Jefferson City, Tennessee, population of 8,015, is located in Jefferson County, TN and is 39.6 miles from Gatlinburg, TN. Jefferson City is home for Carson-Newman University.

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Jefferson City, Tennessee, population of 8,015, is located in Jefferson County, TN and is 39.6 miles from Gatlinburg, TN. Jefferson City is home for Carson-Newman University.

The closest airport to Jefferson City is Knoxville is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). The Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) airport is located in Sevierville.

Jefferson City Hotels >>

Douglas Lake; image by Jeaneane Payne

Jefferson City Attractions:

Cherokee Lake - Cherokee Dam is on the Holston River in East Tennessee, 52 miles upstream from the point at which the Holston and French Broad rivers converge to form the Tennessee River. Cherokee Reservoir is named for the tribe of Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The Great Indian Warpath, once followed by Daniel Boone, crossed the basin now filled by the reservoir. This is a popular recreation destination. Along its shoreline are public access areas, county and municipal parks, commercial boat docks and resorts, a state park and a state wildlife management area. There are many tent and trailer sites for campers. Fishing is popular at Cherokee. The reservoir’s fish population is very similar to that found in other East Tennessee reservoirs—black bass, sauger, walleye, crappie, various sunfish and the usual rough-fish species.

Douglas Lake - Douglas Dam is on the French Broad River in East Tennessee. The reservoir extends 43 miles upriver from the dam through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. With its backdrop of the Smokies, Douglas Reservoir is a popular recreation destination, known for picnicking, camping, boating and fishing. Birdwatchers enjoy the fall migration of shore birds, wading birds and other waterfowl that flock to Douglas from late July to early October. The birds rest and feed on the muddy shoreline and in areas of shallow water exposed as the level of the reservoir is lowered to winter flood control levels.

Jefferson City Festivals:

Annual Hometown Christmas - Live entertainment, giveaways, food, family-friendly fun, and a night parade. The parade begins at Mossy Creek Station after dark and winds its way through the community. Parade floats and participants will *sparkle* with holiday lights and glow-in-the-dark designs.

Old Time Saturday Festival - This is Jefferson County’s largest annual festival and features craftsmen and vendors from throughout the region. Thousands of neighbors will once again fill the streets of downtown Jefferson City to honor its rich history as the once-bustling center of town. Be part of this fun-filled day and enjoy music, food, handmade crafts, and more.