9 Lakes, bike trails, National Parks, Trails
Destination Cycling- East Tennessee
The 9 Lakes Region is a top cycling destination in the Southeast for road to mountain gravity riders. Pedaling through the region is a great way to explore the countryside and scenic overlooks, not to mention a less expensive way to travel. For the cycling adventurists, the beauty and terrain of the lake and mountain... Read More
9 Lakes
Springs Festivals in May and June are Celebrations of Appalachian Spring
Spring festival season continues to bring the sights, sounds, and tastes of Appalachian Spring. From the traditions of storytelling and sheepshearing to the pungency of smoky BBQ and ramps, the region is celebrating the best of the season. Music is at the heart of East Tennessee and Appalachian spring traditions. Learn about the history and... Read More
9 Lakes, Hunting
Spring Turkey Hunting Season- Bearded and Jakes
The 9 Lakes region is known as an outdoor sportsman’s playground for locals and visitors. Daniel Boone hunted these forests, while Native Americans cherished the bounty of wild game found here. The fall season classically draws hunters to the woods for large game hunts including deer, bear, elk, and wild turkey. In the spring, there... Read More
9 Lakes, travel planning
Eye Care Tips for Playing on the Water
With spring in full bloom and summer ahead, visitors are looking forward to whitewater and boating season officially kicking off in the 9 Lakes Region of East Tennessee. Water-loving adventurers can indulge in paddling, kayaking, rafting, and tubing amidst the lush scenery and flowing streams. From the Obed to the upper Pigeon River, there’s something... Read More
9 Lakes, Area Events, free admission
Spring Events in East Tennessee
Festival season is now in full bloom across the region. You can step back in time to learn about traditional Appalachian traditions, listen to live music, or test your hand at fly fishing for trout in the cold mountain waters. Most of these events are FREE, making it easy to enjoy a full calendar of... Read More
9 Lakes, Area Events
Spring is Blooming with Flowers, Festivals, and Fun
The season of spring festivals is ramping up. Spring break and warm weekends are calling us outdoors to play. For adventurists seeking thrills, white water season on the Pigeon River will be opening by March. The sights, sounds, and tastes of Appalachia spring can be found in the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee. Come to... Read More
9 Lakes, Area Events, bird watching, Getaways
Winter Wanderings- 2024 Winter Events in East Tennessee
Wondering where to wander during the chilly winter months? The winter does bring a chill and some snow to the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee. but winter also brings some of the hottest bird watching, geode searching, and indoor adventures of the year. If you find yourself wondering where to wander, this is one of... Read More
9 Lakes, Area Events, bike trails, fall foliage, paddling
Autumn Fun in the 9 Lakes Region
The wave of autumn colors is the backdrop for lots of fun autumn activities. If you are yearning to be on the water, the lakes and days are still warm enough to go paddling or for a fall foliage cruise. Some of the prettiest paddle routes are along the Powell River Blueway on Norris Lake... Read More
9 Lakes, Getaways, Lakes
Don’t Sunset Summer 2023-Late Summer and Early Fall Events
With five weeks of summer left on the calendar, we are not ready to give up on summer 2023. Hot days and cool evenings lend to ideal weather for playing on the lakes and enjoying the remaining days of summer sunshine and activities. The white water rafting season is still running trips, but sunsets on... Read More
9 Lakes, National Parks, Outdoors, Stargazing
August is the Month for Vertical Adventures
August skies in the 9 Lakes always seem to be bluer, the sunsets are more dramatic, and the night skies clearer, making it the perfect month for “sky high” adventures. Here are some of our favorite ways to get vertical: Located in the heart of downtown, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest suspension bridge in... Read More