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State Lands

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House Mountain State Natural Area

[Fig. 24(4)] The 500-acre House Mountain area was acquired in 1986 by the Trust for Public Land, then purchased in 1987 by the Department of Environment and Conservation. The north side of the 2,100-foot-high mountain, the highest point in Knox County, is still privately owned. The public area offers views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cumberland Mountains, and the beautiful farmlands and hills surrounding the mountain. The House Mountain area is still largely undeveloped with no buildings, restrooms, or water supply, and the park is for day use only. There is a system of trails that range from easy to strenuous. Call the natural area to request trail descriptions and a map.

Panther Creek State Park

[Fig. 24(3)] Located on the shores of Cherokee Lake, a TVA reservoir, Panther Creek State Park offers a variety of recreational activities. Panther Springs, which creates Panther Creek, is said to have been named by an early explorer, Colonel Bradley, who claimed to have shot a panther that fell into the spring. Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) This butterfly takes its name from its yellow wings with black tigerlike stripes.

Development of the state park began in 1965 when the state purchased 122 acres for a day-use area. The state owns 1,435 acres.

Warrior Path State Park

[Fig. 25(5)] The park gets its name for its proximity to the old Cherokee trading and war path. The 950-acre area was first purchased by TVA in 1952 and later turned over to the state. Situated within a few miles of three major cities, Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City, Warrior Path receives lots of attention, but it has facilities capable of handling large amounts of traffic. Situated on the shores of Fort Patrick Henry Lake, the reservoir offers additional recreational opportunities. Nearly 9 miles of trails wind through the park, making hikes of various lengths possible. All trails are easy to moderate.

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