Local Attractions
Here is a short list of the local attractions that we think are something special!!
Spring City, TN
TVA reservoir on the Tennessee River, 39,000+ acres
This is the lake right next door, and it is the main draw for a lot of our long-term guests. Watts Bar is a large TVA reservoir known for bass, crappie, and catfish, with marinas around Spring City offering boat rentals, slips, bait, and guided fishing trips. There is also a scenic overlook near Watts Bar Dam if you just want the view. Whether you are bringing your own boat or renting one for the day, this is the easiest place to get on the water.
Rhea Springs Road, Spring City, TN 37381
On Watts Bar Lake, off Toestring Valley Road from Hwy 27
A no-frills public day use area right on the lake, with a sandy swim beach, a boat ramp, picnic tables, and a fishing pier. Day use is free. It is a good option if you want lake access without renting a boat, and it is dog friendly for a walk along the water.
Back Valley Road, Dayton, TN
2,259 acres, Rhea County
A well-known hiking spot just outside Dayton, with trails along Richland Creek leading to two waterfalls: the 80 foot Laurel Falls and the smaller Snow Falls. The hike to Laurel Falls is about five miles round trip and moderately strenuous, with creek crossings, an old coal mine site, and gorge overlooks along the way. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Firetower Road, Spring City, TN
818 acres, National Natural Landmark
A quieter alternative to Laurel-Snow, up toward Spring City. Little Piney Creek drops 80 feet over Upper Piney Falls and another 40 feet over Lower Piney Falls, framed by old growth forest with some genuinely large white pine and hemlock trees. The hike to the falls is under two miles. No camping is allowed.
Shut In Gap Road, Spring City, TN
Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area
The shortest and easiest of the three waterfall hikes nearby, about two miles round trip, though the last stretch down into the gorge is steep. The reward is a 30 foot fan-shaped waterfall and a clear, swimmable pool at the base, popular for cooling off in summer. Leashed dogs are welcome, fishing is allowed, but there is no camping.
1475 Market St, Dayton, TN 37321
National Historic Landmark, built 1891
Built in 1891 and still an active courthouse, this is where the famous 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial was held, with William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow arguing the case. The second floor courtroom is preserved as it was during the trial, and a small free museum in the basement covers the trial and local history. It sits on a classic small town courthouse square, good for a walk around downtown Dayton.
6800 Blythe Ferry Lane, Birchwood, TN 37308
Formerly Cherokee Removal Memorial Park
This site at historic Blythe Ferry was elevated to full Tennessee state park status in June 2026. It marks one of the crossing points where thousands of Cherokee and Creek people were forced across the Tennessee River during the Trail of Tears. There is a visitor center, a memorial wall, walking trails along the river, and a boat ramp.
Priddy Lane, Birchwood, TN
Observation platform open year-round
A 6,000 acre refuge at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee Rivers, right next to Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park. It is one of the best sandhill crane viewing spots in the Southeast, with thousands of cranes wintering here from mid-October through February, peaking in January around the annual Sandhill Crane Festival. The viewing platform is open year-round, and the refuge also offers paddling and fishing access in summer.
11534 US-27, Dayton, TN 37321
Private outdoor range, memberships and day passes
The closest attraction to the park, just up the road. The Ridge is a well-reviewed outdoor shooting range with rifle and pistol bays open to members and visiting shooters. It's a good option for guests who want some trigger time without a long drive. Call ahead for current range rules and availability: (423) 605-4242.
1374 New Bethel Rd, Dayton, TN
U-pick flower farm, seasonal
A working flower farm just outside Dayton that opens its fields for u-pick visits throughout the growing season, starting with tulips in spring and moving through zinnias, sunflowers, and dahlias in summer and fall. It is a popular photo spot and a nice, low-key outing for families. Check their site or Facebook page before visiting, since picking days depend on what is currently in bloom.
Back Valley Road, Dayton, TN
Free, developed bouldering and sport climbing
Tucked into Dayton Pocket along Richland Creek, this is a well-known bouldering and sport climbing area with routes on sandstone bluffs for a range of ability levels. It sits near the Laurel-Snow trailhead, so climbers often pair a morning on the rock with an afternoon hike to the falls. Bring your own pads and gear; check the Rockery Press guidebook or Mountain Project for current route info.
6351 New Harmony Rd, Pikeville, TN 37367
Bakery, orchard, and gift shop since 1967
A family-run orchard and bakery on the Cumberland Plateau since 1967, known for fried apple pies, fresh-pressed cider, and homemade jams and preserves. The country store also carries local honey, fudge, and gifts, and there is usually a spot to sit outside with a treat. A fun stop on the way up to Fall Creek Falls.
287 1st Ave, Dayton, TN 37321
Craft brewery and restaurant in downtown Dayton
A local favorite in downtown Dayton, Monkey Town brews its own beer on site and pairs it with a full food menu, from wood-fired pizza to burgers and wings. It's a relaxed, family-friendly spot with regular live music, and an easy stop after a day on the water or the trails. Worth checking their current tap list before you go.
395 Jerry Edmonds Rd, Crossville, TN 38572
240-acre regenerative farm atop the Cumberland Plateau
A working regenerative farm raising grass-finished South Poll beef, with a 3-acre orchard and a focus on all-natural, pasture-based methods. Farm tours and product pickup are available by arrangement, and it is a good stop if you are interested in where your food comes from. Call ahead to schedule a visit.
2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38047
One of Tennessee's largest and most-visited state parks
Home to the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States, plus miles of hiking trails, a lake, camping, and cabins. There is also a golf course, a nature center, and swimming and fishing on the lake. Easily a full-day trip, and popular enough that it is worth checking trail and campground conditions before you go.
140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874
America's largest underground lake, Registered National Natural Landmark
A guided tour takes you deep into Craighead Caverns to see America's largest underground lake, with an option to ride a glass-bottom boat across the water. The full tour runs about an hour and involves some walking on uneven cave paths. It stays cool underground year-round, and reservations are recommended, especially in summer.
Downtown Dayton, TN (Rhea County Courthouse Square)
Annual community festival, held each May
A long-running Dayton tradition held each May on the courthouse square, with a parade, a strawberry queen pageant, a baking contest, live music, and vendors selling local strawberries and other goods. It draws a big crowd from around Rhea County, so plan for downtown parking to be tight and arrive early if you want a good spot for the parade.
4698 Swinyar Dr, Collegedale, TN 37363
Free public park built by the makers of Little Debbie snacks
A free public park built and maintained by McKee Foods, the company behind Little Debbie snacks, with a giant oversized swing set, a splash pad, playgrounds, and whimsical snack-themed sculptures scattered throughout. It is a fun, low-key stop for families with kids, especially on a hot day when the splash pad is running.
Cumberland Trail State Park, near Spring City, TN
Tennessee State Scenic River, whitewater paddling & swimming
A designated Tennessee State Scenic River where it meets the Piney River on Cumberland Trail State Park land, popular for beginner-to-intermediate whitewater paddling in the cooler months and for swimming at the "South Beach" hole once the water warms up. It is a good spot for a picnic and a swim on a hot day, and paddlers should check current flow levels before heading out.
Trail corridor through 11 TN counties; nearest access near Spring City / Dayton
Tennessee's longest state park, 200+ miles of trail
Tennessee's longest state park is a linear trail corridor running over 200 miles from the Cumberland Gap down toward Chattanooga, rather than one contained park. The stretch closest to us runs through the Spring City and Dayton area and links up with the Laurel-Snow and Piney River trail systems. It is best suited to serious hikers looking for a longer trek, and sections vary widely in difficulty, so check the segment map before you go.