Fall Is The Perfect Time To Visit This Historic Mountain Town In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published October 20, 2021
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The beauty of the autumn season truly goes unmatched here in the great state of Tennesse, making fall the perfect time to visit. If you find yourself on the eastern side of the state, of course, there’s one small mountain town that’s well-worth the trek: Tellico Plains. Known for its easy access to the Cherohala Skyway and Cherokee National Forest, this tiny town has a deep history and a natural beauty that may be the most astounding in the state. Learn more about this lovely Tennessee town, and get ready to plan your own trip to the mountains.
You'll find Tellico Plains sitting pretty on the far eastern side of the state, though the town tends to get much less tourism than its nearby neighbors of Sevierville and Gatlinburg.
The Monroe County gem was home to a mere 880 people in the 2010 census, and the simpler pace of life lends itself to a low-key experience for overnight travelers and curious day-trippers. The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans, both the Muscogee and Cherokee tribes.
In fact, Tellico Plains is located right on the former site of Great Tellico, a Cherokee Town that played a solid role in the tribe's local history. Here you can see Tellico Plains in 1938, long after its initial industrialization and development by European settlers.
The Cherohala Skyway famously connects both Robbinsville, North Carolina, to Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It's one of the most popular natural byways in the state, and is actually listed as both a National Forest Scenic Byway and National Scenic Byway. The 42-mile drive passes through two national forests and has a series of lookouts and vistas perfect for folks seeking a view.
The views, of course, are stunning here in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, but we'd also recommend stopping into a local bakery or attending the famed "Cookie Caper" fundraiser during the Christmas season.
Wander the banks of the Tellico River, gape at the beauty of Bald River Falls, or maybe go hiking, cycling or kayaking in the area. The small city lends itself to outdoor activities and they're best enjoyed during the warmer seasons, though you'll find opportunities year-round.
Have you ever been to Tellico Plains? We have a feeling you're going to want to explore this natural city as soon as possible. There's nothing quite like a visit to a historic trail town!
If you’d like to find more information about Tellico Plains, you can find it either at its official website or about the area’s best hiking right here. Happy vacationing, dear friends!
