Tennessee is known for many things, such as country music, barbeque, and Dollywood. However, there is amazing wildlife and places to explore! The Great Smoky Mountains is a well-known national park, but if you’re looking for something different, come down to Cherokee Lake! There is an abundance of activities to do in the Cherokee Reservoir area, so you’ll never be bored!
Boating
The best way to enjoy Cherokee Lake is to get on the water and go for a boat ride! On the lake, you can relax, take in your surroundings, or go fishing. Because the lake is a mating spot, there are higher levels of fish here than in other lakes and reservoirs in the area. For example, you can find multiple species of bass, catfish, and paddlefish. Just be sure to research if any species have any regulations on them. Many species of fish are protected to prevent overfishing.
As the premiere boat rental company in the Cherokee Reservoir area, Roscoe and Hooch Boat Rentals offers the best collection of watercraft vessels to allow one to comfortably and instyle cruise Cherokee Lake. You can rent pontoons, tritoons, jet skis, kayaks, and more! All of our vessels are Coast Guard inspected and certified. Not only that, but we also offer same-day booking, include life jackets, and have dog-friendly boats! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get on the water and be a captain for a day. Click here to BOOK NOW!
Parks
If you want to get in touch with nature, there are plenty of parks to choose from. Each park has different offerings, so there’s a perfect one for you, whether you enjoy hiking or having a relaxing picnic.
Panther Creek State Park is situated right on the lake and comprises 1,435 acres. There are over 30 hiking trails for hikers of all levels. If you prefer to bike, Panther Creek also has biking trails. But, that’s not all! You can ride a horse on seven miles of horse trails along Cherokee Lake as well. Panther Creek State Park regularly holds events such as learning how to bird watch or making bracelets. If you don’t want the fun to end, you can pitch a tent on their campgrounds!
There are other parks in the area, too. Cherokee Park has picnic areas, walking trails, disc golf, and an amphitheater that holds performances. Grainger County Park has baseball fields, basketball courts, and a jungle gym. If you’re looking for things to do near Cherokee Lake, the parks are a great place to start.
Bird Watching
Cherokee Lake is also a prime spot for birding, or bird watching. Here, you can find over 125 species of birds, including bald eagles, sparrows, and vultures. Not only will you find birds, you might see turtles, beavers, and otters in their natural habitats. Although you can go birding at any time of the year, it’s best to go during spring, summer, and fall.
There are some spots on the lake that are more known for bird watching than others. One such location is Rankins Bottoms. Here, you can observe over 90 species of waterbirds, like geese, cranes, and swans. Near Cherokee Lake, there is the Mossy Creek Wildlife Viewing area. This spot also sports a diverse collection of birds such as cardinals, mockingbirds, and hawks. Cherokee Dam, which is near Mossy Creek, is a nice lookout spot that also has walking trails if you feel like getting active.
Museums
If you need a break from the great outdoors, the Cherokee Reservoir area has a ton of museums that allow you to look at art or learn about the history of the region! Many of these museums are located in cities and towns surrounding the lake.
The East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum is a must-see. Located in Knoxville, it’s not too far away from Cherokee Lake. This museum holds exhibits about the history of Eastern Tennessee, focusing on its unique culture and people. If you have family that is native to Eastern Tennessee, the Historical Society also has a host of genealogy records that allow you to track your family’s history.
Nearby Oak Ridge houses the American Museum of Science and Energy. This museum teaches you about science and engineering and the role that Oak Ridge played in the Manhattan Project. Here you can visit the K-25 History Center, which exclusively focuses on the K-25 Plant, where the first atomic bomb was made. They also offer bus tours of the primary sites of the Manhattan Project.
