Some Great Places in East Tennessee other than Gatlinburg

For a lot of people going to East Tennessee means going to Gatlinburg.  If you enjoy it, keep going, but personally, it not my vision of a vacation.  Although we are going there for the Christmas Parade in December, let’s say it wasn’t my idea. Sometimes you have to do things for the people that you love.

On a recent trip to East Tennessee, we visited some fantastic places.  These places might be a good change of pace and might even be more relaxing.  Just some words about the Tennessee State Park System, they have some great campgrounds, cabins, and sights to see.  All at a reasonable price.  We also completed 4 American Volkssport Association (AVA) 5 Kilometer walks, sponsored by the East Tennessee Wanders.  Click on the links for more information. 

Oak Ridge, Tennessee - The Secret City that was created in the middle of the Tennessee woods to jump-start the Manhattan Project. Established North of Knoxville to develop the nuclear weapons that were dropped on Japan and then develop America’s nuclear energy program.   Plenty of museums and parks devoted to those accomplishments. 

Rogersville, Tennessee - The second oldest town in Tennessee.  Davie Crockets' parents, who helped establish the city in 1775, are buried here.  Yes, that Davie Crockett who died at the Alamo.   The colonial downtown is on the National Historic Registry, contains the state's oldest post office and second oldest courthouse.

Seven Island State Birding Park - One of the newest additions to the State Park System.  Located at a bend on the French Broad River just east of Knoxville.  The trails on the bluffs have magnificent views of the Appalachian Mountains.   The paths drop down into the river flood plain and provide an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. 

Fort Louden State Park - Established by the British in 1756 during the 7-year war.   It was a crucial site in the organization of the Cherokee Indians, to help fight the French and the Creeks.  While walking through the recreated Fort, you can imagine the frontier life at the time.

Rock Island State Park - It has a great campground and cabins, but the show here are the waterfalls.  At the confluence of the Caney Fork and Collins Rivers where they spill into the Great Falls Gorge.  The first set of falls, the Great Falls is located below an old cotton mill.  The second falls, and the most magnificent, Twin Falls, was created when the Caney was dammed, forcing water through limestone caverns, creating a rush of water forced out of the side of the Gorge.  It is something to see.

We live in a beautiful and history-filled state.  Tennessee has a lot to offer, get out there and see it.  Plus, you only live once, and these things can’t be missed. 

Curtis Anderson, the Wandering Soldier, is a retired Army soldier who has a motorcycle addiction and loves to travel. Anderson and his wife, Terri, live in Clarksville. He can be contacted at www.thewanderingsoldier.com.