Winter in the South Cumberland region is special, offering unique and memorable wonders you just can't find in other places. At nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, it snows here more often than most places in the South, and it stays -- at least for a bit longer than elsewhere!
Winter offers unobstructed panoramas that impress upon the viewer a sense of wonder for what lies behind the foliage during the rest of the year. There is nothing quite like the peaceful silence of a hike through freshly-fallen leaves, or snow covered wilderness – as long as you have warm clothes and a good map!
If you enjoy the serenity of the 'off-season' and like to explore in sweater weather, read on to find out about some of the best places to find adventure in Tennessee’s South Cumberland this winter.
Where to grab a hot cup of Joe:
Sip on a rich mocha latte at Gallery 41 Pelham (Pelham)
Grab a wildflower latte at Stirling’s Coffee House (Sewanee)
Use wardrobe cleaning as an excuse to grab some java at Village Coffee & Laundry (Monteagle)
Where to warm up with a hot meal:
Enjoy a gourmet sandwich or pizza at Mountain Goat Market (Monteagle)
Grab some cheese curds or hot wings at Hank’s Corner Grille (Tracy City). Warm up quicker with some hot chocolate – with or without some added drops from the Tennessee Moonshine distillery!
Indulge in classic country cooking at Tess’s Kitchen Cafe (Pelham)
Find these and many other dining and beverage options in the Food & Drink section of the MountainsOfAdventure.org website.
Where to see breathtaking landscapes:
Get a bird’s eye view of Franklin County from The Cross (Sewanee)
Experience awe-inspiring vistas at the Great Stone Door (Beersheba Springs)
Take a hike at Foster Falls (Tracy City) to see some of the most breathtaking 'hollers' in southern Appalachia. Walk the trail counterclockwise from the split (over a green bridge that straddles the water source of the falls) if you want to avoid the steeper descent of the Climbers Loop (though the view of Foster Falls from below is well worth the rock scramble!).
Warm yourself up with an adrenaline rush at the Coalmont OHV Park (Coalmont)
Find these and many other outstanding activities in the Things To Do section of the MountainsOfAdventure.org website.
Where to bundle up by the fire for overnight adventures:
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly’s Edgeworth Inn (Monteagle)
Downsize your living quarters (tiny home style!) at the Retreat at Water’s Edge (Tracy City)
Explore other unique, cozy destinations in Tennessee’s South Cumberland on AirBnb
Find these and many other outstanding activities in the Lodging section of the MountainsOfAdventure.org website.
Discover seasonal happenings in the South Cumberland Region
Accompany Savage Gulf State Park rangers on January 1 -- their annual First Day Hike of the new year
Explore the icicle-adorned rock formations along Little Gizzard Creek at the Fiery Gizzard North trailhead in South Cumberland State Park (where our photo was taken!)
To connect with these and many other wintertime activities, please visit the Events section of the MountainsOfAdventure.org website -- and don't forget to check out the "Upcoming Events" list (click on the brown badge near the top of the page) for a complete listing of what's happening this coming week!
To learn more about the unique communities of the South Cumberland region, or if you are on the lookout for an event venue, historical places to explore, or farm-to-table activities, visit our MountainsOfAdventure.org website to explore our myriad ideas for your next winter adventure in Tennessee's South Cumberland!