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- Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Let’s start with the iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, this park is a paradise for hikers, with over 850 miles of trails.
- Gatlinburg. Nestled at the doorstep of the national park, Gatlinburg is a bustling mountain town with endless things to do. It’s one of the best places to visit in East Tennessee for families, with an abundance of large cabins, as well as delicious restaurants and fun attractions.
- Johnson City. You may have heard of it from the popular song “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show where everyone belts out at the top of their lungs “Johnson City, Tennessee!”
- Townsend. A stark contrast to Gatlinburg’s hustle and bustle, Townsend is known as the “peaceful side of the Smokies.” This laid-back small town is known for its welcoming atmosphere, quiet park entrance, and proximity to Cades Cove.
East Tennessee is a region steeped in history, with a rich past that is preserved in its numerous historic landmarks. Each of these landmarks provides a unique glimpse into the area's storied past, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the region's rich cultural heritage.
Visitors are invited to experience history by climbing aboard a streetcar, discovering the voices of past and present East Tennesseans, tracing their ancestral roots, participating in various public programs, or simply enjoying a tour of this facility’s magnificent architecture.
- Take a Scenic Drive Through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains with a drive along the Foothills Parkway.
- Visit Cades Cove. Taking a scenic drive around the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop is a given, but don’t stop there. Hike or bike through the picturesque valley surrounded by mountains (& wildlife!)
- Hike to Laurel Falls. Also located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, another of the best things to do in East Tennessee is to hike to Laurel Falls.
- Explore the Historic Town of Jonesborough. Step way back in time while wandering the charming streets of Jonesborough — Tennessee’s oldest town. The storytelling capital of the world boasts beautiful historic architecture, quaint shops, and a vibrant arts community.
If you're a fan of roadside attractions, you'll love the unusual landmarks and monuments that can be found throughout East Tennessee. One of the most iconic is the Big Pencil in Knoxville. This 30-foot-tall structure is a tribute to the city's history as a hub for the pencil industry.
Visitors can explore the region’s history through a premiere genealogy and history research library, a regional museum, lectures, tours, genealogy classes, and teacher and student education. Located here are the McClung Historical Collection (865-215-8801); Knox County Archives (865-215-8800); the East Tennessee Historical Society (865-215 ...
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Why should you visit East Tennessee?
Discover Civil War battlefields, museums or small towns that capture the spirit of our pioneering founders. From an 18th century village nestled in the mountains to a vibrant city square, you’ll find many places to explore and celebrate the history of East Tennessee.
