Explore Tennessee River Valley

06/11/2026

Meanwhile on the Townsend side of the Great Smoky Mountains…



📸 Heather Hicks

06/04/2026

🎶 Mark your calendars for one of the South's most beloved music festivals! The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion returns September 11–13, 2026, bringing an incredible lineup to the streets of historic Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia.

This year's festival features headliners Sierra Ferrell, Old Crow Medicine Show, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Los Lobos, and The War and Treaty, along with fan favorites Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, The Del McCoury Band, and dozens more artists across multiple stages.

Hosted as a fundraiser for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of the region while showcasing some of today's most exciting Americana, bluegrass, folk, roots, and country artists.

🎵 Click the link to explore the festival and discover why Bristol is known as the Birthplace of Country Music!

Explore the range of experiences to be found in this spectacular geologically diverse valley sometimes called the Great Lakes of the South. From white water to flat water paddling; from bouldering to wildflower hikes; from wakeboarding to sailing, from bass fishing to fly fishing; from antiquing to....

06/04/2026

Celebrate National Trails Day at Rockpile Trail with a hands-on BioBlitz 🌿 Explore the trail, spot wildlife big and small, and help document nature in real time alongside fellow hikers, families, and curious minds.

Every step is a discovery! Come see what’s living along the trail! 🌱

05/28/2026

Adventure flows naturally at TVA's Tellico Dam and Reservoir, where accessible recreation and stunning scenery go hand in hand. 🌿💙

Stretching 33 miles along the Little Tennessee River into the mountains of the Cherokee National Forest, Tellico Lake is a favorite destination for fishing, boating, paddling and wildlife watching. ADA-accessible amenities include boat ramps above and below the dam, a fishing pier, paved trail, pavilion and water fountain, making it easier for more visitors to enjoy the outdoors.

Paddlers can explore the scenic Tellico Blueway, an easy 11-mile float trip perfect for canoes and kayaks, while hikers can enjoy the nationally recognized East Lakeshore Trail or discover the Beach Trail and Hall Bend Trail. 🛶🥾

The canal linking Tellico and Fort Loudoun reservoirs creates even more opportunities for recreation and makes this area a prime destination for fishing tournaments. Whether you're casting a line, spotting wildlife, exploring the trails or simply soaking in the mountain views, there's something here for every outdoor enthusiast. 🎣🦅

Pets are welcome too, as long as they stay leashed and follow Leave No Trace principles. 🐾 Go to tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org for more info!

05/27/2026

Looking for an accessible outdoor escape in East Tennessee? 🌿☀️ TVA’s Watts Bar Dam and Reservoir offers ADA-accessible amenities including a pavilion, restrooms, paved trail and accessible fishing access below the dam - making it a great spot to enjoy the beauty of the Tennessee River Valley.

Located between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Watts Bar Reservoir is a favorite for boating, fishing, camping, swimming and wildlife watching. The area is home to scenic overlooks, peaceful hiking trails and even the highest concentration of osprey nests in the TVA reservoir system! 🦅

Nature lovers can explore Whites Creek Small Wild Area, hike through the beautiful Fooshee Small Wild Area in search of bald eagles or enjoy the Forrest City Trail - TVA’s first ADA-equipped trail and a National Recreation Trail designation winner. The paved 0.3-mile loop is designed to meet all ADA standards and offers a relaxing way to experience the outdoors. 🚶‍♀️🌳

Pets are welcome too, as long as they stay leashed and follow Leave No Trace principles. 🐾 Click to read more: tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org.

05/26/2026

Looking for an accessible outdoor adventure in East Tennessee? 🌿☀️ TVA’s Melton Hill Dam and Reservoir offers beautiful views, peaceful recreation and a variety of ADA-accessible amenities including camping, fishing access, picnic areas, restrooms, a swimming beach, overlook and pavilion.

Located along the Clinch River near Knoxville, Melton Hill is the only dam with a lock in the Tennessee River Valley that’s not located on the main stem of the Tennessee River. Visitors can enjoy nearly 193 miles of shoreline, boating access, walking and biking routes, fishing for bass, crappie and sauger, plus scenic trails like the Worthington Cemetery Trail and Melton Hill Dam Reservation Trail. 🚴🎣🥾

Whether you’re planning a relaxing picnic by the water, a camping getaway or a day exploring the trails, Melton Hill Reservoir is a beautiful spot to enjoy the outdoors. Pets are welcome too (just keep them leashed and out of the beach area). 🐾

Go to tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org for more info!

05/21/2026

If you’re looking for a little slice of wild Alabama magic, put Bankhead National Forest at the top of your list. 🌲✨ This beautiful forest is packed with winding trails, towering trees, and some of the most peaceful scenery in the state.

And tucked right inside it is the showstopper: Sougahoagdee Falls 💦 A short hike leads you to this stunning waterfall that feels like something out of a fairytale - lush, hidden, and absolutely worth the adventure.

Pack your hiking shoes, bring your camera, and let nature do the rest. North Alabama beauty doesn’t get much better than this.



📸 dewey_paddles_and_hikes

05/21/2026

Hanging on until the weekend when we can explore again! 🐻 Go to tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org for ideas to get outdoors and explore the TRV!



📸

05/18/2026

Happy 93rd Birthday to the Tennessee Valley Authority! 🎉

For 93 years, TVA has helped shape the rivers, lakes, communities, and outdoor experiences that make East Tennessee so special. Here’s to the legacy behind our lakes and the generations still making memories on them today.

05/14/2026

Looking for a scenic outdoor adventure in Northwest Alabama? 🌿🥾 The Muscle Shoals Reservation Trail system is packed with more than 17 miles of paved and primitive trails waiting to be explored!

Stroll through the Native Plant Garden Trail, take in stunning views from the Wilson Dam Overlook Trail, wander across the Old Railroad Bridge Trail or discover hidden waterfalls near the Rockpile Recreation Area. 💦🌳 There’s even a playground modeled after Wilson Dam that makes this a fun stop for families!

History lovers will also enjoy the CCC Park, home to a pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, while nature enthusiasts can explore the Old First Quarters Small Wild Area, where rare walking ferns thrive along peaceful feeder creeks. 🍃

Whether you’re hiking, biking the paved sections or simply soaking in the beauty of the Tennessee River Valley, this trail system is full of hidden gems to discover. Go to www.tva.com/Environment/Recreation/TVA-Trails for