Historic Unicoi Turnpike Trail

Historic Unicoi Turnpike Trail

This 67-mile trail between Vonore, TN and Murphy, NC follows an historic trade and war path that predates written history. Along the way you can stop to visit historic sites and museums that reveal the many layers of history that unfolded along this ancient route. A restored 2-mile section of the original roadbed allows visitors to walk in the footsteps…

Read more

Tellico Plains Ranger Station

Tellico Plains Ranger Station

The Tellico Plains Ranger Station is a restored Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) camp. It was the first CCC camp in the southeastern United States, and one of the first in the nation. CCC Company 1453 from Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia established the camp, constructing the Ranger Station and associated buildings. The station is in use today by the Cherokee National Forest…

Read more

Donley Cabin

Donley Cabin

The Donley Cabin is an authentic two-room 19th century primitive and historic cabin that displays an unusually wide range of log cabin construction styles, including Swiss, German, and English. According to local sources, the fireplace room, the oldest part of the cabin, was built during the early 1860’s by a man who used the cabin as a hideout to avoid…

Read more

Parksville Lake

Parksville Lake

Ocoee Recreational Area The oldest man-made lake in the Cherokee National Forest, it was created in 1910-11 with the building of Ocoee Dam Number One (Parksville Dam). Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this 1,930-acre is popular for water skiing, pontoon boating, jet skiing, swimming, and picnicking. It has two public boat launches located along Hwy 64. Just below the dam…

Read more

Hiwassee Scenic River / Blueway

Hiwassee Scenic River / Blueway

Designated a Tennessee State Scenic River, the Hiwassee flows through the Cherokee National Forest and the pastoral community of Reliance. According to the legend, the name Hiwassee is taken from the Cherokee workd ayuwasi and means “savannah or place at the foot of the hills.  Native people began clearing the Hiwassee River Valley for agriculture around 3,000 years ago. A major…

Read more

Unicoi Turnpike Trail

Unicoi Turnpike Trail

Exploring the Ancient Path The old trade and war path now known as the Unicoi Turnpike Trail predates written history. Covering approximately 67 miles from Vonore, TN to Murphy, NC, the Unicoi Turnpike Trail allows modern travelers to follow the footsteps of Indians, fur traders, explorers, British soldiers, and others who used this path for centuries. Along the way, historic…

Read more

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest is located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee. The 600-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The southern portion of the Cherokee National Forest forms the heart of the Tennessee Overhill.  This vast playground is known…

Read more

Conasauga River / Fish Viewing

Conasauga River / Fish Viewing

Fishing, canoeing and hiking are good ways to enjoy the Conasauga River, but its Underwater Wildlife Viewing Area is unique to the Southeast.   Visitors can see over 70 species of fish.  That’s more than double what is found in the Colorado or Columbia River basins combined.   Learn more Underwater Fish Viewing on the Conasauga River Springing from the…

Read more