Altamont TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Altamont, Tennessee.
1. Greeter Falls
STUNNING TIERED WATERFALL
Greeter Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall with a swimming hole at the base located in Savage Gulf State Park. Visitors can access this natural wonder via the Greeter Trail, which offers spectacular views along the way. The falls area was once the site of the historic Long's Mill and the Greeter Homestead, adding historical significance to its natural beauty.
2. Savage Gulf State Park and Natural Area
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Savage Gulf State Park boasts more than 15,000 acres of pristine wilderness filled with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and rugged trails. The park serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures in the Firescald Creek and Big Creek areas, offering numerous hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore the park's diverse ecosystems while experiencing some of Tennessee's most breathtaking natural scenery.
3. Great Stone Door
MAGNIFICENT ROCK FORMATION
The Great Stone Door is a massive rock formation within Savage Gulf State Park that offers panoramic views of the surrounding gulf. This natural 10-foot-wide crack in the cliff resembles an open door and drops more than 100 feet straight down. Hikers can enjoy the spectacular overlook and continue on connecting trails to explore more of the park's natural wonders.
4. Swiss Historical Society Celebration
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVENT
The Swiss Historical Society Celebration in Altamont showcases the area's rich Swiss heritage through traditional festivities. Visitors can experience authentic Swiss culture through food, music, dance, and historical displays. This annual event provides insight into the Swiss immigrants who settled in the Cumberland Plateau region and their lasting influence on local culture.
5. Boardtree Falls
SECLUDED NATURAL WONDER
Boardtree Falls is a picturesque waterfall located along the Greeter Trail in the Savage Gulf area near Altamont. The falls offers a more secluded experience compared to the more popular Greeter Falls, making it perfect for those seeking tranquility in nature. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful sounds of cascading water while surrounded by the lush forests of the Cumberland Plateau.
6. Bigfoot Adventure
THRILLING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Bigfoot Adventure is an outdoor recreation center located in nearby Tracy City offering a variety of thrilling activities for adventure seekers. Guests can enjoy ziplines, ATV trails, and other outdoor pursuits in the beautiful Cumberland Plateau setting. The center provides equipment rentals and guided experiences making it accessible for visitors of all experience levels.
7. Firescald Creek Stone Arch Bridge
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Firescald Creek Stone Arch Bridge is a historic structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places located on Northcutt's Cove Road. Built in the 1800s, this beautiful stone bridge represents an important piece of Grundy County's transportation history. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship of this architectural landmark while learning about the early stagecoach roads that connected Altamont to neighboring communities.
8. Alum Gap Campground
PEACEFUL WILDERNESS CAMPING
Alum Gap Campground provides a serene camping experience within Savage Gulf State Park near Altamont. Campers can enjoy primitive sites surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau's forests and unique geological features. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the park's extensive trail system, including routes to nearby waterfalls and overlooks.
9. Chickamauga Trace Historic Trail
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN PATH
The Chickamauga Trace is an ancient Native American trade trail that traverses the Cumberland Plateau near Altamont. Portions of this historic path can be seen alongside the hiking trail to Greeter Falls, offering a glimpse into the region's pre-colonial history. Walking this trail allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of indigenous peoples who used this route for centuries before European settlement.
10. Big Creek Rim and Gulf Trails
CHALLENGING SCENIC HIKES
The Big Creek Rim and Big Creek Gulf Trails offer challenging but rewarding hiking experiences near Altamont. These connected trails feature spectacular overlooks, waterfalls, and diverse terrain along a roughly 10-mile loop. Hikers can experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Savage Gulf area while observing the rich biodiversity of the Cumberland Plateau ecosystem.
11. Grundy County Courthouse
HISTORIC COUNTY SEAT
The Grundy County Courthouse in Altamont serves as the seat of local government established in 1848 through the efforts of Gen. Adrian Northcutt. The original courthouse was in Northcutt's log cabin, where he and several other men signed Grundy County into being in 1844. Visitors can appreciate this historic site that represents the foundation of local governance in the region.
12. Cumberland Wilderness Retreat
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST'S PARADISE
Cumberland Wilderness Retreat near Altamont offers outdoor enthusiasts a paradise of natural experiences and accommodations. Visitors can enjoy activities including scenic hiking trails, camping and glamping options, and exceptional stargazing opportunities under clear, dark skies. The retreat provides a perfect base for exploring the surrounding wilderness while offering comfortable amenities for a range of preferences.
13. Laurel Falls
PICTURESQUE FOREST CASCADE
Laurel Falls is a picturesque waterfall accessible via moderate hiking trails in the Savage Gulf area near Altamont. This smaller but equally beautiful cascade is surrounded by lush forest and native mountain laurel, creating a peaceful setting for nature lovers. The falls offers perfect photography opportunities and a tranquil spot for relaxation during Cumberland Plateau adventures.
14. Beersheba Springs Historic District
CHARMING MOUNTAIN RESORT TOWN
Beersheba Springs Historic District is a charming mountain community near Altamont that was once a popular 19th-century resort destination. The area features historic buildings including the Beersheba Springs Hotel, which dates back to the 1800s when the town was known for its mineral springs. Visitors can explore this well-preserved district to experience the architectural and cultural heritage of a bygone era in Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau.
15. Dutch Maid Bakery
HISTORIC TENNESSEE BAKESHOP
Dutch Maid Bakery in nearby Tracy City is Tennessee's oldest family-owned bakery, established in 1902 by Swiss immigrants. Visitors can enjoy traditional European pastries, breads, and other baked goods made from recipes passed down through generations. The bakery occupies a historic building and offers a taste of the region's Swiss heritage through its authentic culinary creations.