Monteagle: Stop at the 'Top of the Rock'

Monteagle offers more than a rest stop between here and Nashville

High Point Restaurant was once a hideout for gangster Al Capone, who allegedly had escape hatches installed on the roof and underground tunnels in the basement to move liquor during the age of Prohibition. Now the site is known for fine dining.
High Point Restaurant was once a hideout for gangster Al Capone, who allegedly had escape hatches installed on the roof and underground tunnels in the basement to move liquor during the age of Prohibition. Now the site is known for fine dining.

For many travelers of Interstate 24 West, Monteagle is the halfway point - and rest stop - on 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 and plenty to do, which makes it a short drive for a great weekend getaway.

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 professors from nearby Sewanee: University of the South; and baby boomers retiring to the mountain for its peaceful, scenic beauty.

The twisting turns and steep grade leading interstate drivers up and over Monteagle Mountain have become so famous they are immortalized in a song by the late Johnny Cash. But now travelers are braking at the top of the rock for its artist shops, fine dining at High Point Restaurant and outdoor recreation on the Mountain Goat Trail.

More Info

SERVING TRAVELERS FOR 55 YEARSJim Oliver’s Smoke House Restaurant wouldn’t be marking its 55th anniversary if folks there didn’t do food right. Owned and operated by the Oliver family since 1960, the restaurant serves home-style cooking on its self-service food bars and full-service menu. (850 W. Main St.; 931-924-3442.)“We’re known for our smoked meat, brisket, pork and barbecue sauces,” says Alisha Blake, Smoke House employee. “Three months ago we started a new diabetes buffet that’s $9.95 and offers fresh vegetables and healthy foods. It’s offered on Thursdays and has been very popular.”The all-you-can eat buffet costs $9.95 at lunch, $13.95 for dinner Fridays-Sundays and $15.95 on holidays. The restaurant opens every day at 6:30 a.m. Blake says folks drive up the mountain just to buy a bottle of one of their sauces — Peach BBQ Sauce or “Blazing Rectums” — for $9.99. (They can also be ordered off the general store’s website: store.thesmokehouse.com.)After dinner, stroll on back to your room in the Smoke House Mountain Lodge, newly remodeled with 85 rooms, or one of the lakeside cabins located on the same property. (800-489-2091; thesmokehouse.com.)Source: Alisha Blake; thesmokehouse.com

More Info

*TOP MARKS*Top referrals by TripAdvisor users:Mountain Goat Market: 109 Main St.; 931-924-2727High Point Restaurant: 224 E. Main St.; 931-924-4600Dave’s Modern Tavern: 38 W. Main St.; 931-924-8363Papa Ron’s Italian Steakhouse: 402 W. Main St.; 931-924-3355

More Info

SHOP TILL YOU DROPChannel your inner flower child with a visit to Amish Hippie, which sells goods handmade by an Amish community near Ethridge. The shop is owned by Marla Sitten. (808 W. Main St.; 931-691-3663.)Hallelujah Pottery is a collaborative of 12 artists selling their original work. (1201 W. Main St.; 931-924-0141.)Mooney’s Market and Emporium is located in a 1939 storefront that was renovated to preserve the local landmark. (1265 W. Main St.; 931-924-7400.)“We have a full yarn shop, outdoor juice bar, health food, antiques, plants grown in our greenhouse and work by local artists,” says owner Joan Thomas.

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 is a three-day event held mid-April at Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, 1 Assembly Ave. Friends of South Cumberland State Park host guided hikes, native plant sales, children’s activities and guest speakers.>The Mountain Goat Trail “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. Monteagle’s access to the trail begins at the Dollar General, 915 W. Main St.The section between downtown Sewanee and Monteagle has been finished, completing 5 miles of the trail. In June, a grant was awarded to connect Monteagle to Tracy City over the next three years, enabling walkers and cyclists to travel 13 miles once complete.>Fiery Gizzard Trail was picked by Backpacker magazine as one of the top 25 backpacking trails. Fiery Gizzard’s 12-mile route starts in the South Cumberland Recreation Area. Hikers will discover three waterfalls along the trail: the 60-foot Foster Falls, 14-foot Sycamore Falls and 30-foot Blue Hole Falls.Source: mountaingoattrail.org; trailsandtrilliums.org; Monteagle Chamber of Commerce

More Info

TREEHOUSE FOR ADULTSIn addition to chain motels and two bed-and-breakfast inns, Monteagle has a new option in accommodations: You can spend the night in a treehouse. At Monteagle Treehouse Hideaway, retirees Andy and Shelia Tjelmeland have set out to develop a peaceful retreat for couples to relax and enjoy nature surrounded by trees standing 50 feet tall. Hiking trails and waterfalls are just a 15-minute hike away.Two treehouses with lots of amenities are currently renting with plans for more: The Hummingbird, $115 per night; and The Eagle, $130 per night.* Where: 1945 Trussell Road* More info: 931-625-3935

More Info

MONTEAGLE STARTED AS MOFFAT STATIONRiding 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 UP CLOSEPopulation: 1,238Biggest employer: DuBose Conference Center of the Episcopal church in TennesseeDriving distance from Chattanooga: 47 milesLandmarks: 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

Upcoming Events