~~PANTHER CREEK STATE PARK~~A TENNESSEE STATE BUDGET CASUALTY
Written: Sep 04 '01
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Pros: Spectacular views of the lake; hiking trails; shaded picnic areas; family friendly.
Cons: Residents are unable to visit this Tennessee state park as of 09-04-01.
The Bottom Line: Because of a Tennessee state budget crisis, Panther Creek State Park, along with 13 others, has been closed until further notice.
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| melissasrn's Full Review: Panther Creek State Park |
As of noon today (Tuesday, September 4, 2001), the gates were shut indefinitely in front of Panther Creek State Park. in west Hamblen County located in Morristown, Tennessee. Located about an hour's drive from The Great Smoky Mountains National Forest, this smaller state park is no longer open to the public. A sign notifying visitors that the park would be closed until further notice was also erected alongside these closed gates today. It seems that 1400 acre Panther Creek State Park, along with 13 other Tennessee state parks, has become the latest casualty in the Tennessee budget crisis. For last Thursday, Tennessee state governor, Don Sunquist, made the announcement that the 14 state parks total that are not financially self-supporting would be closed until next spring at the earliest. In what many are calling a political ploy used to gain support for a state income tax as Tennessee is one of the few states that do not have one, these closings are expected to save the state more than $3.2 million.
Needless to say, local regular visitors are stunned, saddened, and even angered by the closing of Panther Creek State Park. Over the many years that I've lived in Hamblen County, I've visited this park more times than I can count. As a newlywed, I remember attending my husband's company picnic here about 14 years ago as one of my very first visits and enjoyed the experience very much. Since then, we've also held many family birthday celebrations at Panther Creek State Park, visited the community swimming pool during the summer months, and have taken numerous hiking day trips along the many wooded trails in the fall. I, for one, have always taken for granted that this beautiful, recreation filled park would always be here for my family's enjoyment. Today's closing proves that this belief is no longer a valid one.
THE PARK'S HISTORY
Located near Cherokee Lake in the Panther Springs community of Hamblen County, Tennessee, one of this regions oldest settlements, Panther Creek State Park got it's name in a very unique manner. Around 1785, settlers from North Carolina came to the surrounding area, which had previously been inhabited by the Chickasaw Indians. At Panther Springs, early settlers ground corn with the help of the stream's current. The original mortar rock with its large concave depression used for this purpose can still be seen lying in the spring today. Legend has it that Colonel Bradley of Virginia shot a panther nearby which fell into the spring. Hence, this action is responsible for the naming of Panther Creek State Park.
CAMPING
Popular with campers, Panther Creek State Park contains 50 campsites located between the creek and wooded area that were available on a first come, first serve basis as reservations could not be made in advance. Each site has water and electrical hookups, and have a table and a grill set up as well. For the convenience of campers, two separate bathhouses are located nearby which contain showering and toileting facilities, as well as a dump station for those who travel with RV's. The maximum stay for each vehicle was two weeks before Panther Creek State Park closed it's gates today.
FISHING
Popular with those who love to fish as well, Panther Creek State Park is located on the banks of Cherokee Lake, which contains a good supply of bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, bream and rockfish. Catches of 20 and even 30 pound rockfish aren't unheard of by visitors to the park. Anyone over the age of 16 years must possess a valid temporary or annual Tennessee fishing license to fish here. The local commercial marinas are well stocked with fishing supply needs, and boaters can launch their own boats or rent them at these places if desired.
PICNICKING
Around 60 picnic tables with grills are located throughout the shady areas found in Panther Creek State Park for guest enjoyment. There are two main sections of the park that are specifically set aside for this purpose. Other larger pavilions were available for special gatherings (such as the company picnic I attended years ago) with a reservation. Drinking fountains, playgrounds, and restroom facilities are spread out along to way for the convenience of park visitors. Across from one of the picnic areas is a lookout area where guests can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake. This is the perfect spot for visitors to put their cameras to good use.
HIKING
Hikers will find 4 1/2 miles of wooded hiking trails inside Panther Creek State Park, which previously could be enjoyed all year long. The main trail begins at the campground location, which later branches out into several different directions. Wearing comfortable hiking shoes was must as these trails can get rather steep at times and would certainly give even the most fit of explorers a wonderful workout. Many forms of plant and animal life could be seen along the way, from wildflowers to very old trees to squirrels, birds, and even deer. The solitude found along the hiking trials found within Panther Creek State Park is what I'm going to miss the most, especially in the fall months when the colors are breath taking.
SWIMMING
A popular place for the local kids to gather and keep cool during those hot summer days was the fan-shaped swimming pool located close to the visitor's center and entrance gate at Panther Creek State Park. I remember spending hours basking by the crowded pool and then cooling off in the ice-cold water that came directly from the spring. A lifeguard was always on duty, and drinks and other refreshments could be purchased at the nearby concession stand.
SPORTING AREAS
Tennis courts, playgrounds, a softball field, and a soccer field, and large open grassy areas are all located throughout Panther Creek State Park as well. Recreation equipment could be checked out by guests at this popular youth gathering spot at no charge when the park was in operation. But because of today's closing, members of 20 local soccer teams will be forced to find a new place to practice. Walkers, bicyclists, and horseback riders will now have to find alternate facilities for their own activities too. And a gospel concert that was scheduled for later this week to be held at Panther Creek State Park will have to be cancelled or be moved to another location.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In closing, I'm deeply saddened and disappointed that Panther Creek State Park has become the latest casualty in the current so-called Tennessee budget crisis that is occurring within our Legislature. A special session to deal with this "budget disaster" and other related issues could happen as early as October if it can be arranged as many of our local citizens enjoy this park on a daily basis and naturally want it re-opened as soon as possible. For between 500,000 and 700,000 people visit Panther Creek State Park annually, with September and October being the busiest camping season as there is no other place on Earth like East Tennessee in the fall of the year for those looking to enjoy it's beautiful mountain scenery. Because of this, The Friends of Panther Creek Park have scheduled a meeting with State Representative Stancil Ford later this week to discuss the closing of the park. Any updates will be added as they become available. So, as the state of Tennessee closes the gates to Panther Creek State Park for an undetermined time frame, I urge everyone to no longer take for granted the state parks available in your area as I did, for you never know when something like this will happen to your community as well.
**Some information found within this review was taken from:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.asp?brd=1613
http://thesmokies.com/features/places/panther_creek/
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: September-November
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Overview
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