COVID-19 UPDATES: Keeping Visitors Healthy

Panther Creek State Park

Due to numerous maintenance issues and safety concerns, the Maple Arch Trail has been closed to the public until further notice. This closure is expected to continue until early to mid-fall 2021 as park staff complete extensive repairs on the trail. We appreciate your patience as we work over the next several months to restore the Maple Arch Trail to a condition that is safe and pleasurable for our visitors. Please be aware the Hunt Knob Trail remains open to horseback riders.

The Smallman Shelter and Picnic Area 2 restroom facilities are currently out of order. There are currently no restroom facilities available to the public at the overlook area. Restrooms are available adjacent to the Spoone Shelter, playground, and visitor center.

Maintenance staff members are working diligently to repair and reopen the Smallman Shelter and Picnic Area 2 restrooms but the facilities are closed until further notice. We appreciate your patience as park staff works hard to repair and restore these facilities to public use. 
 

Tennessee State Parks are open for day-use visitors and overnight guests. We do provide travel tips and FAQs for those wishing to visit our parks. 

Please see our Keeping Visitors Healthy page to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Activities

For Educators

Tennessee State Parks offers engaging, relevant, and interactive educational experiences. Discover more about learning with a Ranger -- in a park or in a classroom!

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Paddling

Cherokee Lake is a popular spot for paddling. For those carrying their own kayaks and canoes, our boat ramp opens from 7:00 a.m. - dusk daily. We no longer provide rentals (June 17, 2021).

Photo Credit: TennesseePhotographs.com

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Panther Creek Playground

The playground at Panther Creek, located near the pool, is a great place for kids to burn off their energy during a trip to the park.

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Disc Golf

Panther Creek State Park is home to a beautiful 18-hole, championship disc golf course with wooded and open fairways, and concrete tees.

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Boating

Cherokee Lake is a beautiful lake for boating. The park provides a boat ramp for visitors to launch from mid-April to late September.

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Swimming

The pool at Panther Creek State Park will remain closed for the 2021 summer season, in the interest of public health and staff safety. Our park remains open and is still a great place for you to enjoy water-based recreation this summer. Find other activities at the park here.

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Hiking

Panther Creek has over 30 miles of hiking trails at all levels of diffiuclty.

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Biking

Panther Creek has several miles of biking trails with an intermediate rating.

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Fishing

Cherokee Lake is a 30,000 acre impoundment on the Holston River and provides great fishing, boating, skiing and other water recreation activities.

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Birding

The shores and islands of Cherokee Lake at Panther Creek State Park offer great opportunities for seeing wintering waterfowl, osprey, and eagles. The forest has a good resident population of songbirds as well. For more park and nearby birding locations, view flyer.

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Horseback Riding

Panther Creek offers seven miles of horseback riding trails including Hunt Knob and Maple Arch trails. Horse riders can access both of these trails from the parking area located past the boat ramp.

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