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Tennessee Overhill is a region spanning three counties (McMinn, Monroe, and Polk) in the southeast corner of Tennessee, about an hour from both Chattanooga and Knoxville. This Tennessee Overhill itinerary is jam-packed with four days of waterfalls, southern food, small-town murals, river paddling, and Cherokee history, with Fireside Outpost in Delano as a home base. This can be a standalone long weekend or added to a larger Tennessee road trip.
Read more: Tennessee Overhill Itinerary: 4 Days of Waterfalls, Food, & HistoryThis itinerary at a glance:
- Day 1 (Polk County) is waterfalls and comfort food.
- Day 2 (McMinn County) is the Eureka Trail, ice cream, and paddling the Hiwassee River.
- Day 3 (Monroe County) is the Cherohala Skyway, Bald River Falls, a winery, and small-town history.
- Day 4 is a relaxed morning and a Mennonite farmers’ market on your way out.
I certainly hadn’t heard of the Tennessee Overhill region until a few months ago, but it was such a memorable trip, surprising in the best way. Be prepared to be wowed by an underrated destination!
Where is Tennessee Overhill?
Tennessee Overhill is made up of three counties in the southeast corner of Tennessee: McMinn, Monroe, and Polk. Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with access to the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers, Tennessee Overhill is about an hour from both Chattanooga and Knoxville, making it easily accessible by car. Tennessee Overhill is a great destination to tack onto a Tennessee road trip itinerary, or a getaway all on its own!
Who is Tennessee Overhill for?
I think there is something in the Overhill region for everyone! But this is the perfect trip for those who love:
- Outdoors or nature
- Paddling or fishing
- Road-tripping
- Getting off the beaten path
- Small-town American charm
Where to Stay in Tennessee Overhill?
Fireside Outpost, located in Delano, Tennessee, is a magical home base for exploring the Tennessee Overhill. Fireside Outpost has a series of cabins and campsites for rent in a lush forested area with Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and fairy lights.
There are a variety of sleeping arrangements available, depending on your travel style. Fireside Outpost offers one cabin with a private bathroom, kitchen, and living area, as well as simpler cabins with shared bathrooms for more adventurous travelers!
I stayed in the Hiwassee Cabin, named after the Hiwassee River, which has a queen-size bed with linens, fridge, microwave, and a campfire area. This cabin can sleep two people and is one of the closest to the bathhouse.
All the cabins on this property share a bathroom, except the Chilhowee Mountain Cabin. There is one shared bathroom for women, one for men, a separate handicap bathroom, and a separate shower. There is also an outdoor kitchenette with a coffee machine and potable water, for brewing coffee or tea in the morning.
Tennessee Overhill Itinerary
This Tennessee Overhill itinerary includes time in each of the three counties. It includes locally owned businesses, southern food specialties, art, history, nature, and a touch of adventure! What more could you need? This is a great overview of this region of Tennessee, but feel free to adapt it as needed.
Day 1 in Tennessee Overhill
The first day in Tennessee Overhill will be spent primarily in Polk County, settling in, hiking to a waterfall, and eating some delicious southern food.
Arrive in Fireside Outpost
Arrive in Fireside Outpost and settle into your cabin (or tent!). We enjoyed a picnic at the Fireside Pavilion, an outdoor covered area with picnic tables and fire pits. It is right on the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad line, so we got to watch the train take off.
Hiwassee Scenic River State Park
Next, head to the Hiwassee Scenic River Visitor Center to see Fort Marr. This is a quick stop on your way from Fireside Outpost, but it is worth it to see some historic structures.
The highlight is the Fort Marr blockhouse. Built in 1814, the blockhouse was used as a supply depot and, later, for the militias involved in the Cherokee removal, known as the Trail of Tears. This is not the original location of the structure, which has been moved twice; however, it is the original building, not a replica.
Just a few steps from there on the Hiwassee River, you can see a fishing weir, a structure used by the indigenous people to catch fish. They built a V-shape in the river with rocks, forcing the trout into a trap where they could be speared easily. Theories suggest the fishing weir was constructed by ancient humans who predated the Cherokee.
Gee Creek Falls
Gee Creek Falls is an out-and-back hike located in Polk County. The trail follows Gee Creek to Gee Creek Falls, a waterfall and swimming hole. It is about 1.25 miles to the waterfall with about 400 feet of elevation gain.
The scenery was absolutely beautiful. In May, this trail is lush, green, and tranquil, with the sounds of running water following you most of the way. There are several places where you can take a dip in the creek, but the water may be chilly!
Along the trail, watch out for poison ivy (we definitely saw some!) and snakes (we didn’t see any, thank goodness). There is a small area along the trail where you have to scramble across some rocks, but it was pretty mild.
At Gee Creek Falls, there is a rock we jumped off, just to the right of the falls when facing them. Jump and swim at your own risk. Rocks can be slippery when wet, so I recommend wearing water shoes, particularly if you want to swim.
It was my first time jumping into a waterfall, and it was so fun! It took me a full minute to work up the courage to do so, but it was worth it.
Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner
After working up a sweat, head to Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner for some home-cooked southern comfort food. This is a classic Appalachian-style restaurant, serving up dishes like pot roast, meatloaf, and chicken-fried chicken, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and pastas.
I tried the fried catfish, tasty and breaded with cornmeal, with a side of macaroni and cheese and green beans. Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner has all the classic sides plus some that I didn’t recognize, like White Beans and Grape Salad (apparently both extremely Appalachian). The homey food hit the spot, but don’t sleep on dessert. The peanut butter chocolate brownie was decadent and rich, and the blueberry cobbler was warming and delicious.
Parksville Lake and Ocoee Dam No. 1
Head to the restaurant’s namesake, Ocoee Dam No. 1 viewpoint. From here, you can see Sugar Loaf Mountain, Parksville Lake, and one of the dams built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Parksville Lake, sometimes referred to as Lake Ocoee, is home to harmless freshwater jellyfish. They are native to China, but, strangely, they inhabit lakes, rivers, and bodies of water around North America. They likely traveled to North America through aquatic plants or birds.
Goforth Creek
Goforth Creek is about 30 minutes away from the Ocoee Dam No. 1 viewpoint. The drive takes you along the Ocoee Scenic Byway, with views of Parksville Lake. The lake spans 1,930 acres and feels enormous while driving along its shore. It reminded me of Ireland or Scotland, with several small islands within the lake and green foliage all around. Plus, the weather was moody, with low-hanging, grey clouds reminiscent of the UK.
Goforth Creek is another waterfall with several swimming holes, but this one is just off the road, so it is much easier to reach. Park in the lot, and you are only a few steps from the falls.
The waterfalls and rocks create several small pools that are perfect for wading. When we visited, it was pretty much empty because it was late and rainy, but Goforth Creek would be a great place to swim if the weather were nice. According to our hosts, it gets busy on hot days.
Day 2 in Tennessee Overhill
Spend the next day exploring McMinn County, with an action-packed itinerary that includes gravel biking and rafting down the Hiwassee River, as well as some must-try food stops!
Tellico Junction Cafe in Englewood
In Tennessee Overhill, you can’t miss a delicious southern-style breakfast, and Tellico Junction Cafe is just the place to curb the craving. Tellico Junction Cafe, with its wood-paneled walls decked out in nostalgic American paraphernalia and humorous signs, is the epitome of small-town America in the best way.
The biscuits and gravy were perfect, no notes, and the combo came with two eggs, hashbrowns, and a choice of a sausage patty or bacon. The combos are huge, so come hungry. We also sampled the chocolate gravy and biscuits, one of their specialties, featuring a sweet and light chocolate sauce. It was surprisingly good!
They serve breakfast and lunch daily, with breakfast from 7 AM to 11 AM.
Walk or Bike the Eureka Trail
Former rail tracks that connected Athens to Englewood fell into disuse, so, in 2016, McMinn County decided to transition the rail line into a gravel trail perfect for walking, biking, and horseback riding. Ten years later, the Eureka Trail has become an important part of the community.
The trail is 5.6 miles long with gentle inclines and takes you through thick, wooded forest, trickling streams, and verdant farmland. The massive trees along the trail provide a good amount of shade while you enjoy this trail.
Biking this peaceful trail was incredibly restorative (and helped to burn off the huge breakfast!). Mile markers along the trail urge you to find the local flora and fauna and make healthy decisions through cute messages like “Find the Turkeys” or “Find Friends”!
Parking and bathrooms are available at the trailhead in Athens. Bike rentals are limited in this area, but Scott’s Bikes in Cleveland provides rentals. Make sure to call ahead to confirm availability.
Mayfield Dairy
Another necessary stop on a Tennessee Overhill itinerary is Mayfield Dairy. They have been making dairy products in Athens for over 100 years. At the dairy, you can sample ice cream, take a guided tour of the production facility, peruse the gift shop, and take a picture with Maggie the cow, the Mayfield mascot (who is unfortunately not a real cow).
Tours of the facility are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last tour starting at 3 PM. A free scoop of ice cream is included.
Unfortunately, we visited on a holiday, so we didn’t get to do the factory tour, but the ice cream was great! Mayfield offers a ton of flavor options, including many classics like moose tracks and cookies and cream, as well as unique seasonal offerings and experimental flavors that you can’t buy in the store. I tried the banana pudding, which was tasty!
McMinn County also has a designated Scoop Loop, a collection of 12 local ice cream shops to satisfy your sweet tooth. Seven of them are in Athens! Check it out here.
Mural Walk Through Downtown Athens
Next, take a walk through downtown Athens. Besides being a historic town with a walkable downtown, there are several murals that you can check out, making this a free and fun thing to do in Tennessee Overhill.
We saw two artistic murals and two historical murals. The first historical mural is based on the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
The second historical mural depicts the Battle of Athens, which occurred after World War II. At that time, some of the government officials in Athens were corrupt and trying to control election outcomes. During the election of August 1946, ballot boxes were stolen in an effort to rig the election, leading to a skirmish between the two sides. It was resolved quickly, but it continues to be a big deal in the town of Athens today because the descendants of the families involved still reside in this town.
We visited these murals:
- Gathering Release by Jonathan Bidwell at 326 N Jackson Street
- Great America XX by Sam Welty at 216 N White Street
- Great America XIV: The Battle of Athens by Sam Welty at 206 N Jackson Street
- Tri-Star by Megan Lingerfelt at 10 S White Street / E Bank Street
Find out more information about these murals here.
Lunch at Woods Family Diner
It has been a jam-packed day, so it is time for a late lunch. Head to Woods Family Diner, a BBQ restaurant and diner in McMinn County serving up all your favorite BBQ meats, sandwiches, burgers, dogs, shakes, and daily specials. They smoke their meats over hickory wood in the on-site smoker.
I tried the Hawgback Potato, which is a baked potato covered in smoked pork, cheese, sour cream, and topped with BBQ sauce. I split this with someone else on the trip because it was huge and we were still pretty full from breakfast, but it was delish! The baked potato was soft and fluffy inside, and the pork was flavorful with crispy, caramelized bits.
Rafting on the Hiwassee River
The Hiwassee River is a huge attraction for many Tennessee Overhill visitors. This 147-mile river travels through Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, eventually joining the Tennessee River.
The Hiwassee River is known for the low-hanging fog that clings to the water, particularly in the mornings, giving the river a spooky, mystical feel. It is also extremely clear; typically, you can see right down to the bottom, according to our host. Since there had been a lot of rain, it wasn’t quite as clear as usual, but it was still very clear.
You can rent rafts or funyaks for the Hiwassee River with Webb Brothers. The funyaks, inflatable kayaks, are suitable for 1-2 people, but one person per boat is best for navigating the river since it is not very deep. They also provide life jackets, paddles, and a shuttle service to the public put-in.
For the more adventurous, you can explore the small islands dotted throughout the Hiwassee, but be careful of snakes, especially copperheads and cottonmouths, both venomous.
The section of the Hiwassee we completed has Class 1 through 3 rapids, which is good for beginners. Always confirm river conditions with a local company before heading out. This is typically a self-guided activity. However, if you aren’t very comfortable in the water or haven’t paddled much, I recommend a different activity.
I fell out of my boat going over a rapid incorrectly, and had a slight moment of panic before I was able to right myself. It is also easy to get stuck on the rocks while going over the rapids. I could have used a little more instruction on how to navigate the river. It was so beautiful (and spooky) with the fog hanging over the river, but I had a hard time relaxing enough to enjoy it.
It took about two hours to complete from where we started. Make sure to wear watershoes, a swimsuit or quick-drying clothes, and sunscreen. Bring a water bottle and a dry bag for your phone if you want to take pictures.
Alternatively, you can also whitewater raft with a guide on the Ocoee River. Reserve your spot here!
Midway Milkshakes
For a low-key, counter-service dinner, head to Midway Milkshakes to enjoy pizza, burgers, fries, shakes, and more! Midway Milkshakes is a fun, garage-style restaurant with bright yellow and white walls and garage doors that open on the sides.
The signature burger was classic and hit the spot. You can make your own milkshake or mixer and choose which toppings to add. I ordered a vanilla base and then added peanut butter and Reese’s peanut butter cups, and it was delicious! We also tried the fries, fried mushrooms, and southwestern eggrolls, which are fried and stuffed with corn, black beans, peppers, and melted cheese.
There is a Midway Mini-Golf right next door for a fun evening activity, but they were closed because of the rain.
Day 3 in Tennessee Overhill
The final full day in Tennessee Overhill will be spent in Monroe County. This day features tons of history, a wine tasting, and a remarkable waterfall!
Breakfast at Tellico Grains Bakery
Begin your day at Tellico Grains Bakery in Tellico Plains (see what they did there?), an awesome spot for pastries, breads, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. They serve coffee, espresso, and non-coffee drinks.
I tried the spinach ricotta croissant. The inside was full of fluffy ricotta cream with a perfectly flaky outside. I also tried the raspberry bear claw and the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, both of which were tasty!
Cherohala Skyway to Bald River Falls
Next, take the Cherohala Skyway for a scenic drive to Bald River Falls, one of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls in East Tennessee.
The Cherohala Skyway was completed in 1996, connecting Tellico Plains with Robbinsville, North Carolina. In 1958, to demonstrate the need for a road connecting the two areas and that the existing road was only fit for covered wagons, Charles Hall organized an annual historic wagon train to traverse the path. This event took place every year for the next 30 years, eventually resulting in the construction of the Skyway.
The Cherohala Skyway is a two-lane road that runs through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, offering access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks. There are no services along the route and few bathrooms. The road winds through the forest, so if you get carsick, I would recommend taking Dramamine for this section.
Bald River Falls is the most prominent waterfall in the Tennessee Overhill region. There is an overlook point that is perfect for observing the waterfall, but if you want to get closer, you can hike down to the base.
Charles Hall Museum
Return to Tellico Plains and check out the Charles Hall Museum, a collection of antique items from Charles Hall, the man responsible for the creation of the Cherohala Skyway. After Charles Hall passed, his daughter, Pam, ensured that his collection was displayed in a museum. Over time, other people have contributed to the collection as well.
The museum displays all kinds of things: old telephones, manual switchboards, telephone boxes, antique washing machines, coins and paper money throughout the ages, weapons, tools, military uniforms, and more.
There are two buildings containing the collection, so make sure you allow time for both. The Charles Hall Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily.
Lunch at Tellicafe or Peach Street Grill
For lunch, enjoy more local southern food at Tellicafe. They have all your favorite southern dishes, served in a homey space.
We tried the Fried Green Tomatoes and Tellico Trout Cakes for appetizers, both of which were good.
For a main dish, I ordered the chicken and dumplings, which you rarely see on a menu in the Western US. It was pretty good and seemed like the classic way to serve it, but personally, I thought it could use more spices. For sides, I tried the cornbread and collard greens, southern classics.
If you want something with more upscale international options, check out Peach Street Grill, which came highly recommended from our hosts, unfortunately they are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is located in Vonore, about a 30-minute drive from Tellico Plains. This area, before the Cherokee removal, was inhabited by the Overhill Cherokee. In 1979, four dams were added, and the area was flooded by TVA, creating the Tellico Reservoir for flood control and electricity generation. Archeological work was done in this area before the dams were built, and, as reparations, the TVA agreed to rebury the Cherokee remains on the land. The Cherokee Burial Mound, containing 191 Cherokee remains that were excavated as part of the Tellico Reservoir project, can be viewed on the grounds behind the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum.
The museum is dedicated to Sequoyah, a half-Cherokee, half-European, who invented a written syllabary for the Cherokee, inspired by his time with the settlers. This museum explores Sequoyah’s life, how he may have been inspired to create a written Cherokee language, and how he convinced the Cherokee to adopt it in 1825. Before that, Cherokee was only a spoken language.
I found this museum interesting, not knowing anything about Sequoyah before going into it. We received a tour from Charlie, the manager and director of the museum, and his enthusiasm for the topic was contagious.
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park
Fort Loudoun is a quick drive from the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum and is worth a stop for all history aficionados! The fort is a replica of one built by the British to protect the Overhill towns.
The Overhill Cherokee and the British were originally allied against the French, so the Cherokee requested that the fort be built here in 1756. The relationship between the two eventually became tense, causing the Cherokee to take Fort Loudoun.
Today, Fort Loudoun State Historic Park provides space for historical reenactments, picnics, fishing, and hiking. When we visited, there was construction going on to make this area completely ADA accessible.
Tsali Notch Vineyard
Head to Tsali Notch Vineyard for a wine tasting and beautiful views of Sweetwater, Tennessee. The vineyard grows six different varietals of muscadine grapes, all grown on the property. They don’t have production facilities on their property, but you can take a vineyard tour, taste the wines, and enjoy the scenery!
We tasted five wines and their new red muscadine hard cider. The Chatsworth, a dry red wine, was my favorite because I don’t prefer sweet wines, but it was still a good time. The sweeping panoramic views of the vineyard and the rolling green hills in the distance were the perfect backdrop for this experience.
Tsali Notch Vineyard is open Wednesday through Sunday for tastings or purchases. Tours of the vineyards are available Thursday through Sunday. I recommend bringing bug spray.
Mural Walk in Sweetwater
Next stop, the town of Sweetwater! This quaint town along a railway has a Southern Railway Pullman train car you can tour, a gazebo often used for live music, a 19th-century style downtown, and several murals to discover.
We visited five of the murals in Sweetwater. One of my favorites honors Febb Burns for her impact on passing the 19th Amendment in Tennessee. Harry Burns, her son and the representative who broke the tie vote on the amendment, was from a town near Sweetwater. His mother wrote him before the vote and told him to “vote for suffrage” and “don’t forget to be a good boy,” resulting in Harry voting in favor of the amendment and allowing it to be ratified in Tennessee.
There is also a mural dedicated to the town of Sweetwater itself, depicting things the town is known for, like the Lost Sea, honeybees, and the 2017 solar eclipse.
These are the murals that I visited in Sweetwater:
- The Lazy Beagle by Megan Lingerfelt at 107 N Main St
- Venus by Kim Radford at 120 Morris St
- Hurrah by Jenny Ustick at 233 N Main St
- “Sweetwater 150th” by Nathan Brown at Miller Street & TN-11
- Honey Bee Haven by Whitney Harrington at 806 N Main St
Find more information on the Sweetwater murals here.
The Lazy Beagle
For dinner, head to The Lazy Beagle for local specialties and flavors. The walls of this pub-style restaurant are peppered with old photographs and paintings, giving it a rustic small-town feel.
The spicy honey cheese bites are a house favorite, and I definitely recommend them. They are fried balls of crushed pretzels, filled with cream and melty mozzarella cheese infused with sweet honey, and drizzled with sriracha honey.
I also tried the shrimp and grits and the wildcat pasta, both made with Cajun flavors, and both were delish!
Check Out the Nightlife
There are a couple of local bars that are worth checking out in Sweetwater. The first is Sweetwater Taps, a taphouse serving beer and canned drinks with a pleasant covered patio, occasional food trucks, and live music. Sweetwater Taps is open daily, with varied hours.
For a fun night of karaoke or more live music, head to the Carpool Garage. This former garage has been turned into a bar and music venue, complete with a small stage, shuffleboard, pool, and plenty of seating.
The owner mentioned that it gets busy with locals and visitors on Friday and Saturday nights. Karaoke is on Thursdays, but since they kindly opened up for us on a Tuesday night, we got to try it out. I think by the end of the night, they may have regretted giving us the microphone, since our karaoke consisted primarily of musicals, Disney, and Taylor Swift songs.
Carpool Garage is open Thursday through Sunday. They serve beer, canned beverages, and have a wood-fired pizza oven.
Day 4 in Tennessee Overhill
This is the last day of this Tennessee Overhill itinerary, and I hope, by now, that you see how special this place is and are ready to plan your own trip!
Breakfast at Fireside Outpost
Spend the morning taking in Fireside Outpost for the last time, sipping coffee by the fire, enjoying the dense green forest, and listening to the rustling of leaves. We ate pastries from a local bakery for breakfast while we prepared to head out.
Visit a Mennonite Farmers Market
On your way out of Tennessee Overhill, stop by Delano Community Farm Market, run by the Mennonite community. Mennonites are a religious group that can only use certain types of modern technology, and there is a large community in southeastern Tennessee. During your visit, you may see them around Tennessee Overhill in their traditional clothing, using a pay phone, or traveling by horse and carriage. Do not take pictures of them without their permission.
At the Delano Community Farm Market, you can purchase wood-carved goods, plants, produce, meats, and natural products. The Mennonites live and farm in the area around the market, so you can get an idea of their way of life.
The Delano Community Farm Market is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day except Sundays and only accepts cash.
From there, continue to the rest of your Tennessee itinerary! We headed back to Chattanooga for the Women in Travel Summit.
Read more: A Foodie’s Guide to 3 Days in San Francisco
Tennessee Overhill Itinerary FAQ
Where is Tennessee Overhill?
Tennessee Overhill is a three-county region (McMinn, Monroe, and Polk) in the southeast corner of Tennessee, set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It sits about an hour from both Chattanooga and Knoxville.
How many days do you need in Tennessee Overhill?
Four days lets you experience all three counties without rushing, which is what this itinerary is built around. If you are short on time, two days covering Polk and McMinn counties still hits the highlight waterfalls, food, and river activities.
What is the best time to visit Tennessee Overhill?
The best time to visit Tennessee Overhill is in the spring or fall, to avoid hot, muggy weather. Mid-September through October is peak time for fall foliage. Waterfalls will be running strongest in the spring.
We visited in May and had some unseasonably rainy weather, according to our hosts. Even though it rained daily, there were still many hours without rain, and it kept temperatures a bit cooler overall.
Do you need a car to visit Tennessee Overhill?
Yes. There is no public transit between the towns and attractions, so a car is essential. The easiest approach is to fly into Knoxville or Chattanooga (each about an hour away) and rent a car. Reserve your rental car with free cancellation using Discover Cars!
Is Tennessee Overhill worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you love the outdoors, southern food, small-town charm, and getting off the beaten path! It is an underrated destination that pairs easily with a larger Tennessee road trip or stands on its own as a long weekend.
What to Pack for Tennessee Overhill?
There are so many adventures to be had in this area, but you will enjoy your time more if you pack appropriately. I definitely recommend bringing a rain jacket, umbrella, water shoes, tennis shoes, a hat, a dry bag for rafting, sunscreen, and bug spray (paid links). Bring cash for a visit to the Delano Community Farm Market because they don’t have an ATM there.
Reflections on Visiting Tennessee Overhill
That is how you can spend 4 days exploring Tennessee Overhill! I was so pleasantly surprised by this area, I will be back to show Luke around and explore more of Tennessee!
Have you heard of Tennessee Overhill? Would you consider adding Tennessee Overhill to your Tennessee road trip itinerary?
