Rocky Top blends quiet living with outdoor destinations
Once called Coal Creek and then Lake City, Rocky Top got its current name in the 2010s when ambitious developers wanted the city to complement a proposed theme park. The name is taken from an Osborne Brothers song that University of Tennessee fans also use as a fight song. The theme park never took off, but the area isn’t lacking in recreation. This city of about 1,800 people is within a few miles of Norris Lake, where state parkland, marinas and resorts are found along more than 800 miles of shoreline. Otherwise, Rocky Top is a laid-back community, buffered from the busier pace of Knoxville. “My favorite thing is definitely Norris Lake and the country,” says Kim Taylor-Smith, a Realtor with Crye-Leike and Rocky Top resident. “Where I live, it feels like I’m 100 miles away from everything, but I’m 15 minutes from Walmart and Clinton.”
Homes are along quiet and hilly roads
Many homes in Rocky Top are along hilly and narrow roads with no sidewalks. While not every lot here is spacious, some may span a few acres. There are also some horse farms set against backdrops of wooded hills. Styles here include ranch-style, Craftsman, Colonial Revival and manufactured homes. Not counting investment properties, homes under 2,000 square feet mainly go from $160,000 to $300,000. A few larger homes run between $370,000 and $450,000, while some upscale and secluded properties can reach $700,000. Attractions like the lake also draw many part-time residents, with rentals making up nearly half of the city.
Norris Lake area is a hiking, biking and boating destination
Rocky Top is just west of Norris Lake, which has winding shores lined by oak forests. On the west end of the lake area, Norris Dam State Park has over 40 miles of trails that draw hikers and mountain bikers looking to trek through the woods. Pontoons and kayaks may be launched from the Norris Dam Marina, while anglers there can try to catch some bass. “There are tons of marinas on the lake and things to do during the summer,” Taylor-Smith says. “They’ll have boat runs from marina to marina and concerts on the lake, where they’ll have several bands come on one day.” The city has recreational amenities, too. The Rocky Top Splash Pad is a popular summer spot that neighbors a few baseball fields.
Main Street offers casual dining while neighboring cities add variety
The city also has several restaurants and shops right along Main Street. Morning commuters may start their day with a handcrafted drink and treat from Coal Creek Coffee. The Vols Diner is a casual University of Tennessee-themed restaurant serving classic American breakfasts and other options like burgers and onion rings. AJ’s Roadhouse is a late night spot where many can grab a beer and play pool. Those looking for more dining might need to make a short drive to Clinton, about 10 miles south. Popular spots in Clinton include Chunky Monkey Ice Cream & Cafe, which serves various frozen desserts. Clinton also provides a chain grocery store with Food City. For more chain retailers like Walmart, some will go to Oak Ridge, about 20 miles south.
Students may attend schools in Anderson and Campbell counties
Two districts serve the city due to its location in two counties. Anderson County Schools gets a B-minus from Niche, while Campbell County Public Schools receives a C. Lake City elementary and middle schools in Rocky Top get C-plus grades. Located in nearby Clinton, Anderson County High School receives a B. State champion in 2022, the high school’s football team is ranked among East Tennessee's top programs. The high school’s boys basketball squad also won a district title in 2024. Depending on where they live, other Rocky Students may attend Campbell County High School, which gets a C grade.
July 4 celebration has several activities
The city’s annual events include its July 4 celebration, which takes place at George Templin Athletic Field. The day-long festivity begins with a car show that's later followed by a children’s parade. Until the fireworks start, children may also play on inflatables, try to scale a rock wall and stop by a petting zoo. Attendees may also listen to live music.
Commuters have direct access to I-75
Residents need to drive to get around the area. Interstate 75 passes through the city, providing a direct route to downtown Knoxville, 25 miles south. With no hospitals in Rocky Top, Knoxville is one of the nearest places for major medical care. Marble City has North Knoxville Medical Center, nearly 20 miles south of Rocky Top. Knoxville is also just north of McGhee Tyson Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights.
Photography Contributed By
Randall Sartin
