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Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Morristown

After the year we’ve had with the pandemic, many are looking to get outside and Morristown’s a great place for that. Whether exploring Panther Creek State Park, fishing on Cherokee Lake, playing disc golf like the pros, or sampling some of the city’s favorite menus, there’s always more in Morristown.
Situated on more than 1,400 acres of land, Panther Creek State Park is located minutes from downtown Morristown. More than 30 miles of hiking trails are tailored to all levels of difficulty. You can take a casual nature walk or climb the steep ascent of Point Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the lake and Cumberland Mountains from its perch 1,460 feet above sea level. The park also has multiple mountain biking and horse trails. Several overlooks along the paths are ideal for birdwatching – more than 125 species have been spotted. A popular destination for picnicking, fishing, camping, and swimming, Panther Creek is also home to a championship 18-hole disc golf course.
If you prefer a little more “edge” to your events, Dirty Bird Events hosts endurance challenges and has several of their toughest, annual contests at Panther Creek. Your limits will be stretched with events like the Wildcat Mountain Bike Race, Motus Panther Creek Triathlon, or the Dirt Circuit ultra-marathon.
More than 2,000 anglers make their annual pilgrimage to Cherokee Lake, one of the best bass-fishing lakes in the Southeast, to participate in a host of tournaments. Make your way to the clear, blue water to reel in crappie, sunfish, walleye, and catfish. Boat docks, marinas, camping, water sports, and rentals are all available for a full lake life experience. Cherokee Park, surrounding Cherokee Lake, offers an array of amenities for day visitors and campers. In addition to the Hamblen Marina, the park features a boat ramp, walking trails, playground areas, horseshoe pits, a splash pad, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Morristown is Tennessee’s Disc Golf Capital® with four championship-caliber courses. The city is also hosting the annual Tennessee State Disc Golf Championships the first weekend of June. In addition to the courses at Panther Creek and Cherokee Park, disc golfers flock to the 18-hole Kiwanis course at Wayne Hansard Park and the Rotary course at Frank Lorino Park, which offers a dual basket setup and alternate course lengths for two 18-hole options. While the courses attract both experienced disc golfers and novices alike, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the sport. If you’re heading to town and are looking for someone to throw with, visit the Morristown Disc Golf Association’s Facebook page. These folks are always up for a game.
Historic Downtown Morristown, listed on the National Register Historic Places, showcases the city’s past and present. Featuring the nation’s only overhead sidewalk system known as the Sky Mart, the area is filled with quaint shops and boutiques, dining, and entertainment establishments. At the southern end of the district, is the farmers market pavilion and Downtown Green, the location of a seasonal farmers market, various special entertainment events, and the annual Morristown Craft Beer Festival in late September.
Dine where the stars go at the Little Dutch Restaurant, which has attracted its fair share of stars for more than 80 years from golfing greats Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson to actors Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart, whose parents live in the area.
The Timeless Elegance Tea Room evokes the genteel ambiance of Southern charm. Though the menu does have traditional tearoom fare, you can also enjoy stick-to-you-ribs offerings like chicken and dumplings, mac and cheese, and home-made pies.
There are plenty of casual options as well. Popular sandwich staples include Jersey Girl Diner with “to-die-for” burgers and the Redbud Deli with its incredible panini selection. A stop at Hillbilly’s Cabin is a must for a big breakfast. And two of the area’s most popular coffeehouses, Lovin’ Cup Coffee and 60 Beans Coffee & Crepes, brew up great hot drinks alongside a menu that’s perfect for a light meal or afternoon pick-me-up.
For more information about planning a trip to Morristown, feel free to contact us at tourism@morristownchamber.com. We’d love to have you visit!