variety of other activities such as basketball, horseshoes,
softball, volleyball, tennis and playgrounds. The two tennis courts open from
daylight to dark.
Tour Buses
Tour buses are welcome. |
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