East Tennessee encompasses the eastern third of Tennessee, known for its breathtaking 6000-foot mountains and vast river valleys. This culturally rich part of Appalachia includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S., and features three primary geological areas: the Blue Ridge along the North Carolina border, the Ridge and Valley Appalachians in the center, and the Cumberland Plateau in the west. The Blue Ridge section boasts the state’s highest elevations and is home to the heavily forested Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest, which protects over 600,000 acres along the Ocoee River, a top whitewater rafting destination. The Ridge-and-Valley region is the most populous, defined by its long ridges and broad valleys, with the Tennessee River flowing from Knoxville to Chattanooga. Moreover, East Tennessee is celebrated as the birthplace of country music, significantly shaped by the historic 1927 Victor recording sessions in Bristol and a legacy of acclaimed musicians from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Cherokee Lake is one of the oldest reservoirs in the Tennessee Valley Authority system, with construction of Cherokee Reservoir Dam starting on August 1, 1940, and finishing on December 5, 1941. The dam reaches 175 feet in height and extends 6,760 feet in length, creating a lake that spans 30,300 acres at full pool, stretches 59 miles, and features 463 miles of shoreline, welcoming over 2.5 million visitors each year. The TVA provides various recreational amenities at Cherokee Dam, including a day use area with a swimming beach, picnic spots, and a year-round boat launch ramp. Fish densities in Cherokee Lake exceed those of most TVA reservoirs, supported by a robust forage base of Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad, and Alewife, making it one of the few certified TVA Clean lakes. Over the years, numerous fish attractors have been established to improve fishing opportunities, including brush piles for game fish and stake beds for crappie. The TVA has planted Willow, Swamp Oak, Bald Cypress, and River Birch in drawdown areas to foster durable habitats. Renowned for its Striped Bass fishing, Cherokee Lake also supports Black Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Sauger, Sunfish, White Bass, and Catfish, while Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass are not stocked due to their natural abundance, giving Cherokee Lake the top rating for largemouth bass among all TVA lakes tested.

Everyone loves strolling along the Downtown Parkway in Gatlinburg, a scenic route that stretches from one end of town to the other, brimming with diverse attractions, engaging activities, delightful restaurants, vibrant arts and crafts, and unique shopping opportunities. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the River Walk offers a peaceful ambiance, where you can listen to the joyful sounds of the Little Pigeon River, complete with inviting gazebos and benches for relaxing along the way. At the intersection of traffic light number three, you’ll discover the entrance to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, the largest collection of independent artisans in North America, featuring over 100 shops along an 8-mile loop. Here, you can uncover unique crafts, treasures, and artworks while observing talented artisans at work, whether it’s chatting with a painter or potter or watching a broom maker demonstrate his skill. As you leave Gatlinburg, you’ll arrive in Pigeon Forge, a vibrant hub boasting a wide array of restaurants, outlet malls, amusement parks, and dinner theaters. Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country offer entertainment for all ages with thrilling rides, captivating music, and spectacular shows throughout the year.