Panther Creek State Park park
Panther Creek State Park
One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the Panther Creek Waterfall, which can be accessed via a moderate 1.5-mile hike. The waterfall is especially beautiful after a rainstorm. Other popular destinations include the park's two marinas, which offer rentals of boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Interesting facts about Panther Creek State Park include that it was once the site of a TVA project in the 1940s and 1950s, which created Cherokee Lake. The park also features a historic cemetery, which dates back to the 1800s. Visitors can learn more about the history of the area at the park's interpretive center.
The best time of year to visit Panther Creek State Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its best. Summer is the busiest season, with many visitors enjoying the lake and outdoor activities. Winter can be a peaceful time to visit, with fewer crowds and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, Panther Creek State Park is a must-visit destination in Tennessee, offering a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventurous day trip, there's something for everyone at this stunning park.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Panther Creek State Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panther Creek State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| May Springs | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Cherokee Dam | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Cherokee Lake County Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Dandridge Municipal Park - Douglas Reservoir | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Douglas Dam Headwater | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Panther Creek State Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Panther Creek State Park
What can I do at Panther Creek State Park?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Panther Creek State Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Panther Creek State Park.