The Overhill Experience--A Visitor's Guide--Special Places

Attractions

Athens/McMinn County Courthouse Square. The historic square, with its quaint shops and eateries, forms the hub of Athens.

Chilhowee Gliderport, Benton, TN. See the Overhill from above while soaring in a glider plane. Located on Hwy 411 between Benton and Etowah.

Coker CreekVillage. Try your hand at gold panning. Take a guided horseback ride. Drive to Buck Bald to watch the sunset. Browse through the nearby Coker Creek Crafts Gallery. A gravel road (FS #2138) near Coker Creek leads from Hwy 68 to a parking area that allows visitors to hike into Coker Creek Falls and junction with the John Muir Trail.

Copperhill. As you explore the downtown of this copper mining town, look for the stone steps that were built in the early days of the 20th century to allow miners to park their motor cars at the bottom of the hill and walk home.

Gem Theater. Located in downtown Etowah, this historic theater hosts live performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays and other events. Special tours can be arranged. 423-263-7608.

Fleas Unlimited. Over four acres of indoor shopping. Thousands of items, old and new. Open on weekends. 423-337-3532

Fort Marr. Sits off Hwy 411 in Benton. The fort was built in the early 19th century to safeguard Andrew Jackson's shipping trains. It was also used as protection for the Cherokee Indians, who were fighting the Creek Indians at the time. Ironically, it later became a stockade that was used to detain Cherokee Indians prior to their forced removal on the Trail of Tears. The blockhouse remains.

John Muir Trail. This 18.8 mile trail which follows the Hiwassee River, begins at Childers Creek near Reliance and ends near Hwy 68 at Farner. The first three-mile section has been designed for senior citizens. Named for naturalist John Muir, the trail allows you to experience some of the most diverse and unique terrain in the Cherokee National Forest.

Lost Sea. Lost Sea is the world's largest underground lake.
Located on Hwy 68 between Madisonville and Sweetwater, the Lost Sea is the world's largest underground lake. Designated as a Registered National Landmark, the earliest known visitor to the cave was a saber-toothed tiger, whose fossilized remains are now in the Museum of Natural History. A guided walk to the bottom of the cavern is rewarded with a trip in a glass bottom boat. Admission. Group rates. 423-337-6616.

From the days of Goldie Mayfield's homemade cottage cheese to today's modern production techniques, the Mayfield Dairy Visitor Center offers tours of the dairy plant as well as a glimpse of the history of this family-owned dairy. Mayfield Dairy Visitor Center. "Get the scoop" when you tour this dairy plant to see how milk is bottled and ice cream made. Located at 4 Mayfield Lane in Athens. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 to 5:00. Sat. 9:00-2:00. Closed Sundays. 423-745-2151.

Mid-Way Drive In Movie Theater. This 1960's style drive-in movie will take you back in time. Besides movies from your car, there is a snack bar and a children's playground. 423-263-2632

Nancy Ward Grave. Located on Hwy 411, south of Benton, is the gravesite of Nancy Ward, Beloved Woman of the Overhill Cherokees, and her son Five Killer. The graves overlook the pastoral landscape along the Ocoee River.

Niota Depot. Built in 1853, the Niota Depot is the oldest standing railroad depot in Tennessee. Now used as offices for the Town of Niota, the depot is open for tours during business hours. While inside, look for the gun slots used during the Civil War. Donations accepted.

Ocoee Whitewater Center. Built by the Cherokee National Forest for the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Races, this visitor center, which is located on Hwy 64 near Ducktown and Copperhill, includes the Olympic race channel, a native plant garden, paved walkways on both sides of the river, pools of water for wading and feeding fish, and the Historic Old Copper Road, which is now open for hiking and biking. 423-496-5197.

Orr Mountain Winery. A short drive off Hwy 68 between Madisonville and Sweetwater will take you to the Orr Mountain Winery (follow signs). Creators of the Scenic River Wines, Orr Mountain Winery received the 1992 Big Brothers/Big Sisters International Wine Competition gold medal for its Bald River Red Wine. Tours and tasting room. 423-442-5340.

Pheasant Fields Fish Rearing Pools. (Tellico Fish Hatchery) A ride on scenic FS #210 out of Tellico Plains will take you to a fish hatchery where visitors can see large brood trout up close.

Reliance. Wind alongside the Hiwassee River on Hwy 30 till you reach Webb's Store where you'll find refreshments, a memorabilia display, raft & tubing adventure, and a post office--all under one roof! Or stop in at any one of several bait and tackles shops along the road as it continues on to Hwy. 64 and the Ocoee River.

Sunshine Hollow. Sample homemade fruit cakes, candies, and jellies in this family-owned bakery. Visit from May-July and you will find splendid hosta and daylily gardens. 423-745-4289.

Mouse Creek Nursery. Perrenials 423-462-2666.

Sugarloaf Mountain State Park. This new state park, which sits at the base of Ocoee Dam #1, includes a scale model on the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Slalom Race Channel that is located upstream at the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Restrooms, picnic area, and canoe put-in. 423-263-2632.

Strikers' Premium Winery. This family-owned winery, bottling many varieties is located on Country Road 172 in Athens. 423-507-8816.

Tellico Plains. Tennessee's gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Tellico River.

This site uses frames. If your browser supports frames and you don't see the buttons to the left Click here to enter the Tennessee Overhill Website

If your browser doesn't support frames Click here to enter the Tennessee Overhill Website Index.