Tellico Plains TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tellico Plains, Tennessee.
1. Bald River Falls
MAJESTIC WATERFALL VIEW
Bald River Falls is the tallest of 12 waterfalls in the Tellico Plains area, located right on River Road about 5.7 miles from the turnoff. Visitors can park nearby and take a trail to the top of the falls for spectacular views. The waterfall is a popular attraction for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Cherokee National Forest.
2. Cherohala Skyway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina. The skyway, reaching elevations of over 5,400 feet, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Travelers can enjoy numerous overlooks, picnic areas, and hiking trails along this stunning mountain route.
3. Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center
GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE
The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center serves as the official starting point for exploring the famous scenic byway in Tellico Plains. The center provides maps, brochures, and local information to help visitors plan their journey through the mountains. Staff members are available to offer recommendations on hiking trails, waterfalls, and other attractions in the area.
4. Charles Hall Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Charles Hall Museum houses an extensive collection of photographs, artifacts, guns, and collectibles that detail the history of Tellico Plains. The museum was created by Charles Hall, a former mayor who made numerous contributions to the community during his 31-year tenure. Admission is free to the two museum buildings, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's past.
5. Coker Creek Gold Panning
HISTORIC TREASURE HUNTING
Coker Creek Gold Panning offers visitors a chance to experience the thrill of finding gold in one of Tennessee's historic gold rush sites. The area features the nationally recognized Millennium Trail and the historic Unicoi Turnpike, an ancient travel route. Visitors can pan for gold, hike portions of the historic trails, and explore the beautiful waterfalls in the Coker Creek Scenic Area.
6. Tellico River
PREMIER TROUT FISHING
The Tellico River is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and exceptional trout fishing opportunities in the Cherokee National Forest. The river offers both stocked and wild trout sections, making it popular with anglers of all skill levels. Beyond fishing, visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, and picnicking along its scenic shores.
7. Scott Street Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Scott Street Gallery showcases the work of talented local artists in the heart of Tellico Plains. The gallery features a diverse collection of paintings, pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted items representing the rich artistic tradition of East Tennessee. Visitors can browse, purchase unique pieces, and often meet the artists themselves during special events.
8. Coker Creek Crafts Gallery
HANDMADE MOUNTAIN TREASURES
Coker Creek Crafts Gallery displays an impressive selection of handcrafted items made by skilled artisans from the Tellico Plains region. The gallery specializes in traditional Appalachian crafts, including woodworking, quilting, pottery, and folk art. Each piece tells a story of mountain heritage and showcases the continuing tradition of craftsmanship in the area.
9. Tellico Plains Veterans Memorial
HONORING LOCAL HEROES
The Tellico Plains Veterans Memorial stands as a tribute to the brave men and women from the area who served in the armed forces. The memorial features plaques, monuments, and flags honoring veterans from various conflicts throughout American history. Visitors can pay their respects and learn about the military contributions of Tellico Plains residents.
10. Coker Creek Welcome Center
VISITOR INFORMATION HUB
The Coker Creek Welcome Center provides essential information for travelers exploring the eastern portion of Tellico Plains and the Cherokee National Forest. Staff members offer guidance on local attractions, outdoor activities, and the area's gold panning history. The center also features exhibits on local culture and natural resources of the region.
11. Indian Boundary General Store
NOSTALGIC CAMPING SUPPLIES
Indian Boundary General Store is a cozy shop located inside the beautiful Indian Boundary Campground just off the Cherohala Skyway. The store offers souvenirs, gifts, snacks, old-fashioned bottle drinks, and fishing supplies for campers and day visitors. It serves as a perfect stop during a day trip to the area, providing both necessities and nostalgic treats.
12. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
ANCIENT FOREST PRESERVE
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, located near Tellico Plains, preserves one of the largest stands of old-growth forest in the eastern United States. Named after the poet Joyce Kilmer, this 3,800-acre forest features massive poplar trees over 400 years old and more than 100 feet tall. Visitors can explore the area via a scenic 2-mile loop trail that winds through the virgin forest.
13. The Lost Sea Adventure
UNDERGROUND LAKE EXPERIENCE
The Lost Sea Adventure, located a short drive from Tellico Plains, features America's largest underground lake inside a massive cave system. Visitors enjoy guided tours through the caverns followed by a glass-bottom boat ride on the crystal-clear underground lake. The attraction also includes a historic village, nature trail, and gem mining activities for a full day of exploration.
14. Deals Gap (The Dragon)
LEGENDARY MOTORCYCLE ROUTE
Deals Gap, famously known as 'The Dragon,' is a renowned 11-mile stretch of Highway 129 featuring 318 curves that attracts motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts from around the world. Located near Tellico Plains at the Tennessee-North Carolina border, this legendary road offers breathtaking mountain scenery and challenging driving conditions. Visitors can stop at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, which serves as a gathering place for riders with a store, restaurant, and the famous 'Tree of Shame' decorated with parts from crashed motorcycles.
15. Fort Loudoun
COLONIAL HISTORY SITE
Fort Loudoun is a reconstructed British colonial fort built in 1756 during the French and Indian War, located a short drive from Tellico Plains. The fort features authentic reproductions of barracks, officers' quarters, a blacksmith shop, and a Cherokee encampment that demonstrate life during the colonial period. Visitors can explore the museum, participate in living history demonstrations, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on the banks of the Little Tennessee River.