Nearby Favorites 

The Cherohala Skyway

OUR FAVORITE DRIVE 

Take a scenic Drive on The Cherohala Skyway that will take you thru the Cherokee National Forest, The Appalachian mountains and into the Smoky mountains.   This is a Must see and Do if your Visiting Tellico Plains,  there are plenty of pull off spots for the perfect family photos and scenery you could only dream about.  

Bald River Falls

Bald River Falls and Baby Falls are a must see when visiting our area, It's one of our Favorite Falls without a Hike, This Fall is Right near the parking lot making it easy to see for everyone.  

Indian Boundry Lake 

The Perfect Post Card Setting with Tree Canopy in every direction, Located off of the Cherohala Skyway, Fishing, Boating and Simply Relaxing 

Trail of Tears 

Preservation & Memorialization: The landscape in and around Tellico Plains features designated sections of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and protected public lands. Significant sites in the area, such as the Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center and protected acreage in nearby Coker Creek, are recognized by the National Park Service for their historical importance and are dedicated to honoring the memory of the Cherokee people who suffered and died during the migration

The Lost Sea 

The Lost Sea is a historic, Registered National Landmark within the extensive Craighead Caverns, it features America's largest underground lake, known for its guided tours and  includes a boat rides, rare anthodite formations, and deep history spanning from Cherokee use to Confederate saltpeter mining and a 1905 discovery

Buck Bald 

Buck Bald is about to become one of your new favorite places! This bald mountain peak, located in the Coker Creek community of Tellico Plains (inside the Tellico Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest), offers panoramic views of the majestic peaks of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. To the north and east are the Nantahala and Yellow Creek mountains of North Carolina. To the South are the North Georgia mountains around Blairsville, Blue Ridge and Ellijay. In the west is Tennessee’s Big Frog and Little Frog wilderness areas along with Chilhowee Mountain and the Hiwassee and Ocoee River breaks; gaps where the rivers cut through the mountain chains. When you arrive at Buck Bald, you will notice a stone marker spelling “C-15” in large letters. This was to mark the Forest Service's Fire tower that used to be located at Buck Bald.

 

This peaceful mountain peak is one of the top places to visit in East TN. It's also the perfect destination for sightseeing and hiking in Tennessee and spending time with your family away from cell phones and other distractions!

The Tellico Amish Market 

A Must See while visiting Tellico Plains, Be sure to enjoy their fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh baked goods  

Charles Hall Museum 

The Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center, located at the entrance to the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, preserves the Appalachian, Native American, and local history of the region

Founder: The museum is named after Charles Hall (1924–2014), who served as the mayor of Tellico Plains for 31 years. Hall was a lifelong local historian and a key figure in the creation of the Cherohala Skyway.

Establishment: Hall built the museum in 2002–2003 to house his vast private collection of memorabilia amassed over decades. It expanded to a second building in 2008.   The car featured in the museum was built in our garage here at Mountain Retreat by the orginal owner, Charlie Young.   

Panning for Gold 

Coker Creek Gold Camp, also known as the site of the Diggers Expedition, is a recreational campground and historic gold panning destination located at 12451 TN-68, Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It is famous as the location where the National Geographic show Diggers filmed an expedition

Gold Panning: The camp provides hands-on gold panning and sluicing in the creek. On-site managers often offer demonstrations and equipment to help beginners find their first flakes of gold.

Historical Significance: The camp is situated in the heart of Tennessee’s 1827 gold rush area. It is near historical landmarks like the Unicoi Turnpike, a route used during the Trail of Tears.

Location: It is nestled within the Cherokee National Forest, approximately half a mile past the Coker Creek Welcome Center.