Tellico Plains, Tennessee

Overview

Tellico Plains, Tennessee is the Smoky Mountains' secret side door-a tucked-away hamlet where waterfalls crash, motorcycles hum, and trout streams sparkle like Appalachian stardust. With a population of just 900, this town is the southern gateway to the Cherokee National Forest and the start of the famous Cherohala Skyway, a scenic route so stunning it'll make your dashboard weep. Located about 60 miles southwest of Knoxville, Tellico Plains is a laid-back base for hikers, anglers, motorcyclists, and anyone looking to explore the Smokies without the souvenir traffic jams. Come for the mountains, stay for the fried pies and serenity.

Top Attractions

Cherohala Skyway

43-mile scenic byway connecting Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, NC-epic overlooks, switchbacks, and bald-top beauty.

Bald River Falls

A 90-foot roadside stunner-no hiking required, just jaw-dropping.

Indian Boundary Lake

Paddle, swim, hike, or hammock-family-friendly with high mountain views.

Tellico River

One of the top trout streams in the Southeast cast your line or just sit and listen.

Charles Hall Museum

Local artifacts, regional history, and vintage motorcycles a charming deep-dive into mountain life.

Coker Creek

A historic gold mining site with trails, a heritage center, and yes, recreational panning.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Skyway to Solitude: The Cherohala Skyway was completed in 1996 and cost over $100 million-locals joke it was worth every penny just for the view.
• Ancient River Rocks: The Tellico River's bedrock is over 500 million years old older than most mountain ranges on Earth.
• Gold Rush Legacy: In the 1800s, Coker Creek saw one of the earliest Southern gold rushes people are still panning for flecks today.
• Underrated Overdrive: Tellico is a mecca for motorcyclists, who flock here to ride the Skyway, the Tail of the Dragon, and other curvy classics.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Scenic Drives: Cruise the Cherohala Skyway with picnic stops, overlooks, and photo ops every mile.
• Waterfall Chasing: Visit Bald River Falls, Baby Falls, and North River Falls all wild, wonderful, and wonderfully uncrowded.
• Fishing: Tellico River is legendary-perfect for fly fishing and trout tales.
• Hiking: Explore the Bald River Trail, Indian Boundary Loop, and portions of the Benton MacKaye Trail.
• Motorcycling: Ride the Skyway or connect to the Tail of the Dragon-318 curves in 11 miles!
• Camping: Sleep under the stars with mountain air and river soundtracks-Indian Boundary and State Line Campgrounds are top picks.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Tellicafe (Tellico Plains): Not a buffet, but giant Southern portions, daily specials, and homemade desserts make it feel like one.
• Cherokee Hills Grill (Madisonville, 20 miles): Buffet-style weekend brunch with all the comfort food classics.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

• Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino (Murphy, NC-55 miles): Closest full-service option with slots, tables, and a hotel. Note: No casinos within 30 miles just the occasional jackpot-sized waterfall.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Abandoned Fire Lookout Tower (Whigg Meadow): A spooky/cool relic with 360-degree views and occasional eerie vibes.
• Goats on the Roof (in nearby Pigeon Forge direction): Not in Tellico, but the local goat tales here are strong-ask around.
• Bald River Ghost Loggers: Local lore says you can hear phantom axes chopping in the forest on foggy nights.
• The River That Glows: Bioluminescence? No-but some say mineral glints make parts of Tellico River shimmer at dusk.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Coker Creek "Gold Ghost": Legend has it an old miner guards his lost vein hikers have reported whispers and glinting eyes.
• Unmarked Cemeteries: Many hidden burial plots dot the forest, marked only by time and moss-great for ghost tours, bad for picnics.
• Tellico Logging Camps: Leftover ruins in the forest with creaky cabins and campfire whispers.
• Indian Boundary Fog Sightings: Locals say certain mornings feel...watched.

Local Events & Festivals

• Cherohala Skyway Festival (October): Classic cars, mountain crafts, live music, and fall color glory.
• Tellico Trout Festival (Spring): Celebrates fishing, rivers, conservation, and Southern food-basically heaven for anglers.
• Bluegrass Jam Nights (Monthly): Informal pickin' sessions at the museum and community center come with an instrument or just your ears.
• Coker Creek Arts & Crafts Fair (Fall): Regional artisans and Appalachian flavor in every booth.

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: None in town

But cabins like Skyway Retreat offer high-end touches (from $250/night).

Mid-Range: Lodge at Tellico

Comfortable with mountain views and biker-friendly amenities (from $150/night).

Budget: Tellico Plains Inn

Cozy and convenient for budget travelers (from $90/night).

Camping: Indian Boundary Campground

Lakeside sites with full facilities and nature in stereo (from $25/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

Tellicafe

Famous for meatloaf, catfish, and mile-high pie-Southern comfort on a plate.

Iron Works Grille

Eat on a deck above the river burgers, beer, and bald eagle sightings possible.

Charles Hall Museum Deli

Sandwiches and snacks between exhibits history with a side of pickles.

Coker Creek Village Café (Seasonal)

Mountain-fresh eats with local honey and homemade bread.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Layers (temps shift fast), rain jacket, fishing gear, trail shoes, and a real map-cell signal is...iffy.
• Safety: Trails are safe but remote-let someone know your plans. Rattlesnakes are rare but possible-watch your step!
• Accessibility: Main roads, the falls overlook, and Skyway stops are accessible. Trails range from easy to rugged.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Coker Creek (12 miles): Gold rush history and peaceful forest trails.
• Benton, TN (20 miles): Whitewater gateway and Ocoee adventure town.
• Reliance (15 miles): River access, rafting, and hidden gem swimming holes.
• Madisonville (20 miles): Groceries, local shops, and small-town services.

Recommended Duration of Stay

2-4 Days: Just right to drive the Skyway, hike a waterfall or two, catch a trout, and toast a sunset.

Target Travelers

• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hiking, paddling, fishing, and fresh air galore.
• Motorcyclists & Road Trippers: Scenic roads with zero stoplights and 100% thrills.
• Nature Nerds: From wild orchids to waterfalls, this place is botanically blessed.
• Escape Artists: No crowds, no noise, no problem.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Sky High & Under the Radar: Tellico Plains and the Hidden Smokies" - Explore this mountain gem.