The charming little town of Dunlap is definite proof that size isn’t everything. What the Sequatchie County city lacks in magnitude, it more than makes up for with rich history, unique traditions and epic scenery.
Tucked away in the center of the Sequatchie Valley, Dunlap offers a breathtaking aerial view of its natural beauty through hang gliding opportunities and shows off its waterways via the Sequatchie River. Covered with remnants from its period as a mining industry, the town is a favorite among history enthusiasts, but also boasts a hefty collection of festivals for the party-loving passersby.
With so many pastimes for so many different hobbyists, the versatile little town shows residents and visitors alike that big things do come in small packages.
The Chickamauga Coke Ovens park, the site of the former Durham Mine and Coke Ovens, is photographed on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, in Chickamauga, Ga. The beehive-design coke ovens operated from the 1890’s until the depression. More Info
*TRADITION ON DISPLAYCoke Ovens Bluegrass Festival: For the last 30 years, locals have armed themselves with lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the fine sounds of the fiddle, mandolin and banjo during this bluegrass celebration. Attendees are treated to a fantastic lineup of regional musicians, a great jam session and even a fiddle workshop to keep the acoustic string music tradition alive in the Sequatchie Valley.July Fourth Parade and Festival: Each Independence Day, this usually quiet town explodes with patriotism. The day-long celebration starts with a lively parade and ends with the blast of fireworks, with music, dancing and games in between.Sequatchie County Fair: A local attraction since 1938, this fair draws families from near and far for carnival rides, food competitions, musical entertainment, games and plenty of fun.Valley Fest: Held each year at the beginning of May, this two-day festival has something for everyone. Experience a taste of life in the Sequatchie Valley through a spectacular car show, a Miss Valley Fest Pageant, a 5k and 10k, musical performances on two outdoor stages and So. Much. Food.
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*DIG INTO RICH HISTORY*The Dunlap Coke Ovens serve as the Sequatchie Valley’s link to its coal mining past. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the site gives history lovers a look at:The remains of 268 “beehive” ovens used to turn coal into coke, which was used at iron and steel foundries in Chattanooga.Old photographs found tucked away in trucks and closets, as well as hundreds of mining artifacts, census data and historical data.A rare collection of video tapes featuring the last surviving coal miners. Can be requested by appointment for universities, historians and educational groups.