Nature Viewing

Sugarloaf Mountain Park

Sugarloaf Mountain Park is located just inside the Cherokee National Forest (CNF) and below the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dam that creates Lake Ocoee (also called Parksville Lake). The 1,950 acre lake, entirely encompassed by the CNF, is a great for swimming. This area is a great place to stop and picnic, enjoy nature, and learn from interpretive signs. The park also has a model of the Olympic whitewater race course.

Ocoee Olympic Model

Situated next to the Ocoee River, at the foot of the Ocoee Dam Number One, this park includes a 1:10 scale model of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course that was built upstream at the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Restrooms, picnic area, and river in-put. 423-263-0050

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 of Native Americans, fur traders, European explorers, soldiers, and livestock drovers. The route was also used during the infamous Trail of Tears to march over 3,000 Cherokee people from Fort Butler (near Murphy, NC) across the mountain and on to Fort Cass (at Charleston, TN). More About Sites Along the Way

Historical Background on the Unicoi Turnpike Trail | Printable Unicoi Turnpike Map

No Admission

Hiwassee River Road

Sun dappled forests line Hwy. 30 as it follows the Hiwassee Scenic River into the Cherokee National Forest. After reaching the historic community of Reliance, cross the river bridge and turn onto Childers Creek Rd. to climb he mountain to Big Bend and Apalachia Powerhouse, a popular fishing destination, for spectacular views of the river and wildlife. Stop by one or the fly fishing shops or Webb Brothers Store in Reliance for laid back conversation and a snack.

Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park

The Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park straddles both sides of the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers. The Hiwassee is great for canoeing, rafting, and fishing, while the Ocoee provides Class III and IV whitewater rapids. For river-side camping, check out Gee Creek Campground.

Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Brochure | Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Map

Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park

423-263-0050 or 888-867-2757

www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/hiwassee-ocoee

Tellico River Rd.

Located near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, this road winds alongside the Tellico River as it tumbles through the Cherokee National Forest. Along the way, you will pass by the Historic Tellico Ranger Station, built as a CCC Camp and lovingly restored. Bald River Falls provides a spectacular visual treat. Parking is available at the falls so you can linger, make photographs, and drink in nature’s splendor. Baby Falls attracts kayakers from near and far. The Tellico Fish Hatchery is located upriver. All in all, a beautiful drive

Travel Tips: Cell phone coverage is spotty.

Forest Service Road 210/Tellico River Road
877-510-5765

Chilhowee Lake

Chilhowee Recreation Area

Part of Chilhowee Recreation Area, the lake rests on top of Chilhowee Mountain.

The Chilhowee Trail System beckons hikers and mountain bikers (novice to experienced) to more than 20 miles of trails. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly. Picnic, bathhouse, and campground facilities make this a perfect spot for a family vacation. Non-motorized boats are allowed, but gasoline motors are not. There is a parking area at the trailhead for Benton Falls trail. ($3.00 day fee).

Location: From Hwy 64 turn onto Forest Service Rd 77. Drive 7.5 miles to Chilhowee Recreation Area. A beautiful drive up the mountain.

Indian Boundary Lake

The 96-acre lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Picnic areas with grills and a picnic pavilion is provided. Three miles of hiking and biking trails around the lake. Visitors may enjoy watching beaver, ducks and other waterfowl, or try their luck at catching bass, sunfish and catfish. Eighty-seven site family-oriented campground equipped with picnic tables, electrical hookups, showers, flush toilets, and on-site dump station.

Location: From Tellico Plains take Hwy 165 for 16 miles. Turn left onto FS road 345 and travel 2 miles to entrance.

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 is Sugarloaf Park where visitors can picnic and view a scale model of the Olympic canoe and kayak course. Location: Located along Hwy 64 between Ocoee, TN and Ducktown, TN.

Ocoee National Forest Byway

The Ocoee National Forest Scenic Byway winds through the Ocoee River Gorge in the Cherokee National Forest . One section climbs to the top of the Chilhowee Mountains with breath-taking views of the Tennessee Valley, the Cumberland Plateau, the Blue Ridge Province, and views of North Carolina and Georgia, on a clear day.

Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala National Scenic Byway (also know as the Cherohala Skyway) is about 50 miles long with views of ancient forests where Cherokee tribes and early pioneers traveled and settled in the Appalachian Mountains along with mile-high vistas with magnificent views. The name “Cherohala” comes from the names of the two National Forests: “Chero” from the Cherokee and “hala” from the Nantahala. The Cherohala Skyway is located in southeast Tennessee and southwest North Carolina. The Skyway connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, with Robbinsville, North Carolina.

Cherohala Skyway Printable Map

Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center

225 Cherohala Skyway

Tellico Plains, TN 37385

423-253-8010

800-245-5428

Tennessee Vacation Guide

Hiking & Wildlife in the Smokies Safety Video

Sugarloaf Mountain Park

Ocoee Olympic Model

Historic Unicoi Turnpike Trail

Hiwassee River Road

Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park

Tellico River Rd.

Chilhowee Lake

Indian Boundary Lake

Parksville Lake

Ocoee National Forest Byway

Cherohala Skyway

Search by Keyword

Upcoming Events

Ocoee Olympic Model

Search by Keyword

Upcoming Events

Connect with Us!