Land for Sale in Union County, Tennessee

TIMBER, FARMING & HUNTING TRACTS

Set in the foothills of East Tennessee, this area blends wooded ridges with fertile bottomland along the Clinch River. Timber tracts provide steady returns, while pasture and cropland support cattle and row crops. Norris Lake and Big Ridge State Park give the county a recreational draw that appeals to hunters, anglers, and vacationers. With a slower pace of life and easy access to Knoxville, land here balances investment potential with outdoor living.

Tennessee Trusted Land Professionals

Every county has its own feel — the land, the timber, the communities, and the opportunities that come with them. Working with people who know this ground firsthand makes everything easier. Whether you want to buy or sell, our team understands this county and how to match the right properties with the right buyers. They know the backroads, the soil types, the hunting spots, and the market trends that matter.

Why Union County Tennessee Land Attracts Buyers

Buyers come to this corner of East Tennessee for a simple equation: water, woods, and access. Norris Lake creates thousands of acres of shoreline recreation, while the Clinch River and local creeks feed bottomland that stays productive for hay, corn, and soybeans. Upland ridges hold mixed hardwood and pine that can be managed for future timber value and excellent deer and turkey habitat. All of it sits within an easy drive of Knoxville for jobs, hospitals, and supplies.

That blend supports many goals on the same tract. A small farm can carry cattle and produce hay while reserving draws and field edges as wildlife corridors. Larger holdings can rotate pine on the drier knobs, protect hardwood coves, and lease hunting access in the off season. Waterfront and lake-adjacent parcels add short term rental potential for cabins and camper sites. Whether you are after a homesite with acreage or a multi-use investment, Union County checks practical boxes without losing the lake-and-ridge feel people want.

Norris Lake, Clinch River, and Ridge Country: Natural Features That Sell

Water defines much of the value story here. Norris Lake is known for clear water and long coves that create tucked-away home sites and private boat access options. The Clinch River brings fertile floodplains for crops and pasture, plus cool tailwater stretches within a short drive for anglers. Between these waterways, a patchwork of wooded ridges and hollows offers cover, mast production, and view potential. Buyers use these natural pieces to stack revenue: farming, timber, rentals, and recreation on a single deed.
Norris Lake Shorelines

Miles of fingers and coves provide protected water for boating and fishing. Lake adjacency supports cabin sites, camper pads, and short term rentals with strong seasonal demand. Shoreline parcels often pair views with quick access to marinas.

Clinch River Bottoms

Alluvial soils favor hay, corn, and vegetables while supporting dependable pasture. Creek corridors add wildlife travel routes and small-scale irrigation options. Floodplain tracts work well for mixed-use farm operations.

Hardwood Ridges and Hollows

South- and west-facing slopes grow oak, hickory, and poplar that respond to selective harvest. North slopes and hollows hold moisture and mast, boosting deer and turkey use. Ridges offer cabin perches and long views toward the lake.

Timber, Cattle, and Lake Rental Investment Land

Union County supports a practical mix of land uses that hedge risk. Timber on upland acres can be thinned or clearcut on rotation, while streamside hardwoods are managed for long-term quality. Open ground near the river and along benches works for cattle and hay with simple fencing and water planning. Properties near recreation corridors can add short term rentals, RV pads, or seasonal cabin stays to capture lake traffic. Many buyers combine two or three uses for steady, year-round activity on the same parcel.
Managed Timber
Managed Timber

Mixed hardwood and pine stands allow flexible harvest plans. Thinnings create sunlight for forage and improve habitat while generating interim income. Leaving mast trees in draws maintains wildlife value and keeps options open for future selective cuts. Access roads built for timber also serve hunters and cabin construction, spreading cost across uses.

Cattle and Hay Farms
Cattle and Hay Farms

Bottoms and benchland support hay, corn silage, and grazing with straightforward infrastructure. Cross fencing and rotational grazing keep forage fresh and reduce inputs. Buyers often add a barn, catch pen, and simple water systems to scale up. Proximity to Knoxville markets and farm suppliers helps keep transport and service costs manageable.

Lake Cabins and Short Term Rentals
Lake Cabins and Short Term Rentals

Parcels near boat ramps and marinas can host cabins, tiny homes, or RV pads to serve seasonal visitors. Owners capture peak summer demand and shoulder-season fishing traffic. Good gravel access, clear signage, and a simple maintenance plan keep operations smooth while preserving privacy for the rest of the tract.

Hunting Land and Lake Fishing Near Norris Lake

Union County offers a reliable mix of whitetail, turkey, and small game supported by edge habitat between pasture and woods. Acorn flats, clearcuts, and old-field cover hold deer through fall, while creek bottoms and benches keep birds moving in spring. Anglers target smallmouth, largemouth, striped bass, and crappie on Norris Lake, with coves providing calmer water for family fishing. Many tracts let buyers hunt the ridges at dawn and be on the lake by lunch, a pairing that is hard to beat.
Whitetail Deer
Whitetail Deer

Mast-producing hardwoods and cutover regrowth provide feed and cover. Field edges and creek crossings make reliable stand sites across early bow and late rifle seasons.

Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey

Benches and logging roads offer natural strut zones. Mixed cover lets birds roost high and feed in bottoms, keeping action steady through the spring season.

Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

Clear water and rocky structure favor smallmouth, while coves and laydowns hold largemouth. Spring and fall bring strong bites around points, bluffs, and inflowing creeks.

Crappie
Crappie

Brush piles and docks in protected coves produce through cool months and prespawn. Light tackle and steady presentations keep fish coming for family-friendly limits.

Lake Life, Small-Town Roots, and Weekend Living

Community life here revolves around the water and the calendar. Local festivals, farmers markets, and church suppers mark the seasons, while marinas and lake restaurants buzz on warm weekends. Owners use acreage for gardens, sheds, and shop space, then keep the woods quiet for wildlife and privacy. The pace is slower, but not isolated, thanks to quick routes into Knoxville. For many buyers, that balance is the point: a place to work with your hands, host friends, and step onto the lake at first light.

Explore Land in Nearby East Tennessee Counties

Shoppers often compare Union County with its neighbors to fine-tune budget, terrain, and distance to Knoxville. These nearby counties offer similar mixes of farms, timber, and lake access with their own local twists.
Knox County

Closer to city services and employers, with strong buyer demand for small acreage homesites. Expect more competition near growth corridors and established school zones.

Land for Sale in Knox County, Tennessee
Anderson County

A mix of lake influence and industrial anchors with Oak Ridge nearby. Good options for timber, farms, and homesites within commuting distance.

Land for Sale in Anderson County, Tennessee
Grainger County

Known for open farmland and Holston River access. Larger tracts and strong agricultural character attract buyers seeking production ground and privacy.

Land for Sale in Grainger County, Tennessee

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What kind of fishing opportunities does Union County offer?

Union County is known for its access to Norris Lake, which is one of Tennessee’s top fishing lakes. Anglers can catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie throughout the year. The Clinch River also flows through the area, providing trout fishing opportunities downstream. Many land buyers look for tracts with creek frontage or lake access for private fishing spots.

What crops grow best in Union County farmland?

Local farms often produce corn, soybeans, and hay, which do well in the bottomland soils near the Clinch River. Pasture for cattle is another important land use. Some smaller farms also raise vegetables and orchard crops for local markets. Buyers looking for row crop farms will find soils capable of sustaining annual production.

Is poultry farming common in Union County?

Poultry production is less concentrated in Union County compared to other parts of Tennessee, but there are still growers operating poultry houses. The terrain is well-suited for smaller farms, and the proximity to markets in Knoxville makes poultry a viable option for investors.

What types of timber are found in Union County woodlands?

Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, and poplar are common, along with stands of loblolly pine on managed tracts. These forests support both long-term timber value and excellent wildlife habitat. Investors often look at managed pine for predictable returns and hardwood draws for hunting leases.

What wildlife species are most common for hunters?

Whitetail deer and wild turkey are the most pursued game in Union County. Small game like rabbit and squirrel are also abundant. Waterfowl opportunities are more limited but can be found in certain lake coves and wetlands near the Clinch River.

Can farmland here be enrolled in conservation programs?

Yes, Union County farmers can participate in USDA conservation programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) or Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). These programs provide payments for practices that improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

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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