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5 Spring Things To Do In Tellico Plains

Go birdwatching in the Cherokee National Forest

Birdwatching is a great way to relax during a warm Spring day and one of the best places to find our avian neighbors is the Cherokee National Forest. Mid-April is the best time to go birding because this is the height of the Spring migration. You can find black-capped chickadees, ravens, woodpeckers, and warblers in the Cherokee National Forest. Near the Cherohala Skyway, you can find black-billed cuckoos, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and yellow wrens. If you are really lucky, you may even find a bald eagle! Guide books on local birds are available in the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains. Check out eBird for up-to-date sightings. Tennessee Overhill has an excellent guide on where to go birdwatching in the area. The Tennessee Ornithological Society has chapters in Knoxville and Chattanooga.

A bald eagle sits atop its nest in the Cherokee National Forest
Birdwatching in the Cherokee National Forest

Spend some private time in a romantic cabin at Mountain View

One of the first things people want to do in Spring is get out of the house after staying cooped up inside all Winter. But what if you and your significant other want to enjoy the Spring while staying indoors with some privacy away from home? Then you need to check out the cabin rentals at Mountain View in Tellico Plains. They have over twenty cabins that sleep two; the cabins vary in size with some being one room of a larger hotel-style lodging. Some have river front views, some are pet friendly. Regardless of which you go with, each is a great place to have a romantic getaway with the person you love. Check out our guide on Tellico Plains to see what else you can do while in town.

Interior of a rustic, romantic wood cabin.
Mountain View Cabin

Celebrate a favorite fish at the Trout Festival

The waters around Tellico Plains are famous for their trout, and each May, the town hosts a festival celebrating the freshwater fish and its importance to the local environment and culture. The Tellico Trout Festival is a place of edutainment with a mix of education on fishing and conservation as well as fun games and activities. Over a hundred vendors take part in the festival with booths selling handicrafts, food, and fishing guides and supplies. There is also an art competition and live music. The Trout Festival lasts for two days and takes place in downtown Tellico. The first day is a party from 06 PM to 09 PM while the second day is the festival itself and lasts from 10 AM to 05 PM. Schedules of events and performances can be found on the website.

Aerial photograph of the Tellico Trout Festival
Tellico Trout Festival

Fish for trout on the Tellico River

One great way to enjoy the outdoors during the Spring is to go trout fishing. The Tellico River and its many streams are famous for their trout but you will need a special permit to go fishing so make sure you have the needed permits. You can purchase yours at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center. Some specific places to check out include the Upper Tellico River, Citicio Creek, North River, Bald Creek, and Sycamore Creek. The streams may seem small but they are packed with fish. You can go fishing anytime of the year with March to June being one of the best times. Tellico has a few stores with fishing supplies you should check out, including Tellico Outfitters and Tellico Goods and Gear. Check out our fishing guide for more information.

Stop and smell the wildflowers on the Cherohala Skyway

Want to see a wide variety of wildflowers without having to hike through the woods? When on the Cherohala Skyway from late March to early June, you can find wildflowers growing on the hills along the road. The best places to find these flowers are often in the first few miles of the higher elevations. You can find flowers such as Spring Beauty, Tennessee Chickweed, Common Blue Violet, and Flame Azalea. When checking out these flowers, leave them be so other visitors can enjoy their beauty in their natural habitat. If you want some of these flowers for yourself, visit the local nurseries so you can bring the beauty of Spring to your own home. Check out our wildflower guide for more information.

Photo of assorted wildflowers
Wildflowers

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