Coker Creek is a Monroe County community near the Polk County and North Carolina lines. The community is surrounded by mountains of the Cherokee National Forest and includes several arts and crafts venues.

Hours: Coker Creek Welcome Center, Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Distance: 80-90 miles from Chattanooga. Take I-75 north to the Sweetwater exit, then follow State Route 68 southeast about 30 miles to the Coker Creek Welcome Center. Or take I-75 to exit 20 near Cleveland, then take U.S. Highway 64 to Ducktown and follow SR 68 northwest to Coker Creek.

Estimated fuel cost: At $4 per gallon, about $36 one way.

What’s worthwhile: Arts and crafts for sale, cabin rentals, hiking trails and historic sites including colonial era cemeteries, location of an ancient Indian village and the remains of a 1930s era Civilian Conservation Camp. There’s an old U.S. Forest Service lookout tower with views of mountain panoramas. Visitors are challenged to find the 1700s-era gravestone at Old Coker Creek Cemetery that says “Jim Morrow Bushwacked whyile Cradling Oats” among others.

On the U.S. 64 route, drivers may stop at the Ocoee Whitewater Center and Ducktown Mining Museum.

Admission: Free except for cabin rentals, craft purchases and adventure packages offered at some venues.

For the kids: Nature walks, an old stage coach, rafting, panning for gold and picnics.

Gas-saving tip: Coker Creek Heritage Center encourages carpooling to the park.

More information: Coker Creek Economic Development Group (Welcome Center), (423) 261-2286, or Coker Creek Gallery, (423) 261-2157, cokercreek.org.

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