Two fishers spend a day on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tenn.Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Jefferson County is more than a resting place for the award-winning Carson-Newman University. It’s also a natural paradise housing two gorgeous lakes and filled with countless opportunities for recreation.
The county’s residents, who are more than eager to share (and show off) their home, invite visitors to stroll through Dandridge’s historic downtown, dine at one of Jefferson County’s many restaurants or drink in White Pine’s raw, scenic beauty.
Packed with activities to keep you busy for days, there’s truly a little something for everyone in Jefferson County.
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A VICTORIAN TREASUREBuilt in 1868 and still every bit as beautiful today, the Glenmore Mansion crowns a picturesque hill in Jefferson City. The mansion was inhabited by two well-known local families over the last 148 years, and the property showcases their Victorian tastes, as most of the wallpaper is original and the families’ furnishings remain.>Held the first Saturday each May, the Glenmore Garden Market opens the mansion’s tour season, which runs through October. The market includes plants, herbs, garden décor, an antique tractor show, entertainment and tea.Tours are available Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. for $3-$5.
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FISHING FRENZYThe two lakes framing Jefferson County’s borders have made the area a favorite of fishers and anglers. In addition to an ideal location surrounded by rolling hills, both lakes offer recreational facilities like a swimming beach, a year-round boat launch ramp and a campground open April-September.>Formed by the Holston River in 1941, Cherokee Lake is one of the oldest TVA reservoirs. The lake is known for striped bass fishing and has the highest score for largemouth bass of all TVA lakes.>Douglas Lake was formed in 1943 for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. The lake is known for its largemouth bass and crappie offerings, among other sport fish species like walleye, sunfish and catfish.
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*PARK ’N PLAY*Just northwest of Morristown lies Panther Creek State Park, a 1,435-acre paradise ripe with outdoor activities. The park has:17 different hiking trails covering more than 30 miles of terrain.15 miles of mountain biking trails for easy riding or a real workout.A pool open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-6 p.m. (Admission is $4 per person.)