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Located less than an hour away from Knoxville, Roane County occupies a unique perch in the Tennessee Valley, sheltered by the Cumberland Plateau to the west and in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains to the east. Comprising five distinct communities and swaths of land in between, it’s an outdoor playground for your vacation in East Tennessee. Its county seat, Kingston, brims with green space galore, with a wide variety of things for families to do.
Roane County’s location at the crossroads of Interstate 40 and 75 makes it easily accessible for a large population of the country traveling by car. For those arriving by plane, it’s only a half-hour from McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, just south of Knoxville.
Intrigued by this diverse landscape cozied up to the Appalachian Mountains? Here are some fun travel facts about Roane County to keep in mind as you plan your next trip to Tennessee.
Welcome To Roane County
Outdoor Adventure Activities in Roane County
Roane County’s shining jewel is Watts Bar Lake, an expansive 39,000-acre lake with more than 700 miles of shoreline. Tennessee’s mild temperatures mean you can make the most of Watts Bar Lake’s recreational offerings – including boating, sailing, waterskiing and fishing – year round. Roane County is also an access point on the Tennessee RiverLine, a continuous trail that snakes its way along the Tennessee River from its formation in Knoxville to the confluence of the Ohio River in Kentucky.
Parks and Trails in Roane County
With 16,000 acres of public parks and wildlife areas, 30 miles of paved or marked trails and a dog park, Roane County takes its outdoors seriously. If you prefer swinging a club or tossing a disc, you can take advantage of the five golf courses and two disc-golf courses, as well as the many other sports facilities sprinkled throughout Kingston and Oak Ridge.
STEM Experiences in Roane County
While the pull of the outdoors in Roane County is worth the trip alone, our community also stands at the forefront of science and innovation. As the gateway to Oak Ridge and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Roane County celebrates a legacy of discovery that continues today through world-class research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and hands-on STEM education that inspires the next generation of innovators. Visitors can explore this rich history and forward-looking spirit at the K-25 History Museum and the new Innovation Space, where science and creativity come to life.
Roane County Comprises Five Interesting Communities
While Oak Ridge and Kingston are more well-known outside of Roane County, its three other historic towns are worthy of a deeper dive, as well. The planned community of Harriman dazzles with Victorian architecture –100 properties of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places – and antiquing aplenty. A former coal mining town, Oliver Springs, too, is widely known for its collection of historic buildings. In Rockwood, much of the activity revolves around recreation because of easy access to both Watts Bar Lake and Mount Roosevelt Wildlife Management Area.
Where to See Live Music in Roane County
Roane County is renowned for its vibrant music, and Roane County proudly reflects that spirit with vibrant performances and community events around every corner. Enjoy live music year-round at standout venues like Cofer’s Garage in Rockwood, Tri-Dog in Harriman, the historic Princess Theatre in Harriman and the scenic amphitheater in Kingston. You’ll also find local charm at the Bradbury Community Club in Kingston and waterfront entertainment at the Rockwood Marina – perfect spots for gatherings, concerts and festivals.
Roane County hosts more than 450 events and festivals annually. Highlights include Hooray for Harriman in downtown Harriman each Labor Day, Rockin’ the Ramp at Tom Fuller Park the Saturday before Labor Day, the October Sky Festival in Oliver Springs, and the Smokin’ the Water July 4th Festival in Kingston.
Plan your trip to Roane County for a mix of outdoor adventure, high caliber live music, spirited festivals and fascinating historical museums.
