Did you know that the largest underground lake in the United States is located in Sweetwater, Tennessee? Yeah, it's a pretty neat title to have. Plus, if you make your way down to the park to you get a cavern tour AND a boat ride. That's one story you'll never forget.
Thirteen-year-old Ben Sands found the cavern in 1905 - but no one believed him. He had crawled through a small opening in the caverns, but by the time he returned with his father the water had risen and hidden it from view. It was officially found by a group of explorers a couple of years later.
Dragon's Breath Cave in Namibia is the only underground lake that knocks The Lost Sea out of the top spot - but hey. We're still in the Guinness Book of World Records!
If you haven't made your way out for a visit just yet, you're going to want to - and soon!
If you've ever visited a southern battlefield, you know it's a pretty humbling experience. The South is infused with a dark and important part of American history, and with so much of the Civil War scattered across Tennessee soil, it's not difficult to learn about the dark curves and hidden stories tucked within our nation's history. Recently, we visited the Chickamauga Battlefield and the historic park in Tennessee in Chattanooga, which are figured to be haunted by some, and we simply had to share.
The Battle of Chickamauga is well known as one of the largest Confederate victories in the Civil War, despite the large loss of life. It ranks only behind Gettysburg as the second deadliest battle fought during the War Between the States.
The battle was fought from Sept. 18-20, 1863, and marked the end of the Union offensive known as the Chickamauga Campaign. It was fought mainly in Georgia, although the following Battle of Chattanooga bled into Tennessee. This is why we now have a Civil War park in Tennessee as well as Georgia.
Union troops experienced one of the costliest battles fought in the Civil War's western theater at Chickamauga, losing a reported 16,000 men by its end. Confederates, however, lost a heartbreaking 18,454.
An interesting fact about Chickamauga: Union-owned repeating rifles were used on the battlefield, firing off a historically whopping 14 rounds per minute. Before the use of the new sophisticated rifles, most men could get two to three shots per minute.
But wait, you may be asking. Isn't Chickamauga in Georgia? Yes, yes it is. However, the Battle of Chattanooga was fought just after the Georgia-based battle, and the National Park actually encompasses both at the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Georgia, Tennessee.
There's a broad range of both guided and self-guided tours throughout the historic park, as well as streaks of hiking trails that take you far and above the gorgeous, if haunted, place.
The park exists to preserve and protect southern history for the next generation, and it tells its shared story well. Both Georgia and Tennessee have claimed ownership and have fought to preserve not only the history of the battlefield, but the Native American presence that stretches back for years into the area's history.
Both places have special events and programs hosted by the park itself. It is worth a visit to not just the historic park in Tennessee but also the one in Georgia as well.
Have you been? Would you go? This historic space may be hotly debated in recent days, but we think it's an important part of our shared state history to remember and to never repeat.
Have you been to this TN historic park before? Let other travelers in the comments know your best tips and tricks for the area. To learn more about these parks, make sure you visit the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park website to plan your trip around the special events happening in the parks. If you love this historic park in Tennessee then make sure you get a ticket to the National Medal of Honor Heritage Museum while you are in Chattanooga.
Still crave more details from the past? Take this Tennessee historic road trip to learn much more about the fascinating events that have shaped us into what we are to this very day. Enjoy the trip!
East Tennessee is filled with many small charming towns, beautiful mountain ranges, and plenty of opportunities to get outside to enjoy it all. Searching high and low, we have found plenty of hidden gems scattered throughout the state, but oftentimes, the best surprises are hiding in plain sight. Tannery Knobs in Tennessee is a perfect example of this because you'd never guess that a top-notch mountain biking park is hidden only minutes from downtown Johnson City. Whether you fancy yourself an adrenaline junky or an avid mountain biker, this park is well worth driving across the state to experience.
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Only a few minutes from downtown Johnson City and located on an in-town mountain, you can find Tannery Knobs.
Tannery Knobs is a top-tier mountain bike track covering 40 acres and offers a network of trails. The trails are well maintained and offer plenty of steep grades -- and there is even a section for kids and beginners. If you are looking for a day trip in Tennessee, then this is a great spot to bring your family.
The work that went into creating these trails was extensive and garnered lots of buzz as the project progressed. When the trails were opened, many people came on out to this little track to feel the rush and get a little air while they were at it. Flash forward to today and many people consider this one of the best places for mountain biking in Tennessee.
Chances are, you will be having so much fun that you will forget you're only a few minutes from downtown Johnson City! The trails are also quite lush and give you the sense that you are deep within the mountains... all while still having all of the urban conveniences close by.
Whenever you go to Tannery Knobs, you can’t go without taking a spin on the pump track.
This is a must for any mountain biker. For those who are not familiar with a pump track, it's a track that is designed to propel the rider forward without the need to pedal. Riders can cruise the curved banks and bumps ad infinitum!
In need of a bike? Trek is a downtown Johnson City bike shop and they have been very excited to show off this glorious mountain bike park. If you are traveling in from somewhere else then you can also rent a bike to take up on the trails. They even offer a few tours and help teach new riders the ins and outs of the trails.
After riding the trails -- and especially if you have traveled far away into town -- you will want to find a nice place to lay your head for the night.
Located right in the heart of town is an artsy apartment with a certain unique flair to it. This space is not what you would typically expect from East Tennessee, but offers a fun way to stay the night and explore more of Johnson City.
From adrenaline junky to curious spectators, Tannery Knobs in Johnson City, Tennessee, is an impressive mountain bike park. With miles of biking trails ranging from beginner to expert, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Make sure you follow along with the Tannery Knobs Facebook page for updates as they continue to improve this park. As a kid, I caught the extreme sports bug, making this park a fun and unique place for me to visit and we can't wait to hear what you think!
One of the best Tennessee state parks is just close by too, make sure to check out Roan Mountain State Park. If you plan on doing any hiking (Which I would highly recommend you do) make sure you have your AllTrails+ app ready to go and help you navigate the trails.
