Panther Creek State Park is a 1,444-acre park located on the Cherokee Reservoir in the historic Holston River Valley, six miles west of Morristown. Pioneers from North Carolina and the older Watauga Settlement in East Tennessee arrived in this area around 1785. Prior to this time, the Cherokee Indians were the most prominent Native American tribe in the area.
The park has 17 different hiking trails covering more than 30 miles of terrain at all levels of difficulty. Hikers can enjoy magnificent views of Cherokee Lake and the Cumberland Mountains from Point Lookout Trail reaching 1,460 feet above sea level. There are also more than 15 miles of mountain biking trails that range from easy to difficult.
Cherokee Lake provides year-round catches of bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, rockfish, and bream. It is common to catch rockfish up to 20 pounds. Nearby commercial marinas provide boat launching and rental boats, as well as a bait shop that supplies fishing and picnicking needs.
Panther Creek offers seven miles of horseback riding trails with more under construction. Horse trailers must use the parking area off Panther Creek Road, just to the west of Boat Ramp Road.
The Passport Stamp is located on the exterior of our Visitor Center main entrance and can be accessed at any time the park is open. The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.
Park Trail Maps
Looking for a trail map? Click the link below to see a list of the maps available at this park. The page includes all the trail maps we have available, organized by park. We have free and paid options that provide you with the details you need to have your next great adventure in Tennessee.
Geo-referenced Trail Maps
Did you know that certain types of PDF maps can show your exact position on a trail? We are creating geo-referenced maps for our parks. When the map is opened with an app on your smartphone, a dot/reference point displays on the device screen at your exact location. These maps use your GPS, not your cell signal, so they work even when you do not have service. Here is what you need to access our maps:
For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Panther Creek State Park directly.
