For most travelers of Interstate 24 West, Monteagle is just the halfway point of the drive between Chattanooga and Nashville. But those who stop at the “top of the rock,” aka Monteagle Mountain, will find a small town surrounded by photo-op-worthy vistas.
Monteagle’s eclectic population is a mix of mountain folk who are descendants of early Swiss colonists and Scotch-Irish settlers; artists, young couples and academics from nearby University of the South; and baby boomers retiring there for its peaceful, scenic beauty.
For years, Monteagle has been famous for the twisting turns and steep grade leading up and over Monteagle Mountain, a drive especially hazardous during the heavy fogs that frequently drape the mountaintop. Now drivers brake for its artists shops, fine dining at High Point Restaurant or outdoor recreation on the newly opened section of Mountain Goat Trail.
More Info
Where to grab a biteFans of TripAdvisor.com rated Mountain Goat Market tops for a great meal on the mountain. “It’s our sandwiches, like the Ragin’ Cajun, that draws people in,” says Mountain Goat Market owner Eric Duncan. “We are a small market with a deli that has salads and 15 sandwiches on our menu. We use Boar’s Head meats and bread made fresh at Niedlov’s Bakery in Chattanooga.”The top five referrals by TripAdvisor users are:> Mountain Goat Market: 109 Main St., 931-924-2727> High Point Restaurant: 224 E. Main St., 931-924-4600> Jim Oliver’s Smoke House Restaurant: 850 W. Main St., 931-924-3442> Dave’s Modern Tavern: 38 W. Main St., 931-924-8363> Papa Ron’s Italian Steakhouse: 402 W. Main St., 931-924-3355
More Info
Shopping on the mountainChannel your inner flower child with a visit to Amish Hippie. Manager Mark Anderson says the shop sells “Amish goods handmade by an Amish community near Ethridge, Tenn., and hippie goods.” Amish Hippie is owned by Marla Sitten.Another source of handmade art is Hallelujah Pottery, a pottery collaborative of 12 artists.Mooney’s Market and Emporium is located in a 1939 storefront that Joan Thomas renovated to preserve the local landmark. The market houses a full yarn shop and juice bar, and she sells health food, antiques, work by local artists and plants.> Amish Hippie: 808 W. Main St., 931-691-3663> Hallelujah Pottery: 1201 W. Main St., 931-924-0141> Mooney’s Market and Emporium: 1265 W. Main St., 931-924-7400
More Info
Waterfalls, Woods and WildflowersSurrounded by 2,500 acres of Cumberland State Park, Monteagle is a destination for hikers, outdoorsmen and wildflower lovers. The state park’s Visitor Center is in Monteagle at 11745 Highway 41.> Trails and Trilliums: The next is set for April 15-17, 2016 at Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, 1 Assembly Ave.Friends of South Cumberland State Park sponsors this annual three-day event filled with guided hikes, native plant sales, children’s activities and guest speakers.> Mountain Goat Trail: This “rail-to-trail” recreation project is converting an abandoned railroad right-of-way into a recreational area between Grundy and Franklin counties. When finished, the paved, 35-mile trail will connect seven towns and draw walkers, cyclists, hikers and joggers. The section between downtown Sewanee and Monteagle has just been finished, completing 5 miles of the trail. Monteagle’s access to the trail begins at the Dollar General, 915 W. Main St.> Fiery Gizzard Trail: Picked by Backpacker magazine as one of its top 25 backpacking trails, Fiery Gizzard’s 12-mile route starts in the South Cumberland Recreation Area.Source: mountaingoattrail.org, trailsandtrilliums.org, Monteagle Chamber of Commerce
More Info
Check in before checking it out> Edgeworth Inn: Enjoy cool mountain breezes on the big wraparound porch of this charming 1896 home that’s been converted into a bed and breakfast. The inn, located on the grounds of the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, offers seven beautifully appointed rooms and three suites. (19 Wilkins Ave. 931-924-4000)> Monteagle Inn and Retreat Center: This bed and breakfast across the street from the Assembly grounds boasts 13 suites with private baths plus a two-bedroom/one-bath cottage with full kitchen, dining and living areas. Stroll the expansive flower and vegetable gardens or enjoy a glass of wine on the porch. (204 W. Main St. 931-924-3869)Sources: edgeworthinn.com, americaneaglehotel.com
More Info
Moffat Station becomes MonteagleRiding a train in 1870 on his way to Monteagle Mountain’s Swiss colony, John Moffat first saw the Monteagle area when his train stopped at a nearby station. He was so impressed by the natural beauty that he purchased 1,146 acres of forested land on the Cumberland Plateau and brought his wife and children back to settle there.The area was called Moffat Station. The town ran through three names — Moffat Station, Mount Eagle and Mounteagle — before settling on Monteagle.Source: grundycountytn.net, Monteagle Chamber of Commerce
More Info
Monteagle at a glance> Population: 1,238> Biggest employer: The Bridge at Monteagle health-care community.> Driving distance from Chattanooga: 47 miles.> Landmarks: Monteagle sits 2,000 feet above sea level on Monteagle Mountain. It is the highest point between Chicago and Miami on U.S. Highway 41.> Date founded: John Bostick was given a land grant in 1892; first town resident John Moffat arrived in 1870; town incorporated in 1962.> Famous residents: Mary Anderson, inventor of the windshield wiper, was a summer resident> Summer retreat: Monteagle is home to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, founded in 1882 for the purpose of advancing science, literature and Sunday school interests. The eight-week summer session was interdenominational and family oriented. The annual summer program still offers social, spiritual and cultural activities for all ages.> Fun fact: Mountain lore says gangster Al Capone lived on the mountain for a short time in what is now High Point Restaurant. Old escape hatches on the roof lend credence to this tale.Source: Monteagle Chamber of Commerce