L&N Station Railroad Museum in Etowah Tennessee.

Talk of the Town - Great place for a burger in Etowah.

Picnic spot on TN 30 between Reliance and Benton.

View of Hiwassee River from Forest Service Road near Reliance.

Another view of the Hiwassee.

One of the many pull-offs along Lake Ocoee.

View of Lake Ocoee from Oswald Dome Road.

Looking over Benton from Oswald Dome Road.

This is about all there is in Reliance. TN 30 and TN 315

Secret map to W&W Barbeque in Charleston, TN. Well worth a stop for dinner. Get your photo with Wilber.

Nancy and I decided to go “Over the Hill” and see some sights in the southeastern corner of Tennessee . We were pleasantly surprised with some great roads, unique adventures and good dining experiences. It is called the Overhill because that is what the British called the group of Cherokee towns located there some 250 years ago.

These details and maps should help you share the fun. NOTE: The numbers correspond with map locations:

WHERE TO STAY:

1 - Overhill Sleep Inn in Etowah , Tennessee . This central location was convenient to all the places we visited and in most cases we were able to ride uncrowded country roads to get to where we were headed. This Sleep Inn is new, American owned, and a good value. We were especially pleased with the expansive room and generous continental breakfast. Located on US 411 in Etowah Tennessee . 877-263-2906 www.tennesseeoverhillsleepinn.com/

CAMPING:

2 - Cherohala Motorcycle Resort and Campground near Tellico Plains. This is a great central location, yet off the beaten path. Camp cabins from $35 a night. Tent camping along the creek. Tent rentals, electricity available. Clean bath house and resort store. Transportation to and from Knoxville McGee Tyson Airport . Located on TN 315 just 4 miles from Tellico Plains and the Cherohala Skyway. 423-253-6544 www.cycleresort.com/

PLACES TO EAT:

3 - W and W Barbeque on Wool Street just across the tracks off US 11 in Charleston , Tennessee . No fancy atmosphere here, but Wilber guarantees to satisfy even the hungriest rider with some down home cooking. Don’t be put-off by the stark exterior … venture in and enjoy. We had barbequed chicken with corn bread, fried okra and greens. Our friends split one of the sampler platters with fish, shrimp, ribs and who knows what else. They got a basket of fries that was more than the four of us could eat. Beware the sweet iced tea – it should be called the “sweetest” ice tea in the world. US beer available. SEE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR SECRET MAP

4 - Talk of the Town on Main Street in downtown Etowah , Tennessee . Great burgers in this 1950s period ice cream store and eatery. Sit at the counter or grab a stool looking out the front window at Main Street and the train station. Daily specials, but we recommend the burger and fries. Open 11 am to 8 pm Monday though Saturday and Noon to 6 pm Sundays.

5 - All Day Breakfast. We had breakfast at a shabby looking diner on US 411 on the south side of Etowah , Tennessee . We forget the name of the place. Locals were packed in so we thought it might be okay. The food was good, the atmosphere terrible. One of the few places to eat where smoking is still allowed! Nancy said she wouldn't go back - don't know if it was the atmosphere or the smoking.

And the usual suspects for fast food. Sonic, Wendys, McDonalds, Subway, and Hardies in Etowah and other small towns in the area.

ADVENTURES/PLACES TO VISIT:

Hiwassee River Rail Adventure Train Excursion – Shuttle leaves from Etowah L&N Train Station for this 50 mile 4 hour scenic river rail adventure in vintage railroad coaches. Supposedly a trip to remember. Be sure to check ahead for schedules. www.etowahcoc.org/visitorinfo/rails/purchase.asp

6 - Chilhowee Gliderport. We just stopped to check out the place and in 15 minutes Nancy was soaring over the foothills in a glider. Sarah runs the place and gives you a great 20 minute ride for $70. Nancy highly recommends the ride. Located on US 411 between Benton and Etowah. Tell Sarah we sent you. www.Chilhowee.com

 7 - Ocoee Whitewater Rafting. The 1996 Summer Olympic whitewater event were held here, so it can be a real adventure on the river. Guided rafting by many companies from April through October (limited dates some months, so check when making plans). Search key words “ocoee rafting”. 

8 - The Lost Sea. Hike into these caves and descend to the world’s largest underground lake. The caverns have been used by animals and man for more than 20,000 years, most recently by the Cherokee Indians, early settlers, Civil War soldiers, and moonshiners. The lake, located 300 feet deep in the darkness of the cave, was discovered in 1905 by a 13 year old boy. The Lost Sea is designated a Registered National Landmark because of the rare crystal structures formed on the ceilings and walls. Sweetwater , Tennessee . Open year round – hours vary. www.thelostsea.com

9 - Sequoyah’s Birthplace and Museum is located on TN 360 just east of Vonore. Sequoyah developed the Cherokee alphabet around 1800 bringing literacy to the Indians. www.sequoyahmuseum.org

10 - Fort Loudoun is located just off of TN 360 east of Vonore. This British outpost was built in 1756 and abandoned in 1760. Many of the retreating soldiers were massacered by Cherokee Indians. The reconstructed fort has a scenic setting on Tellico Lake . www.fortloudoun.com

11 - Tellico Blockhouse located just off US 411 north of Vonore , Tennessee . Built in 1794 as part of the Factory Act establishing trading posts where Indians would receive fair exchange for their furs and receive help in farming and mechanical skills.

12 - Fields of the Wood – The Ten Commandments in huge letters on the hillside at this bible park. Free admission and open year round. Located on NC 294 just three miles into North Carolina . http://fieldsofthewoodbiblepark.com

Hiking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Hang Gliding, and More. Many other adventures are here in the area. Try this site to get some additional information: http://ocoee.com/

GREAT ROADS:

13 - Cherohala Skyway TN165/NC143 from Tellico Plains , Tennessee to Robbinsville , North Carolina , 55 miles of wilderness scenery. Lots of scenic pulloffs. www.cherohala.com

14 - Tail of the Dragon US 129 from Tallasee Tennessee to Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North Carolina State Line. 318 curves in 11 miles. www.tailofthedragon.com

 15 - TN 315 from TN 39 south to TN 30. This road has some of the best country road scenery you can imagine. Sweeping corners with views of country estates, rolling foothills, and distant mountains.

16 - TN 39 from Tellico Plains to Athens . Another back country road with little traffic and rural scenery.

17 - US 64 from Ocoee , Tennessee to Ducktown , Tennessee . Great road with twisties along the Ocoee River and Lake . Some great places to picnic and enjoy the scenery. Traffic can be a problem on this two-lane on summer weekends.

18 - TN 68 from Ducktown , Tennessee to Tellico Plains , Tennessee . Great sweepers and not too much traffic.

And many other back country roads too numerous to mention. Just grab a map or GPS and go exploring.

A COUPLE OF FOREST SERVICE BACKROADS

19 - FR 77, Oswald Dome Road – This road heads north off of US 64 along Lake Ocoee . It has some great views looking down over the lake and foothills. It is steep in places with some switchbacks. Paved for some seven miles as you travel north, but all exits in this direction involve gravel roads. If you don’t want to travel on gravel turn around and backtrack after about 4 miles and the scenic overlook.

20 - Childers Creek/Hiwassee River Road – This dead-end roads leads to some great scenic river overlooks. Not the best pavement, but experienced riders will have no problem, even on cruisers. Turn east off of TN315 just north of the Hiwassee River .

CLICK HERE for larger map