Hotels in Union County: Norris Lake and Forest Trails

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Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

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The Maynardville/Norris Lake region is located 15 miles north of Knoxville. The following places show the specific opportunities these themes offer.

Water, Forest and Outdoor Activities

Big Ridge State Park is located on the Clinch River and Norris Lake Reservoir in Union County, Tennessee. The park offers birdwatching, fishing, kayaking and boating. For hiking, the Old Mill Trail is a specific point of reference: it runs along Big Ridge Lake to Norton Gristmill. This brings water and trail experiences together in a named park, while the trail has a clear destination. Norris Reservoir was created when Norris Dam was completed in 1936.

At Norris Lake, options on the water include ski boats, houseboats and jet skis, as well as canoes and kayaks. The lake is home to more than 56 fish species. Norris Reservoir is also noted for having one of the region’s better walleye fisheries. Visitors who want to plan their stay around activities will find a variety of options: boating, paddling and fishing.

Chuck Swan State Forest is located in Union and Campbell Counties and is bordered by Norris Lake on three sides. Activities there include hunting, fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking. The designation of roads and trails is also important for planning: they are designated for hiking, biking, horseback riding and motorized use, or for authorized vehicles only. Choose your route based on its specific designation.

Wine and Regional Agriculture

The Winery at Seven Springs Farm is located in the rolling hills of Union County. The farm includes vineyards, vegetable gardens, greenhouses and grazing Black Angus cattle. Visitors can sample eight wines during a tasting or put together their own selection. In Maynardville, the White Lightning Trail is a detour off Thunder Road to The Winery at Seven Springs Farm. Wine, the farm grounds and tastings offer a distinct focus alongside activities on the water and in the forest.

In Maynardville, the Union County Farmers Market is held every Saturday from May through October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Farmers Market Pavilion, 115 Durham Drive. As seasonal dates can change, check the details before visiting.

History and Local Culture

The Union County Museum and Genealogical Library displays memorabilia related to the music of musicians from Union County. It also houses artifacts from the American Civil War and offers genealogical information. Separate from this is the Tennessee Civil War Trail in the Maynardville/Norris Lake region, which includes the Roy Acuff Union Museum & Library as one of its three stops.

The Historic Oak Grove School is located in Sharps Chapel. It was a WPA project in the Rosenwald style and was restored by volunteers from Preservation Union County. The school is one of the few publicly operated schools of its kind in nearly original condition. Wilson Park has a large playground, a walking trail and picnic tables.

Discover more destinations: Sharps Chapel, Jackson County, Weakley County, Cumberland County, Crockett County, Washington County, Knox, Carter.

For the broader travel overview: Tennessee.

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