Tellico Plains
Places to Stay in Tellico Plains, TN
Places to Eat in Tellico Plains, TN
Best for a Family Dinner
Best for a Date Night
Best for a Quick Pick-Up
Best for a Sweet Treat
Tellico Plains
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Local favorite: The Iron Works burger
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Local favorite: Huevos El Jefe
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Local favorite: Piggystix
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Local favorite: Trout dip
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Local favorite: Camarones hawaianos
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Local favorite: Cornmeal crusted fried catfish
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Local favorite: Footlong hotdog all the way
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Local favorite: Benton’s bacon wood-fired pizza
What To Do Outdoors in Tellico Plains, TN
Tellico Plains is Monroe County's go-to place to enjoy nature. You can go for a hike, do some fishing, stargaze, or even pan for gold.
For all our visitors looking for outdoor adventures, the Cherokee National Forest is the place to go. It is the only National Forest in Tennessee and provides spaces for just about every outdoor activity you can imagine including fishing, hiking, biking, stargazing, birdwatching, and even gold panning! Popular spots in the forest include Bald River Falls and Indian Boundary Lake.
The Cherokee National Forest is home to a wide variety of species including black bears, coyotes, foxes, river otters, raccoons, skunks, and white-tailed deer. You can also find several species of birds and reptiles. Please be mindful when around the animals as the forest is their home and their space must be respected.
The local Forest Service office is at 250 Ranger Station Road, Tellico Plains and is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM. For any information about the forest, you can visit the office in person or call at 423-253-8400.
The Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway is about 50 miles long with views of ancient forests where Cherokee tribes and early pioneers traveled and settled in the Appalachian Mountains. The name “Cherohala” comes from the names of the two National Forests: “Chero” from the Cherokee and “hala” from the Nantahala. The Skyway connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee with Robbinsville, North Carolina.
Hiking in Tennessee is a popular outdoor activity. Monroe County has plenty of hiking trails you can choose from including hiking in the Cherokee National Forest. Our trails range in difficulty and length. See below for a complete list of hiking trails in and around Monroe County, TN. People come from all over to enjoy the beautiful scenery of East TN while being active and disconnecting from the distractions of modern life.
Trail Name | Trail Number | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
Fodderstack Horse Trail | FS Trail 95 | 12.5 miles | Difficult |
Grassy Branch Trail | FS Trail 91 | 3.3 miles | Moderate |
Gravelstand Top Trail | FS Trail 136 | 2.5 miles | Difficult |
Hemlock Trail | FS Trail 101 | 3.35 miles | Moderate |
Henderson Mountain Trail | FS Trail 107 | 5.1 miles | Moderate |
Indian Boundary Lake Trail | FS Trail 129 | 3.1 miles | Easy |
Jeffrey Hell Trail | FS Trail 196 | 2.0 miles | Moderate |
Kirkland Creek | FS Trail 85 | 6.7 miles | Moderate |
Laurel Branch Trail | FS Trail 93 | 3.0 miles | Moderate |
Little Citico Horse Trail 1 | FS Trail 165-1 | 1.5 miles | Easy |
If you are looking for a water adventure, you can enjoy the waterways of Monroe County on a canoe or kayak. To add to the fun, you can also go rafting! Looking for something in Tellico Plains, stop by Big Bear Tubing for information about using their ramp.
Click this map to see all sites to go boating.
Buck Bald is about to become one of your new favorite places! This bald mountain peak, located in the Coker Creek community of Tellico Plains offers panoramic views of the majestic peaks of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This peaceful mountain peak is one of the top places to visit in East TN. It's also the perfect destination for sightseeing and hiking in Tennessee and spending time with your family away from cell phones and other distractions!
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You might not expect a mountainous region like ours to be a place to go snorkeling but you can in Monroe County! Tellico River and Citico Creek are the best places to see all the different aquatic animals shown on the right. Here are some tips for how to safely enjoy your time snorkeling in the rivers.
Materials Needed:
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Swim Mask
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Snorkel
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Swim Attire
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Swim Towel
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Optional: Wetsuit
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Also Optional: Gills
An Ideal Snorkeling Site Includes:
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Clean, clear water
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No whirlpools or strong currents
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A diversity of aquatic organisms
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Different types of aquatic microhabitats such as slow, deep pools, and flat, shallow riffles
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Sections with large woody debris
Safety:
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Set snorkeling boundaries
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Be aware of wildlife
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Watch for sharp objects in water
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Be cautious of slips, trips, or falls
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Have a first aid kit available
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Do not panic if water leaks into your mask
River Snorkeling Tips:
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Avoid excessive splashing
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Avoid movement that disturbs sediments, rocks, or habitats
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Kneel in water, place hands at the bottom of the stream, place face in water, push feet back to float, and begin snorkeling
For more information, we suggest contacting the Forest Service at (423) 253-2520 or visiting their office at 250 Ranger Station Road.
Citico Creek Road follows the creek and has areas to pull over. Young Branch Wrangler Camp on Citico Road is a good meeting area for groups. Any slow moving water should be safe but don't forget our safety tips.
Explore Tellico Plains, TN
Tellico Plains has plenty of tourist destinations with something for everyone including a historic downtown, farmers market, parks, and a few venues fit for any party!
Tellico Community Farm Market is owned by our local Mennonite community and is open Monday to Saturday from 09 AM to 05 PM during most of the year from early Spring to late Fall. They sell a variety of homegrown fruits and vegetables depending on the season. Check the calendar of when the produce is in season before you make your trip so you can find what you want. They also sell jams, jellies, apple butter, honey, molasses, baked goods, canned goods, and homemade soap. It is located at 1472 Fairview Rd, Tellico Plains. There are large signs directing you to their market. Be aware that they only accept cash and the nearest bank is 5 miles away. Also please respect their modest dress code.
For all things art in Monroe County, we have to mention our friends over at MACA. Their website lists all the events and programs that both locals and tourists would be interested in!
These topiaries and sculpture can be found at 607 Veterans Memorial Dr, Tellico Plains, TN
And these two can be found on either side of 209 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN
Scott Street Gallery in downtown Tellico features art by local artists, all for sale. The art includes paintings, prints, and carvings with beautiful imagery of nature.
You'll also find these quilt squares on various buildings, part of a series celebrating Appalachia's quilt culture.
Don't forget to check what days and times a museum is open before planning your trip. If you are dead-set on visiting a place, call ahead of time to make sure they will be open when you plan on visiting so you don't miss a chance to support our local businesses!
Charles Hall Museum
229 Cherohala Skyway
Established by Charles Hall (who was mayor of Tellico Plains for 31 years), this museum houses over ten thousand artifacts across two buildings. These artifacts range from ancient coins to a 1922 Model T telephone truck.
The Unicoi Turnpike was a major road used by the Cherokee and connected their capital Chota (which is now Vonore) to Tellico (which was a major Cherokee town). Highway 360 follows the original path between Vonore and Tellico Plains. The path extended for 150 miles through what are now North Carolina and Georgia. Once in Toccoa, travelers could sail down the Savannah River to the port cities of Savannah and Charleston.
(Map by Harrison Keely)
Tellico has green spaces for visitors to unwind in nature without having to leave the comforts of civilization. These parks are great places to let your kids and pets play in the grass while being steps away from all the local shops and restaurants.
The Courts
Includes
155 Bank St
Tellico Plains
• Baseball Field
• Basketball Court
• Exercise Equipment
• Garden
• Picnic Tables
• Restrooms
• Walking Trail
These local venues are perfect for visitors and locals looking to host a wedding or party! Some of them are in our downtowns while others are secluded in the mountains. No matter the scenery, each offers all the space you'll need for a great time with your friends and family.
Calendar of Local Events
Tellico Plains Cars & Coffee
October 11, 2025
10 AM - 2PM
229 Cherohala Skwy, Tellico Plains, TN, United States, Tennessee 37385
Tellico Plains
Hosted by Charles Hall Museum
No events scheduled at this time.
Places to Shop in Tellico Plains, TN
Don't forget to check what days and times a shop is open before planning your trip. If you are dead-set on visiting a place, call ahead of time to make sure they will be open when you plan on visiting so you don't miss a chance to support our local businesses!
