Area Information
For a comprehensive list of things to do, rafting companies, and nearby attractions, may we suggest you visit The Monroe County Tourism Council, The Monroe County Chamber of Commerce and The Tennessee Overhill websites.
Also please visit our Area Links page for lots more info!
1. See Bald River Falls which is one of 12 waterfalls in the area. This one is the tallest and it is right on the road! You can continue on River Road to the beautiful North River and drive 11 miles up the good gravel road to the Skyway and continue East to Joyce Kilmer Forest or take the Skyway back to Tellico Plains. About 10 1/2 miles on North River Road, there is a Y. Go left there to reach the Skyway. Joyce Kilmer has a lovely figure eight trail.
2. Two days of shopping:
Have lunch at Hunter's Cafe and Bakery in Sweetwater (423-351-1098) and shop the Lily Pad for clothing. The Purple Iris for shoes and purses, and all of the antique and gift shops in this area. Go a little further North on Rt. 68. Cross I-75 to reach Tennessee's largest Flea Market, Fleas Unlimited. Have lunch at The Bistro By The River outside Tellico Plains (423-253-7800) and shop all of the galleries and arts and craft shops between Tellico Plains and Coker Creek.
3. Coker Creek Falls and Buck Bald: Go South on Rt 68 past Coker Creek Village to Ironsburg Church, which is on your right. Take the road that runs alongside the church. At the first Y stay left. At the second Y stay right and drive to the Falls about two more miles. Good for a picnic, this is a seven stair step cascade. Part of the 19 mile John Muir Trail, there is a three mile hike along the Falls. Continue South on Rt 68 to Rt 624 on your left. You will go over an obviously new bridge and see a small brown sign for Buck Bald on your right. The road goes off to the left. Drive 2 miles to this lovely Bald which has a picnic table (bring your own chairs or a quilt) for a spectacular 360 degree view. Great for dinner and sunset.
4. Hike Conasauga Falls. Drive South on Rt 68 from Rt 165 a short distance until you see a large brown Conasauga Falls sign on your right. Turn left and drive 2.3 miles. Look for a Forest Service post on your right with #170, the trail number. Turn right here, and drive 1/2 mile to the trailhead. It is an easy 3/4 mile hike and the prettiest falls. You will have to shinny down the last 20 feet on your backside. This road had some deep holes so you may be more comfortable in a vehicle which sits up off the road.
5. Indian Boundary and Citico Creek: Indian Boundary is a lake high in the mountains off the Skyway. A great place to swim or bike around. Now there is The Indian Boundary Outpost which offers groceries plus fly fishing guides and lessons, canoes, fishing boats, and bicycles for rent. There will be demonstrations and crafts this year. Tell Rethia we said hello!
6. Geri Forkner's Weaving Arts Studio Give up your preconceived notions about weaving. Geri will take you or your elementary age children for a day or 1/2 day on an adventure. Visit her at www.weavingschool.com.
7. Fort Loudoun is located on beautiful Tellico Lake. Fort Loudoun State Historic Area,
8. Sequoyah Birthplace Museum will immerse you in Cherokee history and is across the road from Fort Loudoun.
9. The Lost Sea, is the second largest underground lake in the world.
10. White's Mining Supplies has a gem mining sluce and can teach you how to pan for gold. Great on a hot Summer's day. (423-261-2982)
11. Catch a wiley trout. Just an inexpensive license, a worm and a poptop can of corn can get you dinner.
12. The ultimate aquarium is about 1 1/2 hours away in Chattanooga.
13. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are about 2 hours North.
14. Take a rafting trip on the Ocoee! Or float the Hiwassee or Tellico Rivers. Telliquah Outfitters can put you in a canoe (423-253-3081). They can also teach you to fly fish or take you on a birding expedition.
15. Go horseback riding! Shaw Holow Farms (423-253-7713), Black Mountain Stables (423-261-2966).
16. Or just do nothing at all! That's high art here!