The Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway runs 40 miles and features scenic overlooks, hiking trails and waterfalls. Photo credit: Misty Wong

Everyone flocks to the foothills and mountains during the fall, but springtime offers just as much to see and do. This year, visit Monroe County to explore one of East Tennessee’s lesser-known scenic byways and the surrounding small towns, historic sites and natural attractions nestled in the southeastern part of the state midway between Chattanooga and Knoxville.

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Photo credit: Misty Wong

Sky’s the Limit on the Cherohala Skyway

Meandering through both the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway boasts stunning views along a 40-mile stretch that begins in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and ends in Robbinsville, North Carolina. With 15 overlooks, numerous trailheads and many picnic sites, the Cherohala Skyway is the perfect destination to see nature coming out of its long winter sleep. Wildflowers abound along the Skyway, and visitors can marvel at the colorful display of the blooming red maple, dogwood and redbud trees. From outdoor enthusiasts to those who simply want to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of their car, the Skyway certainly has something to offer everyone.

For your first stop, check out the visitor center on Highway 165 in Tellico Plains for free maps and local area souvenirs and gifts. Visitor center staff can also inform you about the latest Skyway driving conditions, locate a waterfall to enjoy or help you reserve a campsite. (They also might recommend starting your trip with breakfast or lunch at nearby Tellico Grains Bakery.) Whether you are sticking to Tennessee or making the full roughly 2-hour trek that crosses the state line, the Cherohala Skyway will be one of the high points of your trip.

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum; Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum

What is now Monroe County was once part of the traditional homelands of the Overhill Cherokee. The towns of Chota, Great Tellico and Tanasi (the namesake of “Tennessee”) were each at one time considered to be the Cherokee “mother town” or capital. This area was also the birthplace of Cherokee alphabet inventor Sequoyah. The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, located on land owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, strives to promote the understanding and appreciation of the history of the Cherokee in East Tennessee, particularly the life and contributions of Sequoyah. Visitors to the museum can view hundreds of artifacts and explore numerous hands-on exhibits.

Fort Loudoun State Historic Park; Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Fort Loudoun State Historic Park

Just down the road from the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, visitors can learn about frontier history at Fort Loudoun State Historic Park. The park encompasses 1,200 acres and was one of the earliest British fortifications, built on the western frontier in 1756. Today, the reconstructed fort and the ruins of the 1794 Tellico Blockhouse overlook TVA’s Tellico Reservoir and the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can experience living history during Garrison Weekends held multiple times a year, as well as monthly activities like candle making, guided tours and hikes.

See more: Celebrate 80 Years With 80 Adventures at Tennessee State Parks

The Lost Sea Adventure; Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

The Lost Sea Adventure

A trip to Monroe County would not be complete without visiting “America’s Largest Underground Lake – the Lost Sea.” The adventure begins with a guided tour of the caverns for visitors to learn about the fascinating geological development of the immense cavern rooms and rare formations. At the bottom of the cave, the highlight of the tour comes with the boat ride on the Lost Sea. Tours last approximately one hour and 15 minutes, and visitors can plan their underground adventure ahead of time by visiting the website.

Sweetwater Depot & Visitor’s Center; Photo credit: Blaina Best

Sweetwater Main Street

If you love a charming downtown, don’t skip Sweetwater. This “sweet” city has a walkable Main Street district filled with independently owned businesses and restaurants. Local boutiques and shops line the streets of downtown, where you can find coffee, ice cream, antiques, fair-trade gifts, soaps and more. Main Street also has plenty of places for lunch and dinner, from soup and sandwiches at Steamers to hearty Italian at Vittorino’s Cucina.

See more: How One Sweetwater Farm is Focusing on Sustainability

Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams; Photo credit: Brian McCord

Festivals, Food and Farm Fun

Monroe County is also home to numerous festivals and special events, with several taking place this spring. At the Ramp Festival in April, visitors can get a taste of this Appalachian delicacy in Tellico Plains. In May, the Blooms, Bluegrass and BBQ festival in Sweetwater as well as the Tellico Trout Festival offer opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, art, crafts and entertainment.

For those interested in getting a true taste of East Tennessee, head to the nationally renowned Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams in Madisonville. Allan Benton became famous for dry-curing meats the old-fashioned way and counts chefs all over the country among his customers – a long way from the unassuming building on Highway 411.

And while technically in Loudon County, but worth the short trip, Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia offers visitors a unique look inside the workings of a family-owned dairy farm. Enjoy lunch in their café, or pick up some farm-made cheese in their cheese shop – it’s “udderly” delicious!