Make the most of your extended Independence Day weekend in Lakeside of the Smokies! This year, July 4th falls on a Thursday, giving you a chance to stretch out the festivities for a full four days. There are tons of things to do in Jefferson County to celebrate the fourth of July. So, head to the Lakeside of the Smokies and enjoy classic summer fun like fireworks, grilling out, and spending time on the lake! Check out the activities below to keep your family entertained all weekend long.
Jefferson County Fireworks Law
*In Jefferson County, it is legal to shoot fireworks outside the city limits. We ask that you enjoy any fireworks safely, being mindful of children and pets. *
Annual Independence Day Events
Jefferson County offers a variety of ways to celebrate Independence Day! Enjoy events happening around the county, or head out on the lake for some fun with your boat or a homemade decorations.
Swann’s Marina Fireworks
Enjoy the mesmerizing fireworks show from the comfort of your boat on the water on Thursday, July 4th at Swann’s Marinna. Fireworks typically begin around dusk. Prefer to watch from land? Parking is limited so arrive early!
Dandridge Yacht Club Boat Parade
Join the 38th annual Dandridge Yacht Club Boat Parade, the longest-running July 4th celebration on Douglas Lake! Decorate your boat to the and cruise alongside fellow enthusiasts. Participation is free, just meet at Point 8 across from Henderson Island on Thursday, July 4th at 11 am. The parade sets sail at noon – don’t miss the fun! For more information reach out to John Gans (954) 260-1546 or jeg614@ymail.com.
White Pine Independence Day Parade
The White Pine Independence Day Parade will take place on Thursday, July 4th at 10 am. Line up begins at 9 am at White Pine School and will end at the Ruritan Building. Visit town hall or whitepinetn.gov for applications.
Mossy Creek Independence Day Parade
The Historic Mossy Creek District will host an Independence Day Parade on Thursday July 4th. There will be activities and family fun all day! The celebration begins at 10 am with the parade to follow at 11am.
After the parade is over, we encourage you to hang out downtown and enjoy the fun restaurants & cute shops Mossy Creek has to offer.
Local Attractions
Lakeside of the Smokies is packed with summer fun for your entire family! Fill your long weekend with countless activities to create lasting memories.
Farmer’s Market
The Farmers Market in downtown Dandridge takes place every Saturday from April- October. Located at the corner of Meeting and Gay streets, grab some fresh vegetables for your cookout and trinkets from local artists to remember your trip.
Douglas and Cherokee Lakes
Boasting both Cherokee and Douglas Lakes, Jefferson County is a water lover’s paradise for summer fun! Douglas Lake, with its vast 550-mile shoreline, is a haven for watersports enthusiasts and anglers alike. Don’t miss the historic Dike that Saved Dandridge while exploring the lake. Cherokee Lake’s picturesque backdrop of rolling hills provides a stunning setting for all your lake activities. Both lakes are dotted with marinas, offering convenient boat rentals and on-the-water dining.
Fishing
Jefferson County offers fantastic, guided fishing trips on both Cherokee and Douglas Lakes. These expert anglers, with decades of experience on our lakes, will ensure a memorable adventure for the whole family. All equipment is provided, or you can bring your own. If you want to take it at your own pace, check out our fishing for beginners guide. Be sure to grab your camera and a fishing license before your trip!
Hiking Trails
Prefer to stay dry? Jefferson County is your gateway to the incredible hiking trails of East Tennessee! The Smoky Mountains features over 150 official trails, offering something for every skill level. If you’re looking for recommendations, consider the breathtaking views from Andrews Bald, the beauty of Rainbow Falls, or the challenging trek to Chimney Top. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park page to get information on all the trails, see closures, or trail advisories.
Driving Trails
Unveil the beauty and history of East Tennessee with Jefferson County’s four distinct driving trails! Each route offers an amazing experience:
- Rocky Top Trail: Journey through the stunning Smoky Mountains, into the foothills of East Tennessee. Along the way, stop for a taste of Southern hospitality at Bush’s Beans and explore the historic town of Dandridge.
- Sunny Side Trail: Looking for a taste of Appalachian charm? This trail winds through backroads, revealing charming small towns rich in history. You’ll encounter hidden gems and discover the stories woven into the landscape.
- White Lightning Trail: History buffs, this one’s for you! This trail follows the Moonshine-Running Corridor, uncovering the routes used by bootleggers during the Prohibition era. Explore the secrets and hidden hideouts used during that time.
- East Tennessee Crossing National Scenic Byway: Embark on a historic journey along Highway 25E, also known as the East Tennessee Crossing National Scenic Byway. This 83-mile stretch winds through the Cherokee National Forest, following the path of Native Americans, pioneers, hunters, and travelers for centuries.
Golfing
Love to Golf? Enjoy Jefferson County’s two scenic golf courses offering stunning mountain views and challenging play for all skill levels. Head to Core Golf Center to explore their top-notch practice facilities. Not only do they feature a traditional driving range and putting, but they have a TopTracer range. This allows you to virtually play some of the greatest courses in the world or challenge your family in some of the TopTracer game modes.
Looking for something a little more family friendly? Try your luck where the pros play. The Tennessee Pro Mini Golf tournament was proudly sponsored by Moss Creek Mini Golf for the past several years.
Up, Up and Away
Jefferson County offers a variety of ways to take to the skies! Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with Adventure Time Ballooning or What’s Up Ballooning and experience stunning views of the Smoky Mountains from a hot air balloon. Suprise your special someone with a Scenic Helicopter tour from Douglas Lake to Colley Hil Farm for a date-night picnic. Sky Dive East Tennessee is for the adrenaline junkies. After a brief training session, you’ll tandem jump from over two miles high, taking in panoramic mountain views as you parachute down.
Historical Activities
Jefferson County was established over 200 years ago. Our county is rich in history, and you can take some time to learn more about it by visiting some of these historical sites.
- Glenmore Mansion– Don’t miss this Victorian treasure! Seasonal tours are available Saturdays and Sundays. Cash payment required.
- Historic Mossy Creek Station– From vacant lots to a lively venue! This family- friendly spot offers outdoor movies. Parades, concerts, art events, and more.
- Battle of Dandridge– A pivotal Civil War battlefield where Longstreet’s army made a crucial stand during their retreat.
- TVA Dams- Built in the 1940’s Douglas and Cherokee Dams were a key part of the wartime effort, generating power for the Manhattan Project.
- Dandridge-TN’s second oldest city, named to honor Martha Dandridge Washington, wife of President George Washington, was established in 1783, thirteen years before Tennessee became a state.
- Bush Family Homestead– After your free tour of the Bush family homestead and museum, head over to the Bush Family Cafe to savor the taste of over 100 years of bean-making tradition. Maybe if you are lucky, Duke could be making a guest appearance!
- Jefferson County Courthouse– The courthouse serves as a county museum and holds records dating back to 1792.
- Historic Churches- There are over 75 churches in Jefferson County. Click here to see our top five must visit!
- Early Taverns of Jefferson County– Paving the way for commerce in Jefferson County, taverns were among the very first businesses to establish themselves, offering travelers a place to stay and rest.
- Quilt Squares of Jefferson County- Keep an eye out for hidden gems! Appalachian quilt squares, bursting with color, are painted on structures all around the county. Learn about the orginal six.
- Polly & Davy Crockett Marriage Site– See where Davy Crockett married his beloved Polly in 1806.
Holiday Weekend in Jefferson County
This Independence Day, stretch out the festivities for an unforgettable long weekend in Lakeside of the Smokies. Soak in the fireworks, barbecues, and endless lake fun. But the celebration doesn’t stop there! Jefferson County and Lakeside of the Smokies offer an endless amount of fun-filled adventures for your family. You can spend hours exploring our towns, enjoying recreational activities, or shopping ‘til you drop. Round at your afternoon at any number of our great places to eat with your family. We have dozens of cabins & cottages and RV parks & campgrounds to rest and recharge. Don’t wait too long to plan your next visit— We can’t wait to see you again!