Land for Sale in Tennessee

Land for Sale in Jefferson County, Tennessee

FARMLAND, WATER ACCESS, HUNTING

Open farmland stretches between Douglas and Cherokee Lakes in East Tennessee, where agriculture still drives the local economy. Jefferson County supports a mix of cattle, hay, and row crops, and it’s known for its dairies, small grains, and tobacco fields. Poultry operations are also expanding. The area draws land buyers with access to TVA-managed lakes, scenic riverbanks, and rural space close to Knoxville. Historic sites and annual events like the Jefferson County Fair reflect the county’s deep roots in East Tennessee culture.

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Why Jefferson County Tennessee Land Attracts Buyers

Jefferson County sits in the Tennessee Valley with two major TVA lakes, rich bottomland, and proximity to Knoxville. Buyers are drawn to the diversity here: small family farms, commercial poultry sites, and timbered tracts with river frontage. The agricultural base is strong, with a focus on cattle, hay, corn, and wheat. Poultry farming has grown with contract broiler houses increasing in number across the county. Recreation is another draw. Douglas and Cherokee Lakes offer excellent public access for boating, fishing, and shoreline hunting. Properties near these lakes often include timber, pasture, and access to waterfowl flyways or creeks. Buyers also like the county’s sense of place. Dandridge is one of Tennessee’s oldest towns, with preserved brick streets, Appalachian culture, and annual festivals that celebrate the county’s identity. Whether buying for farm income, homesteading, or investment, land in Jefferson County brings versatility. It's easy to find tracts with both cleared and wooded acreage, and with rural zoning, many buyers use land here for multiple purposes. The mix of economic stability, regional culture, and recreation makes it one of East Tennessee’s most compelling rural markets.

Natural Features That Make Jefferson County Land Stand Out

Jefferson County’s natural features offer more than scenic value. With both the French Broad and Holston Rivers flowing through the area, the land supports wetlands, rich floodplains, and a variety of habitats. Cherokee and Douglas Lakes offer thousands of acres of shoreline, attracting waterfowl, eagles, and fish. The area's gentle elevation shifts and fertile soils support strong pasture and crop ground, making it ideal for those looking to invest in productive farmland with recreational benefits.
Douglas Lake

Douglas Lake covers more than 28,000 acres and touches multiple corners of the county. Its shallow coves and long shorelines provide ideal conditions for fishing, birdwatching, and boating.

French Broad River

This major tributary flows across southern Jefferson County. Its banks include hardwoods and riparian buffer zones that support deer, turkey, and small game. It's also a scenic draw for buyers.

Wetlands and Sloughs

Backwater areas near lakes and rivers create valuable habitat for ducks and migratory birds. These pockets also support amphibians, wood ducks, and native fish nurseries.

Farming, Poultry, and Lakefront Investment Land

Jefferson County’s land base serves multiple investment types. Crop farms focus on corn, soybeans, and small grains. Cattle operations dominate upland pasture, and newer poultry houses support broiler production. Lakefront and river-access tracts are popular for buyers seeking both recreation and value appreciation. Rural zoning allows flexibility, and many parcels support mixed use. Proximity to Knoxville also makes small acreage ideal for transitional or homestead buyers looking for space without isolation.
Crop Farm
Row Crop Farming

Jefferson County produces corn, soybeans, and wheat on thousands of acres. Bottomland and upland fields both contribute to yields. Farms here typically rotate small grains and legumes, with some burley tobacco still in production. Irrigation from nearby lakes helps some row crop acreage, especially during drier months. Land buyers can find parcels with long-term production history and existing infrastructure like bins or barns.

Poultry Farm
Poultry Operations

Broiler houses in Jefferson County are growing in number, especially near New Market and Strawberry Plains. Integrators work with growers to supply contract-ready birds, and the area supports expansion with feed, labor, and transport access. Buyers looking to invest in poultry can find properties with existing houses or suitable acreage to build. Many farms also raise cattle or grow hay to complement poultry income.

Lakefront Land
Lakefront and Recreational Tracts

Douglas and Cherokee Lakes offer buyers access to recreational land with long-term value. Some tracts have direct frontage or lake views, while others include wooded areas for hunting. These properties are often used for cabins, weekend retreats, or future development. Investors also purchase for leasing, as lake-adjacent land holds strong appeal for seasonal renters and sportsmen. TVA easements should be reviewed before building near the shoreline.

Wildlife, River Habitat, and Waterfowl in Jefferson County

Wildlife habitat in Jefferson County ranges from riverbanks and wetlands to mixed timber and crop edges. Bald eagles and osprey nest along Cherokee and Douglas Lakes. Creek bottoms host mink, otter, and beavers. Birders and waterfowl hunters value the sloughs and backwaters near the French Broad River. These natural features support strong hunting and viewing opportunities, with habitat suited for deer, turkey, ducks, and more.
Turkey
Turkey

Eastern wild turkeys thrive in Jefferson County’s mix of pasture and woods. Spring hunts are productive, especially near rivers and old-field edges.

Waterfowl
Ducks

Wood ducks, teal, and gadwalls use sloughs and backwater coves near Douglas Lake. These seasonal wetlands attract birds during fall and early winter migrations.

Bald Eagle
Bald Eagles

Nesting bald eagles are a common sight near the Holston and French Broad Rivers. They hunt fish from lakebanks and raise young in tall lakeside pines.

Fishing
Fishing

Douglas and Cherokee Lakes are prime fishing waters for bass, catfish, and crappie. Both reservoirs host tournaments and offer ample public access.

Historic Roots and Small-Town Culture Add to the Land Appeal

Jefferson County holds deep historical roots in East Tennessee. Dandridge is one of the oldest towns in the state, with a town square dating back to the late 1700s. The courthouse and brick storefronts feel untouched by time. Throughout the year, the area hosts community fairs, bluegrass events, and Civil War reenactments that give buyers a sense of culture tied directly to the land. This cultural richness adds value to rural tracts beyond farming or recreation. Buyers who want a place to raise kids, retire, or invest in long-term land will find an area that still feels tied to its Appalachian heritage. From lakeview lots to dairy farm acreage, there’s land here with more than surface value.

Land for Sale in Nearby East Tennessee Counties

Jefferson County shares borders with other rural counties offering farmland, hunting tracts, and lake access. Here are nearby counties worth considering for land purchases in East Tennessee.
Sevier County

Known for its foothill farms and proximity to the Smokies, Sevier County also offers pastureland and timber tracts with tourism potential.

Land for Sale in Sevier County, TN
Hamblen County

Hamblen County includes fertile farmland, Cherokee Lake frontage, and strong poultry infrastructure near Morristown.

Land for Sale in Hamblen County, TN
Grainger County

Grainger County offers open farmland and scenic lakefront with a long agricultural tradition, especially in cattle and tomatoes.

Land for Sale in Grainger County, TN

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What kind of fishing is available in Jefferson County TN?

Jefferson County gives anglers year-round access to both Douglas and Cherokee Lakes. These TVA reservoirs are known for crappie, striped bass, sauger, and blue catfish. You’ll also find strong largemouth and smallmouth populations depending on season and water conditions. The lakes attract locals and out-of-town fishermen alike, with easy boat ramps and public access points throughout the county.

Are there any notable records for hunting or fishing in the area?

Douglas Lake is a frequent site for Tennessee’s top crappie hauls, with some of the best spring action in the state. In terms of hunting, turkey hunters in Jefferson have bagged some high-ranking birds, especially in the Holston River basin. The area’s river bottoms and farm edges create strong habitat for larger toms during the spring season.

What crops grow best in Jefferson County TN?

The best row crops in Jefferson County are corn, soybeans, and small grains like wheat and oats. The land’s fertile bottom soils and moderate elevation help with consistent yields. Some farms still plant burley tobacco, and silage corn for livestock is common too. Hayfields are widespread and support both cattle and horse operations.

Is Jefferson County known for poultry farming?

Yes, poultry has been growing in the area. Contract broiler operations are scattered across the county and make up a growing share of farm receipts. Some farms combine poultry houses with cattle or row crop acreage. The region’s infrastructure and access to integrators have helped expand poultry across East Tennessee.

Are there any rare or unique wildlife species in the area?

Jefferson County hosts bald eagles, which nest along the lakes and rivers in winter and early spring. The Holston River and shorelines around Douglas Lake support migratory waterfowl like gadwalls and blue-winged teal. Wood ducks and green herons are regulars in smaller creeks and backwater sloughs. You might even spot a mink or river otter near calmer banks.

What kinds of habitat are found on rural land in the county?

You’ll find a mix of pasture, crop fields, lakefront timber, and riparian zones. Areas near the lakes have brushy wetlands and backwater edges that attract ducks and wading birds. Farm parcels often include hedgerows or fencerows, which support turkey, foxes, and songbirds. Bottomland hardwoods near the Holston and French Broad Rivers are great spots for hunting and wildlife watching.

Explore Land Opportunities in Nearby Counties

Tutt Land Company offers a wide range of properties in neighboring counties. Whether you're interested in hunting land, timber tracts, or rural homesites, our extensive portfolio has something to suit your needs. Explore our current listings in nearby counties to find the perfect property for you.

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Whether you're selling pastureland in Bedford County, timber acreage in Wayne, a poultry farm in Giles, or hunting property in Hardeman—Tutt Land Company has you covered. With 80+ years of experience buying, managing, and marketing rural land across Tennessee, we specialize in turning local properties into statewide opportunities.

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