Sunflowers are one of the most beloved summer flowers, attracting photographers and siteseers both far and wide. East Tennessee has many expansive sunflower fields that are perfect for family photos and exploration.
If you plan to take photos, the best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. If you visit mid-day, the high sun will be too harsh and your photos will be over exposed and off-color.
When Will the Sunflower Fields Be in Bloom?
In East Tennessee, sunflowers can bloom throughout the summer and into early fall. The peak of the season is usually in mid-summer, around late June through early July. The length of the in-bloom season for each individual field will depend on which type of sunflower is planted.
Why Are Sunflower Fields Important?
Planting sunflowers is a great way to attract pollinators, like bees, butterflies, and moths, to the area. Once the pollinators come to an area, they are able to pollinate nearby fruit and veggie plants on local farms, which helps them to grow.
Pollinators are responsible for producing approximately 1/3 of the foods we eat every day.
If you’d like to attract pollinators to your own vegetable garden, the website Native Plant Finder is an excellent resource. Type in your zip code and it will tell you exactly which types of plants will attract local butterflies, everyone’s favorite pollinators!
Do’s and Dont’s for Your Visit
Don’t
- Don’t pick the sunflowers unless you are at one of the pick-your-own farms. Picking the flowers damages the habitat for pollinators.
- Don’t leave any trash behind, especially because many of these fields are hosted by gracious private residents.
Do
- Enjoy the view.
- Take photographs.
- Respect the wildlife.
- Enjoy the time with your family and make wonderful memories!
The fields below are separated by area, for your convenience. This includes Knoxville, Chattanooga and Tri-Cities. At the bottom of the page, you will also find fun activities you can do with your kids in preparation for your trip to the sunflower field.
Knoxville Area Sunflower Fields
Forks of the River WMA
- Location: 3140 McClure Ln, Knoxville,
This fantastic sunflower field is absolutely gigantic. The field is maintained by TWRA and is open to the public. See photos and read our review at the link above. This field hosts a fun Sunflower Festival each year the field is planted.
Rocky Hill Flower Farm
- Location: 1400 Davis Lane, Knoxville
This pick-your-own flower farm offers a wide variety of flowers to choose from, including a gorgeous field of sunflowers.
Maryville City
- Location: Intersection of Sevierville Rd. and Nina Delozier Rd.
This field is planted at a private residence, but they put up a sign saying that courteous photographers and sightseers are welcomed. There is no designated parking, so you will have to find a safe location to park along the shoulder of Nina Delozier Rd.
Oakes Farm
- Location: 8240 Corryton Rd, Corryton
While primarily a pick-your-own pumpkin farm, this location also offers a beautiful pick-your-own sunflower field that is the perfect place for summer photos!
Kyker Farms
- Location: 938 Alder Branch Rd, Sevierville
This location, while primarily a pumpkin farm, has a nice selection of sunflowers surrounding their corn mazes.
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Chattanooga Area Sunflower Fields
Ooltewah Sunflower Field
- Location: Smith-Perry Berries Farm, 9626 Ooltewah Georgetown Rd, Ooltewah
In addition to pick-your-own strawberries, this fantastic farm also has a gigantic sunflower field that is perfect for photography. You can also pick the sunflowers by the bucket full for a small fee!
Reds Hay Farm
- Location: Highway 58, Ooltewah, TN
Meet the newest sunflower farm on the block. This gorgeous field is surrounded by stunning mountain views, which will make your photos even more amazing! While the field is open to the public, professional photographers must book an appointment and use at the “photographers only” field, which does require a small fee.
Mayfield Farms
- Location: 257 TN-307, Athens
This fun East TN farm usually has a stunning sunflower field as well as a corn maze, and pumpkin patch.
Crab Tree Farms
- Location: 1000 E 30th St, Chattanooga
This farm, which specializes in plant sales, regularly plants a large field of gorgeous sunflowers!
Copper Creek Farm
Location: 1514 Reeves Station Rd, Calhoun, GA
This stunning pick-your-own sunflower field is the perfect way to spend a lazy family Saturday. Flowers are picked by the bucket full. During picking season, there are also hayrides, a petting zoo, concessions, and more! This farm is 50 minutes outside of Chattanooga, and is totally worth the drive!
Tri-Cities Area Sunflower Fields
Mill Springs Farm
Location: 915 Mill Springs Rd, Jonesborough
This stunning farm offers both summer blooming and fall blooming sunflower fields. Individuals are free to come view the sunflowers without an appointment. Photographers must make an appointment and pay the $25/hr fee.
Cleek Farms
- Location: 2233 Cleek Rd, Kingsport
While primarily a pumpkin patch and corn maze, this farm plants beautiful sunflowers around their corn fields.
Reds Hay Farm in Ooltewah TN will have sunflowers blooming within the next 1-2 weeks! W
Thanks. This field looks amazing!! I added it in. 🙂
Are there any fields that are in bloom now?
Rocky Hill Flower Farm has sunflowers in bloom right now. 🙂
Are there any fields in bloom now?
I think the summer fields are winding down, but the fall fields should start blooming by late August – September. I have linked to the websites for each of the fields. Click on any of the links to see the most up-to-date status for each individual field. And of course, I hope you enjoy your visit, whenever you are able to make it to one!
im in cleveland tn and woundering if there are any fields in bloom right now or maybe this weekend 09/03 my daughter wanted to visit them before they were all gone and i think we are too late
Most of the pumpkin farms also have sunflowers that will be in bloom during September. 🙂