Ocoee Scenic Byway
3171 Hwy. 64
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 338-3300

The first-ever U.S. Forest Service scenic byway was designated in the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County. It includes a portion of U.S. Hwy. 64 and Forest Service Road 77. About half of the U.S. Hwy 64 section passes through the Ocoee River Gorge. Forest Service Road 77 turns off U.S. Hwy 64 and winds it way up Chilhowee Mountain following the crest of the mountain.

Within this drive are rock bluffs, mountain peaks, Forest Service management activities, Lake Ocoee and the whitewater Ocoee River, all of which offer visitors magnificent views of natural beauty. The scenic byway offers ready access to whitewater rafting, boating, swimming and historic sites related to the Civil War and Cherokee Indian culture.

The Scenic Byway is easily reached from the Copper Basin area or West Polk County. In fact, U.S.Hwy 64 is the main link between the two sides of the county.

As you approach the Cherokee National Forest on Hwy. 64 heading east from Cleveland, Tn., the view includes Big Frog and Chilhowee mountains and the Big Frog Wilderness area. Entering the forest, you see an overlook with a magnificent view of the TVA dam that creates Lake Ocoee, also called Parksville Lake. In the background is Sugarloaf Mountain’s sharp peak, a prominent landmark readily visible for many miles from nearly every direction. Sugarloaf Mountain Park, located just below the dam, offers a place to stop for a picnic, dip your feet into the river, and learn from interpretive signs. The park also has a model of the Olympic whitewater race course.