The Unicoi Turnpike
The Unicoi Turnpike Trail is one of Monroe County’s most significant heritage routes, following an ancient Cherokee trail that existed long before written records. For generations, it connected the Overhill Cherokee towns of East Tennessee with communities in present-day North Carolina and Georgia, serving as a vital pathway for trade, travel, and cultural exchange. By the late 1700s, the route became an important military passage during the French and Indian War (1754–1763) and the American Revolution (1775–1783). In 1813, the trail was officially developed into the Unicoi Turnpike, a toll road that supported wagon travel, livestock drovers, traders, and stagecoach routes through the Appalachian Mountains.
The corridor witnessed many defining moments in regional history, including the Coker Creek Gold Rush of 1827, which brought thousands of prospectors to Monroe County, and the Trail of Tears in 1838–1839, when portions of the Unicoi Turnpike were used during the forced removal of the Cherokee people to Indian Territory. Monroe County served as part of the Cherokee roundup routes, where Cherokee families were gathered at collection points before beginning their difficult journey west. The area also experienced Civil War activity, leaving behind additional layers of history along the route.
Today, the Unicoi Turnpike Trail offers visitors a connection to Monroe County’s deep Cherokee heritage, Appalachian traditions, and historic landscapes. Several locations throughout the county are recognized as certified sites along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, including the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Charles Hall Museum, and sections of the Unicoi Turnpike Trail, helping preserve and share the stories of the people who traveled these historic paths.
For more historical information visit :
The Unicoi Turnpike offers a breathtaking scenic drive through Monroe County, connecting travelers with the deep history and heritage.
TRAVEL TIP:
Highway 360 is a narrow, winding back road that winds through the quiet rural countryside, where cell service can be limited. Be sure to respect the land, fill up on gas beforehand, and plan accordingly—public restrooms and gas stations are only available at the beginning and end of the route in Tellico Plains and Vonore.
Driving Tour
You can drive the Unicoi Turnpike in just about an hour—but why rush? Monroe County is full of historic treasures and scenic stops that are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Plan a weekend to truly immerse yourself in this remarkable journey through history.
In Vonore, where you’ll find Fort Loudoun State Historic Park and the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, two must-visit sites that bring the past to life. Check Fort Loudoun’s Facebook page for historical reenactments—you won’t want to miss them! While in Vonore, take a short detour to the Tellico Blockhouse and the Chota & Tanasi Memorials, where you can reflect on the land’s deep history while enjoying a peaceful picnic with stunning lake views.
From there, travel along Highway 360 through the historic town of Belltown, the site of the Cane Creek Massacre, and then make your way to Tellico Plains. Stop by the Charles Hall Museum and the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center for fascinating local history, then grab a bite to eat in charming downtown Tellico Plains.
Next, head to the Coker Creek Welcome Center and follow the Joe Brown Highway, a gravel road perfect for adventurous off-road vehicles. From there, continue your exploration on foot with hiking the Unicoi Turnpike Trail which is located between Doc Rogers Fields Trail and the Unicoi Gap section of the Benton MacKaye Trail. Discover historic archaeological sites along the trail such as Fort Armistead.
Must visit stops along the drive!
Hike the Historic Unicoi Turnpike Trail
The Unicoi Turnpike Hiking Trail in the Cherokee National Forest at Coker Creek follows a historic path traveled for centuries. The 2½-mile blue-blazed trail runs between Unicoi Gap and Doc Rogers Fields, passing historic sites such as Fort Armistead which was established in 1800's to protect Cherokee land from prospectors and may have aided a nearby stand garrisoned by the U.S. Army. In 1835, it is also believed that over 3,000 Cherokee people stayed at the fort during the Trail of Tears. More information and maps are available at the Coker Creek Welcome Center.