The city of Alcoa, TN, is located in the eastern corner of the state, a little over 15 miles south of Knoxville and not far from some of the largest and most beautiful state parks that the region has to offer. If you are looking for a place where you can spend the weekend hiking, fishing, camping, or wildlife watching, these are some destinations you can reach in less than two hours by car.
1. Panther Creek State Park
Sitting along the eastern shores of the Cherokee Reservoir, Panther Creek State Park features a little over 1,400 acres of territory and offers plenty of opportunities for a vast array of recreational activities throughout the year. With 50 different campsites, this state park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the region, making it a well-known spot among school groups and families from the area.
Panther Creek State Park is located a little over 50 miles northeast of downtown Alcoa, making it possible to reach it in about an hour and 15 minutes by car along route US-11. This beautiful nature reserve features 17 different hiking trails that go through the forest and along the shores of the lake. Some popular activities that attract visitors from all over the region to this expansive park include paddling, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
2. Edgar Evins State Park
Covering an area of over 6,000 acres and managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Edgar Evins State Park is another great spot for a day trip or a weekend away from the city center with your friends or family. This nature reserve is located a little over 100 miles west of downtown Alcoa, making it possible to reach it in less than two hours by car, driving along route I-40.
Edgar Evins State Park sits along the shores of Center Hill Lake, an artificial body of water created with the construction of a dam across the Caney Fork River. Some of the facilities available in this expansive nature reserve include a marina, a full-service dock, picnic shelters, an interpretive center featuring historical artifacts, a large network of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as an outdoor swimming pool open from May to September.
3. Cumberland Mountain State Park
Located about 70 miles west of Alcoa, Cumberland Mountain State Park is an excellent weekend destination that can be reached in a little over an hour by car, driving along route I-40. Spanning over 1,700 acres of territory, this pristine park is a top-rated spot for numerous recreational activities, including golfing, hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The main attraction of this nature reserve is Byrd Lake, an artificial reservoir created in the 1930s with the impoundment of nearby Byrd Creek.
Whether you are planning a solo adventure or a trip with your favorite group of friends, you should check out these destinations. If you are looking for a new or pre-owned car to visit them and go on memorable road trips, visit us at Rick McGill’s Airport Toyota and check out our extensive inventory!
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