A 55-minute drive from Chattanooga, north on Highway 27, Spring City is a small unassuming town situated on the rolling Cumberland Plateau. But for what the town lacks in population size, it makes up for in natural resources. Home to Watts Bar Lake, over 780 miles of shoreline, and segments of the Cumberland Trail, Spring City provides an ideal weekend retreat for hikers, fishermen, and outdoor-lovers alike.
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FUEL UP FOR ADVENTUREBanjo’s BBQ serves up all things Southern, from pork butt and beef brisket to potato salad and smoked baked beans. In addition to its classic recipes, this locally owned eatery is rooted in city history with old photographs of the town hung on its walls.The Front Porch Restaurant is a down-home diner does breakfast, lunch and dinner — all with a side of waterfront dining. Located at Arrowhead Resort, its menu ranges from sandwiches to chopped steak. Of course, there is also a bounty of seafood options.* Banjo’s BBQ: 22002 Rhea County Hwy.; 423-785-7606* The Front Porch Restaurant: Arrowhead Resort, 261 Bennett Drive; 423-365-6484
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WHERE TO HIKE>Piney River Segment of the Cumberland Trail: A moderate 8.5-mile one-way hike, this section of the Cumberland Trail is worth the effort. Natural features such as waterfalls, rock houses and bluffs can be spotted along the trail. Plus, there is a bounty of interesting man-made structures too: an old mine, a narrow-gauge railroad bed and a 100-foot suspension bridge that sways across Piney River.Both trailheads are accessible from Shut In Gap Road off TN 68.>Stinging Fork Falls Trail: For an easier hiking option, this 2-mile trail loops through the 140-acre natural area known as the Stinging Fork Pocket Wilderness. The trail is named for the 30-foot fan-shaped waterfall located near the end of the loop. Also along the trail, hikers will find a spur trail leading to an impressive overlook of the rugged Stinging Fork Gorge.The trailhead is located about 5 miles up Shut In Gap Road from Piney Falls State Natural Area.Source: cumberlandtrail.org
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WHERE TO FISH>Spring City Resort & Marina: Between its rental cabins, boat slips and RV campsites, this picturesque harbor provides a number of ways to enjoy the water. In addition to boating and fishing opportunities, there are also places to swim and picnic.>Piney Point Resort: Featuring lakefront cabins and launching ramps, this family- and pet-friendly resort offers a bounty of bluegill, bream, crappie and large-mouth bass fisheries.>Arrowhead Resort: In addition to cabins and campsites, this resort offers motel rooms — as well as boat rentals, boat slips and easy-access boat ramps. Common catches include black bass as well as white- and black-nose crappie.
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*AT A GLANCEPopulation: 1,981Landmarks: Watts Bar LakeTrivia: Spring City was founded in the 1870s as a stop along the Cincinnati Southern Railroad. Its historic train depot, built in 1908, is now the location of the Spring City Museum.*Source: townofspringcitytn.org