Discover the Splendor of East Tennessee
Bear Creek Lodge is perfectly situated within a short driving distance to many of East Tennessee’s most cherished attractions. Whether you are looking to enjoy an outdoor adventure or a day on the town, you will find plenty of opportunities minutes from your guesthouse door.
Norris Lake
10-Minute Drive
Norris Lake, one of TVA’s cleanest lakes, is a great location for boating, fishing and 4-wheeling. Rent a pontoon boat or a few jet-skis and spend a day on the lake with your family and friends, or enjoy some alone time on the water with cold beer and a fishing pole.
Visit our activities page for information about equipment rentals, or visit the Norris Lake Marina website for more information about lake activities.
The Clinch River
10-Minute Drive
Known for trout fishery, The Clinch River is the perfect place to spend a day on the water. Fishing is available all year round, but there are peak times when you may have better luck luring in a big catch. From March to September, the river is stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout.
Visit our activities page for information about equipment rentals, or visit the Adventure Anderson website for more information about the Clinch River.
Clinch Mountain Overlook
15-Minute Drive
The Clinch Mountain Overlook is one of the most photographed spots in Grainger County where you can gaze upon the Bean Station Civil War Battlefield. On your way to the overlook, make sure to stop and enjoy a Southern style meal at the Clinch Mountain Lookout Restaurant.
For more information about getting to the overlook, visit the East TN Vacations website.
The Winery at Seven Springs Farm
25-Minute Drive
Located just outside of Maynardville, Tennessee, The Winery at Seven Springs Farm offers a wide variety of sweet and dry wines. Enjoy a tasting experience to sample their selection, and grab a bottle or two to sip while enjoying an evening on your guesthouse porch. The winery also offers local meats, cheeses, milk and ice cream.
Learn more about the winery and upcoming events on the Winery at Seven Springs Farm website.
Downtown Knoxville
45-Minute Drive
Head to Market Square in Downtown Knoxville where you will find delicious farm-to-table restaurants, local breweries and rooftop bars. Enjoy views from the iconic Sunsphere in World’s Fair Park or catch a show at the Bijou or Tennessee Theatre. If you are visiting in the fall, you may be able to catch a home football game where you can cheer on the Tennessee Volunteers.
Learn more about all Knoxville has to offer on the Visit Knoxville website.
Big Ridge State Park
45-Minute Drive
Enjoy a day in the great outdoors at Big Ridge State Park. This 3,687 acre park offers 15 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty and a sandy lake-front beach. If you are visiting in August, check the park’s schedule to learn about the annual Bluegrass at Blue Ridge Festival, a Tennessee tradition for more than 30 years.
Learn more about activities at Big Ridge Park on the Big Ridge Park website.
Panther Creek State Park
45-Minute Drive
Located on the Cherokee Reservoir, Panther Creek State Park is a 1,444 acre park consisting of 17 hiking trails with stunning views of Cherokee Lake and the Cumberland Mountains. For fishmen, Cherokee Lake is a great spot for catching bass, crappie, walleye and rock bass.
Learn more about activities at Panther Creek State Park on the Panther Creek State Park website.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
45-Minute Drive
Spend a day exploring historical structures and beautiful hiking trails at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The park offers a variety of overlooks where you can take in stunning views of East Tennessee and guided tours of Gap Cave and the historic Hensley Settlement. Grab a filling breakfast in the town of Cumberland Gap on your way into the park.
For more information about park tours and activities, visit the National Park Service website.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1.5-2.5 Hour Drive
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Explore the park’s many hiking trails, take in the views from Clingmans Dome or drive the Cades Cove loop. You may even spot a black bear or two during your visit.
Learn more about the Great Smoky National Park on the National Park Service website.
Pigeon Forge
1.5-Hour Drive
Known as an iconic East Tennessee vacation destination, Pigeon Forge offers plenty to see and do. Start your day with breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant, ride roller coasters at Dollywood or enjoy a dinner show at The Stampede.
Visit the My Pigeon Forge website for more information about dining, shopping and entertainment.
Gatlinburg
2-Hour Drive
Spend a day in Downtown Gatlinburg. Enjoy striking views of the Great Smoky Mountains from the Gatlinburg Skybridge, catch a live concert at Anakeesta, enjoy a moonshine tasting at Ole’ Smoky or grab dinner at one of the many great restaurants.
Learn more about all that Gatlinburg has to offer on the Gatlinburg website.