Welcome!


The Southern Traveler is designed to give you the most accurate information on local southern activites, events, and travel. Visit the site to plan your next vacation, take a daytrip, or just to get the newest updates on the happenings in Tellico Plains, TN and surrounding areas.
Whether you want to hike to the top of cascading waterfalls, bike around gorgeous lakes, or spend time shopping for antiques and visiting museums in the downtown areas…The Southern Traveler will give you the insider’s perspective!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Bald River Falls Hiking



Bald River Falls offers gorgeous views of the falls, and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. The unique waterfalls can be seen from the bridge on the Cherohala Skyway. You can't miss it! The falls seem to be a hot spot area for vacationers to take photographs, kids playing, and hikers and campers along the trail. Get there during the week for some solitude, or try getting there early if you are there on the weekend...the parking places go very quickly.
When standing on the bridge you can feel the mist of the waterfalls in front of you, and on some summer days...you might even see some daredevil kayakers plummet from an opening at the top!
The trail starts at forest road 210 at 1,380 feet elevation and is about 5.6 miles long. There is another back entrance to the trail. Many folks just like to hike to the top of the falls for some amazing photo ops, but the trail goes on farther with beautiful views of the river along the way. On a hot day you cool off in the many swimming holes the river has created...but it is cold water! The trail is also known for great fishing and places to camp.
For maps and more information:
Tellico Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest, 423-253-2520
Local Maps: USGS quad 140SW, Bald River Falls

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tellico Fish Hatchery



Tellico River is known for some of the best trout fishing, mostly due to the large amount of trout that are released into the wild from the Pheasant Fields Fish Rearing Pools.
Pheasant Fields Fish Rearing Pools
Tellico River Road
Tellico Plains, TN 37385
423-253-2520 Ranger Station
http://www.state.tn.us/twra/

Take the scenic Cherohala Skyway about 17 miles to the entrance of the fish hatchery. The location is slightly past Bald River Falls (also a must see!... The giant falls are easily spotted when driving over the bridge, and offer nearby trails for adventurers and close picture taking).

Next to the fish hatchery is a beautiful spot for pictures! The views of the river are breathtaking, and the trees provide some nice shady spots for picnicking.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Spring Specials!

Book now for Spring! It's almost here!

Only 1 availability left for Easter weekend.

We will be hosting a starry-sky bonfire on Saturday, and Sunday scavenger hunt folllowed by brunch!

5K Scenic City Race



This past weekend's Scenic City 5K and 1/2 Marathon Race in Chattanooga, TN yielded $18,000 that was raised for the following charities:

Area 4 Special Olympics
Bethlehem Center
Chattanooga Room in the Inn
Children's Advocacy Center of Hamilton County
Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter
McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center
Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults
Tennessee Aquarium

Telliquah Falls Log Cabins is a proud supporter of local charities! Our sponsered runner Genvieve de Claire clocked in just after 26 minutes wearing our "Rest Yir' Stumps" racing shirt. Our next 10K charity donation will be announced shortly!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Best Sledding in Town


Besides shoveling snow, scraping ice off the car, and trying to stay warm...winter does have it's perks! We call those perks "snow days"! Here, you'll find children and adults alike building snowmen and sledding down local roads and hills nearby.
If you're staying with us, we have a 500 foot high "daredevil" mountain that provides a good 1/2 mile run. But beware, ride these slippery slopes at your own risk! It is quite a steep hike up, and very fast coming down...certainly not for the injuiry-prone.
For some milder local hot spots, drive up the Cherohala a few miles to a pull off called "Grassy Gap". There are a few great hills where the trees have been cleared to sled, and a good sized bump in the run where the locals can catch some serious air.
Another good spot to visit is just past the North Carolina border where an old service road meets the Cherohala. You can spot it easily by the two metal gates at the bottom. This area can also be very slick...and remember when you are sledding to lean back under the gates when you get to the bottom!

Giant Snowman!


Donny and his crew built a giant snowman outside Eagles Creek Cabin on the night of our big snow. The huge snowman measured 16 feet tall from it's snow-bottom to cone hat.
We had over 10 inches of snow, rain, and sleet that made for a perfect weekend by the fireplace. In fact, it was the biggest reported snow in Tellico Plains, TN since 1996. The weekend was complete with snowball fights, hot cocoa, and plenty of sledding! We should be seeing some more snow and fun this weekend!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Valentine's Day Special!



Romance your loved one with a special getaway. Cuddle up next to the wood-burning fireplace and share a midnight dip in your private outdoor hot tub. The best way to tell someone "I Love You" is to show them. Book now and save! January is the start of value season.

Now is the best time to travel (between January and May). Many accomodations lower their rates during the off season, so take advantage of cabins 20-35% off!

Romance package: Dinner for Two
$40 Includes:
Fresh Bread
Salad
Entree
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Have an intimate evening in the comfort of your cabin, ask us about adding flowers or champagne! We would love to help make your Valentine's Day an occasion to remember.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

New Years Celebration

Kick off the New Year with us! When you book new years eve...relax next to the creek, spend time together, and welcome the new year next to the bonfire.

Visit our site to view the cabins & book your vacation!

Come Play in the Snow!

Our first snow of the season... experience our winter wonderland, build a snowman, and sled down the mountains! Surpisingly, the temperature stays around the teens unlike many other winter climates. The perfect weather and the white snow are the perfect combination to create memories and spend quality time together.

Watch us Sled!

November News

NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Beautiful Fall Daytrips
Highlights from The Inaugural Leaf Turning Festival
The BEST event in Tellico!

Video from a pulloff at the Cherohala Skyway at the peak of fall


WHEN IS THE PEAK FOR AUTUMN COLOR?

Deep red hues, shades of purple and golden brown leaves mark the start of fall. It happens to be one of the most beautiful times of year. Immerse yourself in God’s great splendor and enjoy all that autumn has to offer.

The “Peak Period” for leaves in the Tennessee area generally ranges from the last week in October to the first week in November. Leaves start changing at the highest elevations in response to moisture and shorter daylight periods. The changes in temperature and sun exposure alter the chemicals in leaves, giving them different pigments. Some trees, like the Sweetgum will display multiple colors, changing from yellow to red, then purple.




BEAUTIFUL DAY TRIPS

The Skyway is one of the most popular scenic byways, travelling from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC. Starting at approximately 900 ft high, it’s impossible to miss the spectacular mountain views that seem to go on for miles. At the entrance, you might stop in downtown Tellico for a pastry or two at the local grains & bakery. As you start the Skyway, you’ll meet winding creeks and streams along the Tellico River. Take advantage of the many road pull offs to snap a photo or enjoy a hike or walk in the Cherokee National Forest.

If you’re in the mood for an easy walking trail or bike ride, stop at Indian Boundary. This recreation area is situated around a 100-acre lake. With the backdrop of the majestic mountains, you can take a ride around the lake, or relax with a picnic on the grass.

On the other hand, you can test your inside adventurer on a hike to Fall Branch Falls located just before crossing the Carolina border. Marked only by a worn trail, it’s a bit of a local secret and well worth the hike. Here, you’ll find cascading waterfalls parting the untouched beauty of the forest.

It’s places like these that keep us in awe of the wonders in nature. You can find as much or as little to do here, it’s no surprise people say “There’s something special bout’ these mountains”.




FALL QUEEN AT THE INAGURAL LEAF FESTIVAL



Congratulations to Jessica for winning the “Queen of the Fall” Contest!
The first Leaf Turning Festival was held on Bank Street in Tellico Plains. Vendors of all crafts and trades lined the streets on this festive fall day. The chainsaw artist entertained gathering crowds, while the scents of pulled pork sandwiches and fried pickles permeated the air. With big grins and creative minds, children and folks of all ages decorated crowns in hopes of becoming the Fall King or Queen.

Festivals just like this one mirror the image of Tellico Plains. A place that seems like it’s from a familiar time. Where families can enjoy simple pleasures together and communities come together over good country cooking.

TELLICO’S BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR!


The Candlelight walk in one of the best events Tellico Plains offers. On the first Saturday every December, you can find downtown Tellico illuminated with thousands of lights to welcome the holidays and celebrate the Christmas season. Experience the shoppes of Tellico with their open houses, enter the gingerbread contest, and visit the Cherokee Women’s Club Sweet Shop.

Traditional period costumes set the tone for this wonderful eve… you can even take a moonlight carriage ride while listening to the harmonies of the church choir. This is the most memorable event of the year!