Things To Do
Bald River Falls
Located on Tellico River Road (Forest Service Road 210), about 20–30 minutes from Tellico Plains. 🚗 How to arrive Drive from Tellico Plains via Cherohala Skyway or Tellico River Road Follow signs to Bald River Falls bridge 🌿 What it has 90-foot waterfall Bridge viewing area (no hike needed) Short walking trails nearby 🚗 Parking Small roadside parking area available Can fill up on weekends 💰 Fee Free (public national forest land) ⭐ What to do / buy Take photos from the bridge Bring snacks or drinks (no vendors on site) ⚠️ What to avoid Do not climb rocks near the water (slippery + strong current) Avoid blocking the bridge road
Indian Boundary Lake
A peaceful lake inside Cherokee National Forest, about 25–35 minutes from Tellico Plains. 🚗 How to arrive Take Cherohala Skyway west and follow signs to Indian Boundary Road 🌿 What it has 96-acre lake Hiking/biking loop trail (3.2 miles) Swimming beach Fishing pier Picnic areas 🚗 Parking Large parking lots at campground and lake area 💰 Fee Day use is typically free or low-cost; camping has fees (Forest Service site) ⭐ What to do / buy Swim or kayak in the lake Bring picnic food Go fishing (bass, catfish, sunfish) ⚠️ What to avoid Do not leave food out (bear area) Respect quiet camping zones
Cherohala Skyway
A 43-mile mountain scenic highway connecting Tennessee and North Carolina. 🚗 How to arrive Starts directly in Tellico Plains Easy drive from courthouse area (30–40 min) 🌿 What it has Mountain overlooks Hiking trail access points Forest and valley views 🚗 Parking Multiple overlook parking pull-offs along the entire route 💰 Fee Free ⭐ What to do / buy Stop at overlooks for photos Visit Cherohala Visitor Center for maps & souvenirs ⚠️ What to avoid Don’t stop in the middle of the road for photos Weather can change fast (fog at high elevation)
Tellico River
Located north of Tellico Plains, near the ranger station and hatchery. 🚗 How to arrive Follow Tellico River Road (FS 210) 🌿 What it has River views Trout fishing spots Small waterfalls and picnic areas Forest hiking access 🚗 Parking Roadside pull-offs and designated fishing parking areas 💰 Fee Free (unless specific camping areas) ⭐ What to do / buy Fishing gear (locally stocked trout river) Picnic lunches Scenic photography ⚠️ What to avoid Don’t fish without checking TWRA regulations Avoid entering restricted hatchery zones
Tellico Beach Drive In
One of the most iconic local stops, located along the Cherohala Skyway. 💳 Payment: Cash accepted 🚗 Parking: Large parking lot (easy access, even for motorcycles) ⭐ What to eat: Cheeseburgers (classic “all the way” style) Footlong hot dogs Hand-cut fries Milkshakes 💡 Tip: Order a bacon cheeseburger with fries + sweet tea for the classic local experience 📌 Atmosphere: Casual drive-in with outdoor seating and scenic views
Iron Works Grille
Casual restaurant with lakeside/small-town vibes. 💳 Payment: Card accepted (cash usually also fine) 🚗 Parking: On-site parking available ⭐ What to eat: Burgers BBQ plates Fried appetizers 💡 Tip: Great for a relaxed dinner after sightseeing 📌 Atmosphere: Laid-back, sometimes live music nearby
Señor Lopez Mexican Grill
Popular Mexican option close to the courthouse area. 💳 Payment: Card accepted (cash also usually accepted) 🚗 Parking: Parking lot available ⭐ What to eat: Chicken or steak fajitas Street tacos (al pastor is popular) Enchiladas verdes 💡 Tip: The fajitas and tacos al pastor are the most ordered 📌 Atmosphere: Casual and family-friendly