Activities
Outdoor adventures, scenic drives, waterfalls, and local attractions—all just minutes from the lodge.
A small town with big adventures
Tellico Plains is a small mountain town with big adventure, where guests can chase waterfalls, cruise scenic byways, and unwind in a laid-back, friendly community.
- Explore the Cherohala Skyway, a spectacular 43‑mile national scenic byway perfect for cruising, leaf‑peeping, and roadside overlooks.
- Hike, fish, and paddle in the Cherokee National Forest, with easy access to rivers, lakes, and quiet wooded trails.
- Visit Bald River Falls and nearby cascades for postcard‑worthy waterfall views just a short drive from town.
- Stroll historic downtown Tellico Plains, where local shops, galleries, and cafes showcase regional crafts, art, and flavors.
- Step into the past at the Charles Hall Museum and other local heritage sites that tell the story of this former lumber and mining community.
Bald River Falls
12 Miles Away
Bald River Falls is a dramatic 90‑foot waterfall in the Cherokee National Forest, just outside Tellico Plains along Tellico River Road (Forest Service Road 210). Visitors can enjoy spectacular, right‑from‑the‑road views and photos from the bridge and roadside overlook with no hike required, while nearby trails offer optional hikes to the top of the falls and into the surrounding gorge.
Lost Sea Adventures
18 Miles Away
The Lost Sea Adventure is a one‑of‑a‑kind experience that pairs a guided cave walk with a serene boat ride on America’s largest underground lake. Guests follow a well‑paced, three‑quarter‑mile tour through Craighead Caverns, where knowledgeable guides share stories of Cherokee history, Civil War saltpeter mining, and even the discovery of prehistoric jaguar remains deep inside the cave.
Cherohala Skyway and Visitor Center
1 Mile Away
A fully interpretive center providing regional information on the Cherohala Skyway and South Appalachian Mountains.The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains is a “must stop” before starting up the Skyway. Stop by for free maps, Skyway driving conditions and local area souvenirs and gifts. The friendly staff will welcome you with important Skyway and area information!
Scenic Tellico River Area
4 Miles Away Via the Cherohala Skyway
Enjoy world-class fishing in trout-stocked waters, kayaking, canoeing, waterfalls or a scenic drive with picture-perfect picnic areas. Nationally recognized as a premier trout stream, the Tellico River in Monroe County, Tennessee, is a freestone stream located within the heart of The Cherokee National Forest.
Indian Boundary Lake
15 Miles Away
Indian Boundary is a peaceful, family‑friendly recreation area built around a small mountain lake in the Cherokee National Forest off the Cherohala Skyway near Tellico Plains. The 96‑acre lake is ringed by forests and views of the Unicoi Mountains, with a swim beach, boat ramp, fishing pier, campground, and an easy 3.2 mile shoreline trail that circles the lake.
Falls Branch Falls
18 Miles Away
Falls Branch Falls in Tennessee, accessed from the Cherohala Skyway, is a rewarding but moderately strenuous out‑and‑back hike to a tall, dramatic waterfall in a quiet section of Cherokee National Forest. It suits hikers who are comfortable with steeper, rougher terrain and want a more secluded feel.
Tail of The Dragon
47 Miles Away
Enthusiasts describe it as one of the top motorcycle and sports‑car roads on the East Coast, drawing riders and drivers from around the world who come specifically to “run” this road. For many, completing a clean pass in both directions feels like checking off a pilgrimage rather than just taking a scenic drive.
Guided Fishing
1.5 Miles Away
Guided fishing trips with Tellico Outfitters deliver a high‑quality, low‑stress way to experience the Tellico River and nearby streams, especially if you want local knowledge, instruction, and a well-organized day on the water. The guides are skilled teachers as well as anglers, so the trips work well for both learners and experienced fly fishers looking to refine techniques or explore new water.
Tubing
2 Miles Away
Big Bear Tubing in Tellico Plains offers a relaxed, family‑friendly float on the Tellico River with an all‑day pass model that makes it easy to turn a short ride into a full afternoon on the water. It is a great fit if you want simple logistics, friendly staff, and a mix of lazy drifting with just enough small rapids to keep things fun rather than intense.
Tellico Plains Community Farmers Market
11 Miles Away
Tellico Community Farmers Market is a small, destination-worthy country market known for ultra-fresh produce, baked goods, and a friendly Mennonite/Amish-run atmosphere that keeps both locals and visitors coming back regularly.
Skyway Rentals
1 Mile Away
Skyway Rentals in Tellico Plains, TN offers a fun, convenient way to experience the Cherohala Skyway and surrounding mountain roads, especially if you want an open‑air drive without bringing your own vehicle.
Tellico River
18 Miles Away
Enjoy world-class fishing in trout-stocked waters, kayaking, canoeing, waterfalls or a scenic drive with picture-perfect picnic areas. Nationally recognized as a premier trout stream, the Tellico River in Monroe County, Tennessee, is a freestone stream located within the heart of The Cherokee National Forest. Its headwaters begin in North Carolina and flow for almost twenty miles to Tellico Plains.