Discover Loudon
16 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
East Lakeshore Trail Mizell Trailhead
Shoreline trail along Fort Loudoun Lake offering calm-water reflections, marsh grasses, boardwalks and scattered trees — great for sunrise/sunset color, mirror reflections and birdlife. Small parking lot at Mizell Trailhead (off Jackson Bend Rd); trail is easy and mostly flat, suitable for walk-ins and light gear. Best at golden hour or on overcast days for saturated colors; weekdays or early mornings avoid anglers and walkers. No entry fee; respect local anglers and wildlife.
Hall Bend Trailhead
Wooded riverfront trailhead offering river-bend vistas, sandstone outcrops, wetlands and forest scenes — good for landscape and nature shots. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on the water and rock; fall foliage adds color. Trailhead has small parking area (street parking may be limited); trails are mostly moderate dirt paths that can be muddy after rain. No entry fees; popular with local hikers and anglers so weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Bring insect repellent and wear
East Lakeshore Trail Coytee Loop Trailhead
Small trailhead on Fort Loudoun Lake offering shoreline vistas, wooded loop trails and reflexive water scenes. Best for sunrise and golden hour when low-angle light lights the lake and tree lines; fall foliage and misty mornings are especially photogenic. Parking available at the lot on Coytee Rd; no formal fee. Trails are moderate dirt paths—wear good shoes and insect repellent. Weekday mornings are quieter; expect limited facilities.
Coytee Road Parking and Trailhead
Small parking area and trailhead giving access to wooded Appalachian foothill trails, seasonal wildflowers, creek crossings and layered forest scenes. Best for intimate landscape and nature shots—spring blooms, late‑summer greens, and strong autumn color. Arrive at sunrise or golden hour for soft side lighting; weekday mornings avoid limited parking and hikers. Trail is unpaved; wear boots and carry water. No special permits for day use, but practice Leave No Trace.
Glendale Trailhead & Parking
Small trailhead on Glendale Community Rd serving forested trails into the foothills of the Great Smokies. Photographers can capture mixed hardwood forests, creek crossings, seasonal wildflowers and layered mountain ridgelines. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side-lighting and long shadows; spring and fall offer blooms and foliage color. Easy roadside parking with a small lot; no fees. Trails can be muddy after rain—wear boots and allow 20–60 min hikes to reach stronger vistas. A
Tellico Dam Parking Area
Tellico Dam parking area offers close-up views of the dam, spillway, and broad Tennessee River — great for dynamic water motion, reflections, and industrial-landscape contrasts. Easy roadside parking with short walks to viewpoints; no permits required. Best at sunrise for warm side-light on concrete and calm water, or blue hour for long exposures of flowing spillways. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds; expect changing water releases and variable winds.
Wampler Keith Park
Small community park with mature trees, trails and river/shoreline access—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal foliage, and golden-hour skies. Easily walkable with on-site parking and no fee; best visits at sunrise or sunset for warm light and reflections. Weekdays and early mornings minimize families and dog-walkers. Accessible paths but bring insect repellent in summer.
Legion Park
Small riverside park on the Tennessee River offering open water vistas, a boat launch, pavilion and tree-lined paths. Shoot wide river panoramas, golden-hour reflections, seasonal foliage and occasional boating activity. Easy public access with roadside parking; no entry fee. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and calm water; weekdays are quieter. Pavement and short trails make most areas accessible.
Tellico BeachFamily Park
Small lakeside park on Tellico Lake featuring a dock, shoreline, grassy picnic areas and tree lines — ideal for golden-hour reflections, sunset silhouettes and serene water compositions. Easy roadside access with small parking lot; typically free entry. Best at sunrise for calm water and at sunset for warm skies; weekdays and off-season reduce crowds. Seasonal foliage adds color; watch for boat wakes and changing light on the water.
Liberty Park
Small riverside community park offering open lawns, mature trees, river reflections and views of Loudon’s riverfront and downtown. Good for golden-hour landscapes, seasonal foliage, casual portraits and event coverage. Easily accessible with free on-site parking, no entry fee; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Weather is typical of East Tennessee—clear mornings for reflections, autumn for color.
Veterans Park Loudon Tn
Small riverfront park on the Tennessee River featuring a veterans memorial, grassy riverbank, boat dock and walkway — good for reflective waterscapes, intimate memorial portraits and seasonal foliage. Best at golden hour (sunrise for calm water, sunset for warm backlight). Easy flat access and on‑street parking at 300 Wharf St; wheelchair friendly paths. No entry fee; community events occur on weekends so weekdays or early mornings are quieter.
Canal Branch Parking & Trailhead
Small parking lot and trailhead giving access to the Canal Branch waterway and riverside trails. Expect wooded paths, marshy edges and reflective water channels good for intimate landscapes, water reflections and birdlife. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and glassy water; late winter/early spring for clearer views and migrating waterfowl. Accessible via paved lot at 8670 US‑321; short walks from parking but trails can be muddy—wear boots. No fees; quiet on weekday mornings.
Loudon Theatre
Small-town historic theatre with a classic marquee and period facade — great for architectural details, vintage signage, and event-night atmosphere. Best shot at golden hour for warm light on brick, or after dark when the neon marquee pops. Easily accessible on Grove St with street parking; interior access may be limited to events—contact box office for permission. Weeknights are quieter; plan around local shows for candid crowd and stage shots.
Downtown Loudon
Compact historic downtown with brick storefronts, a small-town Main Street vibe, seasonal murals and river views nearby — ideal for street and architectural shots. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm facades and lit shopfronts. Walkable with public street parking and small lots; no entry fees. Weekday mornings are quiet; festivals bring color but crowds.
Glendale Branch Trailhead
Small, wooded trailhead leading into rural East Tennessee forest—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots: creek crossings, mossy logs, dense tree canopies and seasonal wildflowers or fall color. Accessible from a roadside parking area; bring a vehicle suitable for gravel. Best light is early morning or late afternoon golden hour; weekdays avoid local hikers. No formal entry fee but limited facilities and cell signal may be weak.
Loudon Parks & Recreation
Small town riverside park with open lawns, riverfront views and mature trees — good for landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal color and community activity. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and river reflections; weekdays or early mornings avoid families and ball games. Easy access with roadside parking and walking paths; no entry fee. Expect mixed weather; fall and spring offer strongest foliage and skies.