Get Outside: Things To Do in East Tennessee in Every Season
Sponsored by: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee
Surrounded by the majestic Appalachian Mountains and home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, East Tennessee isn’t just a scenic escape – it’s your invitation to live well and play often. Here, each season brings its own type of magic – from wildflower-studded trails and sun-drenched lakes to vibrant foliage and festive winter getaways.
Whether hiking and hunting for wildflowers through misty trails in spring, tubing down rivers during the dog days of summer, road-tripping under fiery fall leaves or snuggling into a cozy winter cabin, outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. Keep reading for fun things to do in East Tennessee in every season.
When you choose Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, you can relax and enjoy each adventure knowing your lifestyle is protected with local, reliable coverage designed for how Tennesseans live, travel and explore.
In This Article
Spring Activities in East Tennessee
When spring rolls in, you can hear the mountains come alive. With blooming dogwoods, chirping birds and flowing waterfalls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers more than 850 miles of hiking trails, with favorites like Chimney Tops and Alum Cave Bluffs offering stunning views and rewarding climbs.
Spring is also peak season for wildflower hikes, and the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage – typically held in late April – is a beloved annual tradition that celebrates new life and the region’s incredible biodiversity. With more than 1,500 species of flowers, wildflower enthusiasts flock to these floral, color-drenched trails. Spring is in full bloom in Knoxville, where a favorite pastime is driving, walking or biking the scenic Dogwood Trails every April.
The warmer weather also marks the return of whitewater rafting on the Big Pigeon and Ocoee rivers, while the Tellico and Hiwassee rivers welcome anglers for peaceful spring fishing.
Whether you’re rafting or reeling in your next catch, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers watercraft coverage to protect your boat or gear from damage, theft or liability – so you can enjoy every splash without worry.
Summer Fun in East Tennessee
Hot dogs on the grill, deep blue water, not a cloud in the sky and music blasting with iced tea in hand, there’s no better place to spend a Tennessee summer than on the water. East Tennessee’s lakes and rivers become the heartbeat of the season. Locals and visitors flock to Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake and the Tennessee River Gorge for fun summer activities like boating, tubing, jet skiing and swimming.
For a more tranquil getaway, Watauga Lake – nestled in the mountains near the tiny Tennessee towns of Butler and Hampton – is known for its clear, quiet waters and stunning views. Over on the French Broad River, kayaking and pontoon rentals offer a slower, scenic pace, perfect for unwinding on the water.
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It wouldn’t be an East Tennessee summer without festivals. The Dollywood Flower and Food Festival in Pigeon Forge, Riverfront Nights in Chattanooga and Jazz on the Square in Knoxville are the perfect summer festivals to enjoy live music, hop on rides or soak up that summer sun.
Fun Fall Activities in East Tennessee
As the air turns crisp and the hills turn fiery shades of red, gold and orange, East Tennessee welcomes one of its most spectacular seasons. Take in the changing colors from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic loop around Cades Cove or deep within Cherokee National Forest. You can even opt for a leisure bike ride or drive along the Foothills Parkway West, which stretches 18 miles along Chilhowee Mountain, including wildlife sightings, quiet pull-offs for a picnic and panoramic views of the full range of the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
Popular fall hikes include Obed Wild & Scenic River and the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, where cooler temps and fewer crowds make for ideal trekking conditions. Autumn also brings peak camping season, especially for RV travelers. Anchor Down RV Resort on Douglas Lake in Dandridge and Cherokee KOA in the Smokies offer stunning views, full hookups and easy access to hiking trails.
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Fall in East Tennessee also means agritourism is in full swing. Local farms host pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple picking and more. These family-friendly attractions have become a staple of the season.
Whether you’re hosting guests on your property or managing a short-term rental, Farm Bureau’s home insurance policies help cover seasonal risks like weather damage, fire and liability.
Winter Activities in East Tennessee
When winter envelopes East Tennessee, a different kind of outdoor adventure emerges and mountainous landscapes become a serene playground, but don’t let the chill fool you – winter is anything but quiet in East Tennessee.
Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg is at the heart of East Tennessee’s snow sports scene. Here, visitors of all skill levels can glide down the powdery slopes while skiing or snowboarding, from gentle bunny slopes for beginners to more challenging trails. For those seeking something else, the beloved mountain resort offers snow tubing and an expansive indoor ice skating rink that’s open year-round.
Beyond the groomed trail runs, East Tennessee’s state parks transform into winter wonderlands just waiting to be explored and even better, they are free to visit. Bundle up for winter hikes at favorite spots like Roan Mountain State Park or Frozen Head State Park. Or, travel a little further south and explore the extensive trails of Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain and Prentice Cooper State Forest.
Whether you’re road-tripping to your favorite event or renting a home for the season, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee has you covered – from auto policies that protect you on the road to renters’ insurance that safeguards your belongings.
Winter is also an excellent time to participate in some wildlife viewing, particularly within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With trees stripped bare, visibility improves and it’s much easier to spot the park’s diverse wildlife, including deer and elk. Winter fishing along Chickamauga Lake and sections of the Tennessee River are a peaceful escape, too.
And, if you’re in the mood for something a little less rugged, try your hand at one of the many outdoor skating rinks. Market Square in Knoxville is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights and an open-air ice rink. In Chattanooga, Ice on the Landing is a family favorite for open-air ice skating. Elizabethton hosts the Skate by the Doe Ice Rink overlooking the historic community’s Doe River. Finally, at Bristol Motor Speedway, Tri-Cities Airport Rink is the region’s best and longest-running rink and is just a stone’s throw from the Speedway’s other winter activities. This is also the season for cozy cabins, mountain getaways and sparkling holiday lights.
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East Tennessee offers endless opportunities for fun outdoor activities in every season. Take ease knowing your lifestyle is protected through Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee. From auto and boating coverage to life and property insurance, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers customized policies to help you feel prepared for every adventure you want to take.
Festivals in East Tennessee
From brilliant blooms in the spring to winter wonderlands, East Tennessee residents know how to have fun all year long. The Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville takes place each spring when the dogwoods bloom and features more than 100 artists, live performances, a local Maker Market, workshops and more. Be sure to stick around town for the Rossini Festival, a free international street fair held each spring.
As the weather warms, so does the social calendar of East Tennesseans. There’s something to do nearly every weekend, including July’s Fun Fest, a multi-day event in Kingsport packed full of outdoor activities, concerts and entertainment. In Knoxville, take in a free performance at Knoxville Shakespeare, hosted by the acclaimed Clarence Brown Theatre.
Feel festive during the holidays at one of the area’s numerous winter festivals. An East Tennessee must is Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway, one of the largest drive-through light displays in the Southeast. The Smoky Mountains come alive in the winter with Pigeon Forge Winterfest, which brightens up the city with more than 6 million twinkling lights, Gatlinburg Winter Magic and Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood. In nearby Knoxville, the Regal Celebration of Lights kicks off the holiday season and buildings downtown are adorned with rooftop pre-lit trees. Traveling further south, Chattanooga’s Holiday Trail of Lights offers festive cheer for the whole family. And for a truly enchanting experience, Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights transforms the Rock City Gardens into a dazzling display.
For music lovers, there are several can’t-miss festivals throughout the year. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Nightfall, Blue Plum and Big Ears are some of the region’s most notable music festivals. And if you’re feeling hungry for more, check out Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival, Chattanooga’s Wine Over Water and Bites by the Bridge, a summer outdoor food truck court in Elizabethton.