A 30-minute drive north, Highway 27 winds upward toward Sale Creek. And where the road finally crests, Sale Creek opens up to provide a stunning panoramic view of the valley. Known for its bucolic back roads, the small community also teems with interesting trivia and rich history.
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down on the FarmLocated at the base of Walden’s Ridge, Old McDonald’s Farm has been family owned for eight generations. From Sept. 12 to Oct. 31, the 700-acre property opens to the public to offer a corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo and hayrides. During its open season, Old McDonald’s Farm is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is $12 per person; children under 2 get in for free.Source: Local historian Curtis Coulter, oldmcdonald.net
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Interesting Trivia> Sale Creek got its name following a short skirmish between an American army of East Tennessee volunteers and the formidable Chickamauga Indian tribe whose main camp was located in the present-day Brainerd area. On April 10, 1779, Col. Evan Shelby of Virginia assembled his army at the mouth of Big Creek on the Clinch River. Their mission was to float downstream and destroy the Indian camps. However, due to spring rain, the river was high so progress was fast. The army soon arrived, taking the Chickamaugas by surprise and driving them away so quickly the tribe left behind their horses, blankets, pots, pans, rifles, gunpowder and other goods supplied to them by the British in order to stir up trouble in the backcountry. The American army gathered the booty and moved north. When they reached present-day Sale Creek, they found the water too high to transport the goods any further. So, on April 29, 1779, they held an auction in order to lessen their burden — hence, the name of the creek, as well as the surrounding community, became known as Sale Creek.> Sale Creek was the first English-named community in Hamilton County.Source: Local historian Curtis Coulter
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Snacks and RefreshmentsLocated on Dayton Pike, P.J.’s Fullers Food Mart offers hot deli dishes such as chicken tenders, fried catfish and burgers as well as cold sandwiches and snacks. A five-minute drive down the road, Fuzzy’s Place — Sale Creek’s only tavern — features ice cold beers and weekday happy hour deals.Source: Local historian Curtis Coulter and employees of P.J.’s Food Mart
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Outdoor Adventure> Camping: Sale Creek Recreation Area, located on Lee Pike, boasts 50 campsites with water and electric hookups, plus a bathhouse.> Boating and Fishing: Sale Creek Marina is a 10-minute drive from the campground. It features services for powered boats and sailboats and offers a nearby fishing hotspot at Brown’s Bridge.Source: Local historian Curtis Coulter, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
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About Sale Creek> Population: 2,845 (2010 U.S. Census)> Date founded: Unincorporated; the first white settlement on Sale Creek was established in 1807> Landmarks: Walden’s Ridge runs through Sale Creek and marks the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. The ridge runs about 74 miles long and reaches about 2,000 feet above sea level.Source: U.S. Census, tennesseeencyclopedia.net, local historian Curtis Coulter