Tellico Plains is fondly known as "the Little Town with the Big Backyard," thanks to the hundreds of miles of surrounding forests, falls, rivers and picturesque landscapes you're sure to see during a visit.
Farming families still practice small-scale agriculture in this town where the cost of living is low and Cherokee culture is celebrated. Thus, Tellico Plains is a perfect getaway spot for those looking for artisan crafts and a slower pace of life.
It's also an ideal jumping-off point for hikers and outdoorsmen looking to enjoy the bounty of Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest.
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What to Eat> For breakfast or lunch, don’t miss the bread, pastries and sandwiches at the Tellico Grains Bakery. Locals say it’s a bright spot in the town with delicious homemade bread and offerings through lunch.> Look out for Tellico Kat’s Deli during a drive on the Cherohala Skyway. It offers a scenic back porch where visitors can eat on the river, and enjoy traditional deli fare like soup and sandwiches.> The Tellico Beach Drive-In is known for traditional drive-in fare like burgers and hot dogs and is also located along the Cherohala Skyway.
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Where to stay> For camping, locals recommend the Indian Boundary Recreation Area campground, located in the South Zone of the Cherokee National Forest and along the Cherohala Skyway at an elevation of 1,560 feet. The campground features a lake and swimming beach in the summer and is known as a family-friendly spot. Campers can also take off on a 3.2-mile loop around the lake.> The Farmhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast offers lodgings for the less-adventurous crowd, but it’s still a popular spot, with glowing reviews. Proprietors Laura and Kyle are known for their charm and hospitality at this spot on Highway 165.> The Lodge at Tellico has an assortment of rooms in charming log cabins located less than a mile from the start of the Cherohala Skyway.
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Other spots to visit> Check out the other natural wonders around Tellico Plains including the 100-foot cascade of Bald River Falls, visible from the roadway.> Take off on a section of the 300-mile-long Benton MacKaye trail, which stretches from Springer Mountain, Ga., to the northern Smoky Mountains. > Tellico Plains is a designated “Trail Town,” with more than 200 miles of trail in its immediate vicinity.> The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, about 30 minutes away off U.S. Highway 411, celebrates the life of the man who created the Cherokee written language. Stop in for a visit weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a small admission fee.> Seasonal festivals in the summer, fall and during the holidays bring out vendors and visitors alike. Check the town’s website at tellico-plains.com for updated information.
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Town History> Tellico Plains was incorporated on July 4, 1911, but historians think Native Americans were living in and around the area as far back as 10,000 years ago.> Much of Tellico Plains’ history is linked to trade between European settlers and Native Americans. The nearby Fort Loudon was built by the British in 1756 to provide protection for the Cherokees.> Lumber, iron, cotton and canning industries were prevalent in the area during the Industrial Revolution. The arrival of the railroad helped make Tellico Plains a lumber hub until the 1920s.> During WWII, many German prisoners of war were interned in a POW camp in Tellico Plains that closed in 1945.
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Cherohala SkywayThis natural wonder is a drive of nearly 40 miles offering gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains. Particularly popular with motorcylists, the Skyway is a portion of Tennessee Highway 165 and North Carolina Highway 143 that connects Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, N.C. Elevations begin at 800 feet, but quickly climb to 5,390 feet as travelers move through the Cherokee and Nantahala national forests that give the road its name.> The Cherohala Skyway began as a wagon train stunt in 1958. An East Tennessean suggested the train as a way to draw attention to poor-quality roads between Tennessee and North Carolina. The stunt worked, and construction began in 1967, but wasn’t finished until 1980 due to environmental concerns.> Visit in the fall for gorgeous foliage or explore the greens and flowers of spring. Be aware, though, that no gas stations or restaurants are available for 36 miles of the trail. Restrooms and picnic benches are available in a few spots, but the drive will likely take about 2.5 hours, so plan accordingly.