There's Gold In Them Tellico Hills!

Welcome to Guestline’s third expedition - Day Trippin’ through the Cherokee Mountains.  Last week we landed in the Hiwassee River Valley just north of Benton, with a fashionable winery, glider rides over scenic farmland, rivers and mountains, and a riverside visitor center with lots of lore and hospitality. .  If you didn’t book Dad his fishing trip with Southeastern Anglers – it’s never too late to go fishin’, especially with the whole family.   click here for last week’s story ~ Trippin’ Thru’ Dixie.

There are 2 ways we suggest you navigate from the Hiwassee River Valley to this week’s featured attractions in Tellico.  Both start from Highway 411. 

You may either choose to take Highway 30 East, and meander the Hiwassee River, cross it (slowly, taking in the view) on the historic Reliance stone bridge where you will be following scenic Highway 315. 

Or … leave 411 on the opposite side of the Hiwassee & follow  Spring Creek Road past the Hiwassee Scenic River State Park visitor center, and historic Maggie’s Mill, the same one that initiated the song of the same name many decades ago. 

I challenge you to surf the net a bit and find its history before you head out – a treasure hunt for you and the kids (or you, the kid!)  This stretch of Tennessee is gorgeous….  It’s like hiking without leaving your car. Soon Spring Creek Road T’s into Highway 315, where you can turn left to begin traveling north toward Tellico Plains.

Charming Highway 315 will take you past small Appalachian communities that are almost intoxicating.  I enjoy this drive as I imagine the locals truly appreciate these rolling hills, hollers and stately mountains just beyond.  When 315 T’s, you’ll take a right to travel briefly on Highway 39 where you’ll soon T into Highway 68.  Turning right, you are now in Tellico Plains.  And the mountains springing up around you by now are starting to get larger and more beautiful by the mile.

Once you are in Tellico Plains, you should take a left onto Hwy 165 and make your first stop at the CHARLES HALL Museum of Tellico Plains.  It will be on your left.  To learn about Charles Hall, who is a key community figure in Tellico Plains today, is to learn about the people of Tellico.  Inside this exhibit you will discover Native American Indian relics, an extensive antique gun collection, coins, antique phones, and lots more, including a 1922 Model T Ford phone truck, the only one of its kind still in existence.  Their charming gift shop has terrific keepsakes of the East Tennessee Cherokee Mountains, crafts and art that you’ll enjoy. 

Turn left out of the parking lot, and follow the signs toward the Cherohala Skyway.  About 5 minutes on the right is a must-stop gem - Telliquah Outfitters.  Owner, John Champion is the grandson of one of Coker Creek’s most beloved men.  Coker Creek, a gorgeous mountain community about 20 miles into the mountains on Hwy 68, offers gold panning right in the middle of its pretty stream.  My buddy Daniel McClain and his Dad, claimed some of its treasure panning at the recent Heritage Festival at Coker Creek Village last month – IT WAS A BLAST – for us spectators as well as the miners!  (This is the same Hwy 68 that winds right back to the Ducktown Basin Museum – and it is a beautiful cruise.) 

Back to grandson, John at Telliquah Outfitters, who is as connected to the community and its treasures as was his grandfather.  John’s business provides guided tours and equipment for fly-fisher-men, or those of us who are finally going to really learn!  This past winter, Moose Hollow furnishings joined Telliquah Outfitters, and now visitors can browse through mouth-watering lodge furnishings and accessories. 

Hungry yet?  I believe the new Telliquah Bistro is open just across the street from the Telliquah Outfitters if you’d like to enjoy a view with your meal, of the gorgeous Tellico River.  However, there is another option you may want to try that I can vouch for – believe it or not, it is the local gas station!  Yup – the Cherohala Market.  This full service fuel market boasts a sit down deli offering everything from country breakfast, roast beef deli sandwiches, and burgers, to chicken and salads, and lunch specials Monday through Friday.  It is also very clean and has a pretty lodge-stone look to it.  Tellico Plains is a fun stop these days.  Swing by – you’ll enjoy it.

From Telliquah Outfitters, same direction, you are now beginning a   …..    r e a l       r I d e ……….  You are on the Cherohala Skyway.  The next 90 minutes to 4 hours, depending on your rate of speed (or should I say, rate of leisure) may well become the most beautiful driving you will ever do.  The Cherohala Skyway has a history.  After 34 years of planning and creating, and a 100-million-dollar price-tag, it was completed in 1996.  This “mile high skyway” winds 5,400 feet high through 21 miles of mountains and deeply forested Tennessee backcountry, then another 15 miles of Carolina beauty to Robbinsville, NC.  The vistas are stunning.   From Robbinsville, scenic highway 74 conveniently loops back to the Ocoee Scenic Byway (Hwy 64) to bring you home through the beautiful Ocoee River Gorge. 

If you like “sportscar driving” – or have a motor cycle – you may be interested to know that GuestLine recently added THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON  to our line up of DAY TRIPPIN’ options on our website.  Very close to the start of the Cherohala, this 11 miles stretch of mountain cruising boasts 318 curves and is known to many as America’s number one motorcycle and sportscar road. By interstate, it is less than an hour from Cleveland.  It is a genuine adventure-drive through the mountains.  Like the Cherohala, It also winds down near Robbinsville for a scenic loop home.

Today’s Day Trippin’ options can be further explored – in detail - at GuestLineTN.com, along with upcoming Festivals and Events.  Or pick up your free GuestLine Tennessee Guide, maps included, at the Museum Center at Five Points, the Chamber of Commerce, Pathway Bookstore, or the Bradley News office.  GuestLine guides offer dining suggestions, attractions and adventures, and maps for Cleveland, Chattanooga, AND the complete Day Trippin’ guide of Ocoee, Hiwassee and Tellico.