Panther Creek State Park
Panther Creek State Park is located on the Cherokee Reservoir north of Morristown, Tennessee. Available activities include hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and swimming.
<googlemap lat="36.209377" lon="-83.409576" type="terrain" zoom="14"> 36.209377,-83.409576,Panther Creek State Park </googlemap>
How to get there
From Kingsport, TN:
- Take I-81 South to Exit 12 (Lowland/Morristown).
- At bottom of exit ramp, turn right (north) onto Enka Highway TN-160, and drive for 11.3 miles.
- Turn right (east) onto Andrew Johnson Highway US-11E.
- Travel 1.2 miles and turn left (north) onto Panther Creek Road.
- Park entrance will be reached in 1.6 miles.
Trailheads are at several points in the park.
Trails
The following trails are available:
| Trail | Miles | Usage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Run Trail | 0.8 |  
|
|
| Hunt Knob Trail | 3.8 | 
|
Follows edge of Cherokee Lake up to ridge |
| Lost Road Trail | 3.5 |
|
|
| Maple Arch Trail | 3.5 |
|
|
| Nature Trail | 1.2 |
|
self-guided |
| Norris Blackburn Trail | 0.2 |
|
uphill to a wildlife observatory |
| Old Farm Trails | 2.5 |
|
for both loops |
| Old Wagon Trail | 0.8 |
|
Good for beginners. |
| Ore Mine Trail | 1.5 |
|
|
| Panther Path Trail | 2.0 |
|
Good for beginners. |
| Piney Cove Trail | 0.6 |
|
|
| Pioneer Trail | 2.6 |
|
|
| Point Lookout Trail | 1.2 |
|
To 400' overlook |
| Ridge Crest Trail | 0.7 |
|
steep descent to Cherokee Lake |
| Sink Holes Trail | 0.6 |
|
|
| Trout Lily Trail | 2.0 |
|
for experienced bicyclists |
The park trails are in short segments, thus the following are some suggested loop hikes to explore the park.
- . Suggestion
- . And another
Fees, Hours, Restrictions
The park is open 6AM to sunset year around. There is no entrance fee. Dogs are allowed.
Maps
Panther Creek State Park website
Friends of Panther Creek State Park trail descriptions
Trail map