Perhaps the nicest thing about Lone Mountain is that it is the perfect place to do absolutely nothing! But, there are lots of things to do for kids and adults.
The all-time favorite for kids is walking the tracks and placing pennies on the rails to be smashed – or just exploring the area in general. As they get older, they may venture further down the tracks to the trestle over Norris Lake, where the boldest jump off. There is a rumor that a family Octogenarian even took the plunge in July of 2013!
A highlight is always climbing to the top of the Fire Tower. The views are always spectacular!
Besides all the traditional pleasures of enjoying the old homeplace with family, and the many activities for outdoor enthusiasts, there are other attractions nearby.
Norris Landing Marina
Go past the Payne Cemetery and the old Greer/Jenkins house on the newly paved road until you get to Norris Lake Marina. It takes about five minutes. Here’s a Video! They have boat and pontoon rentals, a convenience store (ice!), and a very nice, family-friendly restaurant called Jimmy’s Place.
Boat Rental
Jimmy’s Place
Woodlake Golf Course
About a mile from the Lone Mountain House is Woodlake Golf Course. Since 2000, visitors have played the beautiful course that overlooks Norris Lake. Golf and Fishing packages are available, and lodging is available. There is a Grill for light meals and snacks during the day, and a New Steakhouse on premises as well.
Clinch Mountain Winery
“Just far enough off the beaten path to keep your drive interesting, Clinch Mountain Winery blends whimsical serendipity with the warmth and charm of an old time country store. Founded in 1998, the small, family owned winery produces over 23 wines, each with its own distinct characteristics and colorful names, like the playful and lighthearted Hound Dog Red.
Clinch Mountain Winery uses only Tennessee grown grapes. Six varieties of grapes are grown at the family’s Forge Ridge vineyard near Harrogate, Tennessee. Every bottle is corked by hand and labeled with pride. The winery also stocks a large variety of Tennessee made foods, local crafts, and unique gifts. We invite you to come and sample our wines. Stroll the shaded porch, browse the family’s extensive and unique collection of antiques. Let yourself be taken back in time to another era, before computers, fax machines, and cell phones, when life really was simpler.”
Cumberland Gap
A mere 25 minutes away from Lone Mountain is Cumberland Gap National Park. The historic significance of this area to our country, and our ancestors who first came to East Tennessee cannot be overstated. A good article about it for kids (as well as adults) is found here.
Byrd Payne great-great grandson, Ash Torres, age six, went on one of the tours of Gap Cave in 2013. (formerly known as Cudjo’s Cave, but it uses a different entrance. (You should definitely make advanced reservations for this, as the tours fill quickly.) Ash was so impressed with it that he wrote this essay the next fall when he started Second Grade:
While at Cumberland Gap National Park, don’t miss the panoramic view from the Pinnacle!
All in all, there is more to do at Lone Mountain that you could fit in one trip. Come and enjoy!