Where Is Area Code 865?
Area code 865 serves Knoxville and nearby communities in East Tennessee. Its service area includes Knox County and communities in Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson, Loudon, Roane, Sevier, and Union counties. Major centers include Alcoa, Clinton, Gatlinburg, Jefferson City, Lenoir City, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
The 865 region includes foothill communities near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville sits along the Tennessee River, while Oak Ridge is home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The area also includes parts of the Tennessee Valley and the southern Appalachian region.
Cities and Communities in the 865 Area Code
- Alcoa, Blount County
- Blaine, Grainger County
- Clinton, Anderson County
- Dandridge, Jefferson County
- Farragut, Knox County
- Friendsville, Blount County
- Gatlinburg, Sevier County
- Greenback, Loudon County
- Harriman, Roane County
- Jefferson City, Jefferson County
- Kingston, Roane County
- Knoxville, Knox County
- Lenoir City, Loudon County
- Louisville, Blount County
- Loudon, Loudon County
- Maryville, Blount County
- Maynardville, Union County
- New Market, Jefferson County
- Norris, Anderson County
- Oak Ridge, Anderson and Roane counties
- Oliver Springs, Anderson, Morgan, and Roane counties
- Pigeon Forge, Sevier County
- Rockwood, Roane County
- Rocky Top, Anderson County
- Rutledge, Grainger County
- Sevierville, Sevier County
- Townsend, Blount County
- White Pine, Jefferson County
History of Area Code 865
Area code 865 began service on November 1, 1999, after a geographic split from area code 423. Before the split, 423 served Knoxville and other parts of East Tennessee. The change responded to growing demand for telephone numbers from homes, businesses, and newer communications services.
The split left area code 423 in use around Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities region, while 865 served Knoxville and surrounding communities. Area code 865 has not received an additional split or overlay. On a standard telephone keypad, the digits 865 spell “VOL,” a reference to Tennessee’s Volunteer nickname.
Key Facts About Area Code 865
- State: Area code 865 is in Tennessee.
- Major city: Knoxville is the primary city in area code 865.
- Region: The area is in East Tennessee and the Deep South census region.
- Type: Area code 865 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.
- History: Area code 865 was established in 1999 through a split from area code 423.
- Time zone: Area code 865 uses the Eastern Time Zone.
- Institutions: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory are in the 865 region.
- Landmarks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is near major 865 communities such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 865 in?
Area code 865 is in Tennessee.
What major cities use area code 865?
Major cities using area code 865 include Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Alcoa.
What time zone is area code 865 in?
Area code 865 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Is area code 865 a toll-free number?
No, area code 865 is a geographic area code assigned to the Knoxville, Tennessee, region.