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Pikeville, Tennessee

Feb 25, 2014--
The Bledsoe County Courthouse is in Pikeville, Tenn. — Feb 25, 2014-- The Bledsoe County Courthouse is in Pikeville, Tenn. Feb 25, 2014-- The Bledsoe County Courthouse is in Pikeville, Tenn.

By Julia Bonney August 30, 2015 4 min read

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Pikeville, Tennessee

The John Bridgman House is seen framed by new streetscaping in downtown Pikeville.

Staff Photo by Ben Benton/Chattanooga Times Free Press - Mar 19, 2013 - Fall Creek Falls State Park visitors Rhonda Bigler, foreground, and Deborah Nash cross a swinging bridge for a view of Cane Creek on Tuesday. State parks officials are surveying Fall Creek Falls guests who stay at the resort park's inn, cabins and campsites about ideas for updates and improvements.

Stuart Carroll, 59, Fall Creek Falls State Park Resource Manager, stands atop the 80-foot fire tower on the eastern boundary of the park in Bledsoe County. The steel tower has recently been submitted to be on the National Register of Historic Places.

Brandon Neely, left, calls an auction Monday, June 29, 2015 at Morris Brothers stockyard in Pikeville, Tenn., as Lee Morris, right, watches. Neely recently won the livestock auctioneering world championship.

Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 7/30/14. A Civilian Conservation Corps structure in the Bledsoe State Forest on July 30, 2014. Local officials and fans of the CCC are looking to preserve the camp and other structures west of Pikeville, Tennessee.

Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 7/30/14. Robbie Taylor walks through a field in front of a Civilian Conservation Corps structure in the Bledsoe State Forest on July 30, 2014. Local officials and fans of the CCC are looking to preserve the camp and other structures west of Pikeville, Tennessee.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam visited the Bledsoe County Courthouse in Pikeville on Wednesday to announce Community Development Block Grants for the county and for the city of Pikeville. One of the grants will be used for commercial facade improvements for downtown Pikeville.

There are few sights so awe-inspiring as stars on a clear night. Living in the city, it’s easy to forget how vast and breathtaking the night sky can be. At Fall Creek Falls State Park near Pikeville, star viewing is not just a casual happening – it’s an event. With monthly astronomy weekends, visitors can experience Mother Nature in all her diamond-studded glory.

Only an hour’s drive from Chattanooga, Pikeville gives down-home joys – music, pies and starry skies to name a few – to those who stop by. For such a small town, you’ll be surprised at how much it offers.

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Here’s what’s happening>Beginning in the summer and lasting through September, Astronomy Weekends give visitors a chance to explore constellations and learn about the solar system. The event takes place the weekend after the full moon when the sky is at its darkest, so be sure to check online at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/fall-creek-falls for exact dates.>Camp out on July Fourth and join in on the Independence Day Celebration. Campers dress up and deck out their vehicles in red, white and blue and the day is completed with a feast of cake and watermelon.>The weekend after Labor Day is the annual Mountaineer Folk Festival. With crafts, music and old-time demonstrations, this outdoor event regularly draws big crowds.>The Fall Colors Weekend, held around the third weekend of October, gives visitors the chance to enjoy the changing leaves at their peak. With hikes, bike tours and a variety of other events, visitors can experience a Tennessee autumn in one of the most beautiful parks around.>Get into the Christmas spirit at the annual Christmas on the Mountain Festival. Held the weekend after Thanksgiving, this indoor event features Christmas crafts, carols and a visit from Santa.

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Fall Creek Falls State ParkPikeville’s biggest claim to fame is its close proximity to Fall Creek Falls State Park. Boasting a lake, miles of trails and one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, Fall Creek Falls is Tennessee’s largest and most-visited state park.

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Eat here>Hungry for a good Southern meal? Pig and Catch is the place to go. With a Sunday buffet and plenty of fried-food options, this local business has something for everyone.>If Mexican food is more your speed, check out Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant.>Pie lovers rejoice — Wooden’s Apple House is the place you’ve been looking for. With a pie shop, cafe and locally grown produce, Wooden’s gives visitors a delicious and authentic country experience.>Craving ice cream? Swing by Little Maggie’s Ice Cream Shop and get some sweet relief from the summer heat.

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StayPlanning on an overnight trip? Nearby Fall Creek Falls State Park has a multitude of options to choose from. On busy weekends, the park fills up fast so be sure to book your stay in advance. Visit tnstateparks.com/parks/about/fall-creek-falls for reservations and more information.>Sitting on the shore of Fall Creek Falls Lake, The Inn at Fall Creek Falls makes a great home-base for adventures around the state park and into town. Rates run from $74-$220.>Wanting something a little more rustic? Rent a cabin on the lake or nestled into a hill. Rates run from $145-$160.>Those looking to camp can stay in the Fall Creek Falls Campground. Sites are available for tents and RV’s. Rates run from $11-$25.

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Annual Events>In May of each year, Thunder on Main brings together bikers and the community to collect food for the area food bank. Visit thunder-on-main.org for dates and more information.>Taking place in September of each year, the 9 Mile Bluegrass Festival brings together bluegrass groups for a weekend of music. Check out ninemilebluegrass.com for yearly dates.>Every August, the 127 Corridor Sale runs straight through Pikeville as buyers and sellers join in creating the World’s Longest Yard Sale. For official dates, visit 127sale.com.