Cherokee Lake Hiking Trails

American Birding Trails

American Hiking Society

ATV Trails

Horseback Trails

League of American Bicyclists

Recreation.gov

Sierra Club

Walking Trails

Panther Creek State Park Trails Hiking Trail
Bicycle Trail
Horseback
Wildlife Trail
Walking Trail
Scenic Trail

Panther Creek offers 13 hiking and biking trails, 5 are hiking only. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. Experienced mountain bikers are encouraged to leave their cars in the parking area near Panther Creek Road, just to the west of Boat Ramp Road. Less experienced riders may use any parking area. A sign at each trail head gives the name of the trail and its distance. The sign may also state how far it is to a connecting trail.

Hiking and Biking Trail Descriptions

1. & 2. Old Farm Trails are easy 1.0 or 1.5 mile loops.
3. Trout Lily Trail is a 2.0 mile loop developed by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. It's for experienced bicyclists.
4. Deer Run Trail winds back and forth for 0.8 miles
5. Piney Cove Trail after 0.6 mile, connects with either Old Wagon Trail or Panther Path.
6. Panther Path starts near the park entrance. It quickly joins Piney Cove Trail which leads to all other bicycle trails.
7. Norris Blackburn Trail is a 0.2 mile uphill to a wildlife observatory.
8. Old Wagon Trail is great for youngsters. It's flat for 0.8 mile and connects with Deer Run Trail which is more difficult.

Hiking Trail Descriptions - Open to hikers only

9. Nature Trail is an easy 1.2 mile loop. The self-guided nature trail was developed by Friends of the Park.
10. Ore Mine Trail is a hilly 1.5 mile loop with a scenic wooden bridge.
11. Sink Holes Trail is a 0.6 mile loop that runs by seven limestone sink holes.
12. Point Lookout Trail is a 1.2 mile loop. After climbing a long steep hill, there is a scenic overlook 400 feet above Cherokee Lake.
13. Ridge Crest Trail descends 0.7 mile to Cherokee Lake. It's steep - and so is the climb back.

Panther Creek offers 7 miles of horseback riding trails with more under construction. You must bring your own horse. There are no camping facilities on the trails. Please stay on the trail and remember to bring current Coggins papers on each horse..

Horse trailers must use the parking area off Panther Creek Road, just to the west of Boat Ramp Road. This area has maps which show the horse trail. .

Contact the park if you need more information on the trails. 1-888-TN-Parks

Cherokee Dam Campground
This is a self-service campground operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It offers a paved walking trail and bird-watching. Directions: From Jefferson City, Tenn., go 1.5 miles west on US 11E, then follow signs 4.5 miles north to Cherokee Dam Reservation. Contact number: 423-587-5600