Pikeville’s biggest reason for visiting might be nearby Fall Creek Falls State Park, but the little city in Bledsoe County has plenty of reasons to visit on its own.
Whether you spend the day checking out the local shops and restaurants on Main Street or riding around to see the historic architecture and lovely overlooks that surround the city, you’ll find plenty to do. And the Pikeville-Bledsoe County Farmers Market is home to local farm produce, prepared foods, arts and crafts.
Pikeville is only an hour’s drive from Chattanooga – and it is a beautiful ride at that. Located on the Cumberland Plateau, Pikeville is also close to Cumberland Mountain State Park and Bear Trace, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
Fall Creek Falls State Park visitors Rhonda Bigler, foreground, and Deborah Nash cross a swinging bridge for a view of Cane Creek.More Info
*ANNUAL EVENTSEvery August, thousands of bargain hunters come to the 127 Corridor Sale, which runs straight through Pikeville as buyers and sellers join in creating the World’s Longest Yard Sale. For official dates, visit 127sale.com.Taking place through September each year, the Nine Mile Bluegrass Festival brings together bluegrass groups for several weekends of music. Check out ninemilebluegrass.com for yearly dates.Set for May 20, 2017, Thunder on Main brings together bikers and the community to collect food for the area food bank. Visit thunderonmain.org for more information.
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*STAY*Why stay in a hotel when Fall Creek Falls State Park is so close and offers a variety of options from which to choose?*>The park fills up fast on busy weekends, so be sure to book your stay in advance. Visit tnstateparks.com/parks/about/fall-creek-falls for reservations and more information.Overlooking Fall Creek Falls Lake, The Inn at Fall Creek Falls is a good place to rest up after spending the day exploring the state park and the city of Pikeville. Rates run from $74-$220.If you want something a little more rustic, try renting a cabin on the lake or nestled into a hill. Rates run from $145-$160.Still not rough enough, you can also camp in the Fall Creek Falls Campground. Sites are available for tents and RV’s. Rates run from $11-$25.
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EAT HEREStarling Cafe is a favorite dining spot for locals looking for a cup of coffee or a burger. (3095 Main St.; 423-447-3000.)Hungry for a good Southern meal? Pig-N-Catch is the place to go. With a Sunday buffet and plenty of fried-food options, this local business has something for everyone. (3651 Main St.; 423-447-7000.)If Mexican food is more your speed, check out Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant. (3315 Main St.; 423-447-6787.)Wooden’s Apple House-Pie Shop offers home-cooking like you’d expect from a place with a pie shop. Authentic country cooking made with fresh, locally grown produce. (6351 New Harmony Road; 423-447-6376.)Little Maggie’s Ice Cream Shop is the perfect place to get out of the heat and cool off. (3097 Main St.; 423-447-3200.)Twisted Sisters will satisfy your pizza pangs and your hankering for wings, as well. The restaurant also offers cookies and a small gift shop. (12831 Park Road; 423-881-5707.)
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FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARKLocated near Pikeville is Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park. With more than 26,000 acres of land, Fall Creek Falls State Park features a lake, miles of trails and one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. It is also home to cabins, a campground, golf course and an inn, which makes it a popular place for people to visit and stay awhile.* Where: 10821 Park Road, Spencer, Tenn.* More info: 423-881-5298
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*THINGS TO SEE AND DOBeginning 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.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.Going to jail might not be your idea of fun, but you’ll want to stop by the Bledsoe County Jail. Built in 1851, it was the longest-operating jail in Tennessee until its closing in 2008.
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*FAST FACTS*Pikeville is the county seat of Bledsoe County.Population: 1,688 (2015)Elevation: 860 feetDate founded: 1816Date incorporated: 1830
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TO MARKET, TO MARKETThe recently revitalized market opened at the Pikeville-Bledsoe County Fairgrounds, 234 Allen P. Deakins Road, is home to local produce, food, arts and crafts. It is open from 2-5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.