Gold was discovered in 1827 at Coker Creek, located in the high country of Monroe County, Tennessee. Today, sections of Coker Creek in the Cherokee National Forest (CNF) are open for panning. All panners must register and acquire a permit (free) from the CNF. Permits are available at the Coker Creek Welcome Center on Hwy. 68 or the Tellico Ranger…
Home of the largest underground lake in the nation, the caverns include an extensive collection of anthodites (cave flowers). A guided walk to the bottom of the cave is capped off with a boat ride on the lake. The Lost Sea is a registered US Natural Landmark. The Wild Tour, an overnight caving tour for groups, is a favorite of…
The memorials are part of the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. Directions to Memorials – From the museum, turn right and follow Hwy 360 to the junction of Hwy 360/Hwy 455. Follow Hwy 455 for about 5 miles, and then turn left onto County Road 461 where you will drive alongside the lake to the memorials. A grave marker notes the burying place…
This 1200 acre park, features a reconstructed fort, located on the banks of Tellico Lake.originally built by the British in 1756, when this area was known as the “Overhills” – a designation given to Cherokee communities that rested on the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. Explore the barracks, shops and other structures. Historic Significance: Begun in 1756 and occupied until…
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…
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,…
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…
The North River, a nationally recognized trout stream, is a Tributary of the Tellico River. Its entire course is located in a very scenic, somewhat isolated area. For the vast majority of its length it is paralleled by Forest Road 217, also called North River Road. A series of small ledges delights kayakers with the biggest being about 5 feet…
Tucked into the Cherokee National Forest, this scenic river is known for its swift waters and trout fishing. Photographers love it. Depending on the natural flow of waters, kayaking and canoeing are allowed. Annual Kid’s Fishing Day. Annual Trout Fishing Tournament. Located along the Tellico River arm of Tellico Lake, the Tellico Blueway is a dream come true for flatwater…
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…
