With the Smoky Mountains in sight and a vast network of lakes and rivers in its midst, Loudon County, Tennessee offers both adventure and respite for the many visitors it welcomes each year. Known as the Lakeway to the Smokies, more and more people are discovering this as a destination in itself, full of beautiful scenery, a multitude of activities and friendly hosts.
Whether on the waters of Tellico Lake or the Tennessee River, or on the miles of hiking and biking trails that surround them, outdoor enthusiasts can find their place here. Boating, fishing and kayaking are all popular ways to enjoy the beautiful Tennessee waterways and the million-dollar view of the Smokies. Public access is easy for those who bring their own gear and pontoon boat rentals are available for those who don’t. On land, there are pathways for biking and trails for hiking. The parks, recreation areas and campgrounds offer convenient options for those who want to stay and play.
The towns of Loudon County offer downtown attractions of their own. Lenoir City and Loudon each have unique shopping and dining spots and locals who love to show off their Southern hospitality. Walking tours along these streets share area highlights and history. Those interested in learning even more about the region’s past will find there is much to discover here. There’s the Lenoir City Museum or Greenback’s post-Civil War landmark, the National Campground, where different denominations still gather together annually in worship.
Travel is easy via Interstate to this sweet spot between Knoxville and Chattanooga, and the location can’t be beat. Loudon County’s Highway 321, is the most scenic and least congested route to the Smokies from I-75 and I-40 East. A variety of other popular day trips include touring the region’s well-known Sweetwater Valley Farm and Tennessee Valley Winery or just exploring the area’s beautiful scenery.
Special events give visitors reasons to return every season of the year. Celebrations on the water, like Rockin’ the Docks festivals, mark the arrival of summer, as does the Lenoir City Arts & Crafts Festival, now in its 56th year. And many anxiously await the thrill that comes with the return of the Haunted House at Dead Man’s Farm each fall. Visit www.visitloudoncounty.com for more about Loudon’s slate of annual events.
There are so many ways to enjoy this exciting, welcoming destination. Plan now to experience the Lakeway to the Smokies.
Annual Events
- Rockin’ the Docks Music & Fireworks, May, www.rockinthedocks.com
- Music on the Mountain at the Winery, Various Summer dates (May-September), www.tennesseevalleywinery.com
- Lenoir City Arts & Crafts Festival , June, www.lenoircityartsandcrafts.com
- Celebrate Loudon Music & Fireworks, July, www.loudonparks.com
- Rockin’ the Docks Music & Fireworks, July (this year it just happens to be June 30), www.rockinthedocks.com
- Loudon Riverfest, August, www.loudonparks.com
- Deep Well Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, Mid-September to October 31, www.deepwellfarm.com
- Dead Man’s Farm, October, www.deadmansfarm.com
- OktoberFest at the Winery, October, www.tennesseevalleywinery.com
Fast Facts and Trivia
- Loudon County is known as the Lakeway to the Smokies because of the scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains from various points throughout the county and the vast number of waterways – Tennessee River (Fort Loudoun Lake, Watts Bar Lake), Tellico Lake, and Melton Hill Lake from the Clinch River
- Lenoir City is known as the “Lake Capital of the South” from the fact that Lenoir City is surrounded by 3 beautiful lakes which have many recreational outlets.
- Loudon County was established in 1870 from portions of Blount, Monroe, and Roane Counties
- Philadelphia is home to Sweetwater Valley Farm, working dairy farm and cheese plant. Annually, they produce 350,000 pounds of cheese (more than 20 flavors of cheddar and gouda) and welcome over 100,000 visitors.
- Tennessee Valley Winery in Loudon is one of the oldest-operating, family-owned wineries in the state of Tennessee. They offer approximately 20 varieties of wine with over 900 awards and accolades during their 35 years in business, including their wines served at The White House.
- Home of the East Lakeshore Trail System – 30 miles of hiking trails including 9 trailheads along Tellico Lake. Designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Recreation Trail.
- Loudon County is one of the 22 participants in Retire Tennessee and has one of the highest concentrations of retirees in the state of Tennessee.
- Loudon County is home to five master-planned communities: Avalon, Rarity Bay, Tellico Village, Tennessee National, and WindRiver
- Loudon County has five golf courses:
- Avalon Country Club (designed by Joseph L. Lee)
- Rarity Bay (DJ DeVictor and Peter Langham and covers 150 acres of rolling hills with beautiful views of Tellico Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains ,
- Tellico Village (three courses designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, architects of some of America’s greatest courses)
- Tennessee National (Greg Norman Signature Course)
- WindRiver (designed by Jack Nicklaus protege, Bob Cupp)
- Loudon County has six markers for the Tennessee Civil War Trails
- Greenback: National Campground, Morganton Crossing
- Lenoir City: Lenoir Plantation, Lenoir’s Station
- Loudon: Loudon Railroad Bridge
- Philadelphia: Battle of Philadelphia
- Loudon County has six quilt square locations on the Appalachian Quilt Trail
- Annual Lenoir City Arts & Crafts Festival – 2018 is the 56th Annual at Lenoir City Park – one of Tennessee’s longest-running arts and crafts festivals
- More than 14,000 visitors annually visit Dead Man’s Farm Haunted House
- Loudon is home to a Monterrey Mushroom farm (facility) – world-renowned as one of the largest producers and distributors of quality mushrooms. Although the facility does not offer tours to the public, they do occasionally sell fresh mushrooms from the guard gate. Call ahead to see when mushrooms will be available.
- Lenoir City is home to Wampler’s Farm Sausage, since 1937.
- Two local heritage museums, the Lenoir City Museum and the Greenback Museum.
- The Venue at Lenoir City opened in 2017 with 19,000 square feet of premium event space.
- These top regional attractions make great day trips for Loudon County visitors:
- Riding the challenging Tail of the Dragon mountain drive
- Exploring historic Fort Loudoun State Park
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