NEW CENTER

Sevier County, like much of rural Tennessee, is comprised of a barrage of unincorporated settlements dispersed throughout the county. The New Center community is one such settlement. From its beginnings as a traditional subsistence-based farming community, New Center has grown into a beautiful residential destination located just off the outskirts of the City of Sevierville. Appealing to many, is the rapid growth of well-maintained neighborhoods ideally located to one of the county's top accredited schools, New Center Elementary. New Center residents boast about the famous Harrisburg Covered Bridge which has been listed in the Register of Historic Places since 1975. This grand example of a covered timber truss bridge was destroyed on February 25, 1875 during a great flood in Sevier County. Stephenson Early, a resident of Harrisburg, rebuilt the bridge later in 1875. Today, the Harrisburg Covered Bridge remains the only surviving bridge in Sevier County and is still being utilized by both foot traffic and vehicles. The overwhelming growth of the New Center area can be linked to people relocating from other communities who desire clean air, affordable housing and scenic landscapes.

EDUCATION

Education has always been a priority for the residents of the New Center area. Like all of the schools in Sevier County, New Center School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This K-8 school recently received top honors as being named the top ranked school in Sevier County based on standard test scores. Nestled in the heart of the New Center community, New Center School is a school devoted to educational excellence. Their mission is to produce active, lifelong learners with the skills necessary to be self-directed, productive, respectful, and responsible citizens.


FORBIDDEN CAVERNS

The majority of the caves in the United States are located in Tennessee. One of the most famous is known as Forbidden Caverns. Forbidden Caverns is located in the New Center area and provides visitors with an entertaining, yet educational tour, which includes towering natural chimneys, sparkling formations, numerous grottos and a crystal clear stream. For a more dramatic tour, special lighting and sound effects are used. The approach to the caverns is through a picturesque valley that affords a beautiful view of the majestic LeConte range and English Mountain of the Smokies.


ENGLISH MOUNTAIN

There is a very special place tucked away in the mountains of East Tennessee known as English Mountain. English Mountain diplays lush, green grass and beautiful, clear skies. You can enjoy some of the most magnificent views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are many hiking trails and nature walks which boast the abundance and diversity of plant and animal life. Located in the heart of the English Mountain area lies a research facility geared toward the study and encouragement of academic conservation. English Mountain is rich in the natural resources of the indispensable in the ongoing study of the area. Ideally located, English Mountain is only minutes from the hustle and bustle of nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Knoxville, home of the University of Tennessee, is also only about 40 minutes away where you can enjoy many cultural evenings out. Heading east from English Mountain is Asheville, North Carolina, known as one of the most artistic cities in the region. It serves as the home to the Highland Crafts Guild and the world famous Biltmore House, a 125,000 acre estate built by George Vanderbilt over 110 years ago and once the largest private residence in the United States.