Fall & Winter Edition 2026
Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026 | 1
Welcome
to Tennessee Mountain Traveler Country!
With beautiful scenery and a variety of holiday events throughout the last couple months of the year, autumn and winter are popular times to visit Tennessee Mountain Traveler Country. Incredible fall colors and mountain peaks up to a mile high brings thousands of visitors flocking to the area this time of year. Our
small towns offer relaxed shopping, friendly residents, unique attractions and events and festivals that you won’t find anywhere else. The Advocate & Democrat publishes the Tennessee Mountain Traveler twice a year and distributes copies throughout East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
We hope this publication will enhance your visit here and introduce you to some new places. We know you will come back! To advertise in the next edition, please email sharon.livingston@advocateand democrat.com. For more information about things to do in Monroe County, visit www.visitmonroetn.com/
Contents
Staying Safe in the Smokies...... Page 3 Blount County Museums........ Page 4-5 Story Hollow & Sweethearts by Story Hollow bookstores........................ Page 6 Sweetwater Holiday Events....... Page 8 Madisonville Christmas............ Page 10 The 30th Anniversary of the Cherohala Skyway.......................... Pages 12-15 & 18 Cherohala Skyway Map...... Page 16-17 Cherohala Skyway Festival...... Page 20 Etowah, Niota Holiday............... Page 24 Tellico’s Candlelight Walk......... Page 26 Christmas Garrison..................... Page 28 Christmas Parades...................... Page 30 2 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026
PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIE LEA PHOTOGRAPHY
Stay safe in the Smokies While taking in all the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer, it can be easy to forget to keep safety at the forefront of the mind. Staying safe while visiting the national park, though, is paramount to a successful and enjoyable experience. Here are several ways to ensure safety while at the national park:
KEEPING SAFE IN BEAR COUNTRY
One of the attractions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the chance to be around nature and the animals that call it home. While this can certainly make a national park experience worthwhile, it’s also important to remember how to keep yourself and the wildlife, particularly the black bears that roam the area, safe in the process. “Visitors should be aware that high bear activity can occur in any area, and that your safety is not guaranteed,” the national park’s website states. “To increase your odds for a safe visit, please follow best practices for living and recreating in bear habitat. Stay alert and be prepared to react appropriately during possible encounters and always report any unusual bear interactions as soon as possible.” Do not feed bears or other wildlife in the national park. Also, make sure to dispose of food scraps and garbage in appropriate, approved containers. If you plan on enjoying the national park with your dog, make sure to keep it on a leash, as not doing so is illegal. Don’t let dogs bark at or otherwise harass bears, it is the top contributor to physical encounters.
ENSURING SAFETY WHILE HIKING
A pastime many enjoy in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hiking. The area is full of adequate hiking trails and areas that allow visitors to explore all that the park has to offer. This is another activity that requires proper action to ensure safety, though. There are multiple ways in which hikers can make sure they stay safe while enjoying the thrill of the trail. “Your safety depends on your own good judgement, adequate preparation, and constant attention,” the national park’s website states. “Backcountry hikers should be in good physical condition and be able to survive on their own. Proper equipment and knowledge of how to use it are essential for a safe trip. Your safety is your responsibility.” Tips on keeping safe while hiking include making sure to hike with another person, carrying water, a first-aid kit and other essential items with you and staying aware of changing weather conditions. Make sure that someone else knows your plans. They can contact the national park at 865-436-1230 in case of emergency. Before you begin your hike, read up about the various details of the trails you will be going on. Distance of the trail and difficulty are necessary factors to know before embarking on any type of hike.
STAYING AWARE OF RESOURCES
In case of emergency, it is paramount to know resources available, including aid from park staff or nearby hospitals. The park’s emergency line is 865-436- 9171. Always dial 911 in case of life-threatening emergencies. Blount Memorial Hospital is located at 907 East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026 | 3
Museums offer a
Learning about the history and heritage of Townsend and Blount County can be fun and rewarding. Townsend is home to Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, plus three others are a short drive away in Maryville — the Cades Cove Museum operated by the Cades Cove Preservation Association, the Blount County Historical Museum and Historic Sam Houston Schoolhouse.
Little River Railroad & Lumber Co. Museum 7747 E Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Drive in Townsend Admission: $12 adults (13 and older) $10 seniors/$8 children ages 5-12 Free for children 4 and under Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday Phone: 865-448-0044 Learn more: www.gsmheritagecenter.org www.facebook.com/GSMHC The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s mission is to “preserve, interpret and share the history and culture of the diverse peoples and Native Americans who have inhabited the Southern Appalachians and offer exhibitions and programs for educational and cultural enrichment.” The main gallery features more recent mountain culture exhibits on Appalachian music and education. Vintage cars, trucks, fire engines, cannons and more have been donated to the Heritage Center and are on display throughout the facility. Not only is the Heritage Center a learning experience, it’s fun for all ages. On weekends, visitors may find demonstrations of what their pioneer ancestors would have done on a daily basis by re-enactors in period dress in the Appalachian village. Festivals, classes and demonstrations, including sheep shearing, are hosted throughout the year as well as concerts in the outdoor amphitheater. The center offers a myriad of special activities for visitors in addition to being immersed in the history of the area. 4 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026
Admission: Free, but donations are welcome Hours: From May-October, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. In November, open on weekends only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Closed December through March, but group visits are available by appointment. Grounds and outdoor exhibits always available. Phone: 865-661-0170 Learn more: LittleRiverRailroad.org The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1982 to preserve the heritage of the Little River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad. The museum collects, preserves and displays the history of these two companies, which were originally founded in 1901 by W.B. Townsend, for whom Townsend is named, and a group of investors who purchased nearly 100,000 acres of timberland along the Little River and its tributaries. The lumber company eventually grew to become one of the largest commercial logging operations in Southern Appalachia. In its 38 years of operation, the company encompassed 150 miles of railroads and gathered 560 million feet of timber. Townsend itself was founded as a result of the company’s expansion and soon after, the tourism industry began to flourish. In 1982, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum was established as a nonprofit organization, incorporating a Shay engine that had been used in the logging operation and an original train depot that was relocated to Townsend and subsequently furnished with memorabilia dating back to the days of the railroad and lumber operations.
view of the past Cades Cove Museum
Blount County Historical Museum
1004 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville, at the Historic Thompson-Brown House
1006 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville, just past the Cades Cove Museum
Admission: Free, but donations are welcome Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays Phone: 865-982-0705 Learn more: www.cadescovepreservation.com The Cades Cove Museum, located in Maryville, is operated by the Cades Cove Preservation Association as part of its mission to preserve the heritage and human history of the Cades Cove community, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rated a diamond attraction by AAA. Cades Cove Preservation Association formed on Jan. 6, 2001, with about 50 people present who were concerned about the future — and preservation of the past — of the small mountain community that had become the most visited area in the confines of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. CCPA has since grown to around 500 members today. Volunteers have worked with GSMNP personnel to remediate the historic cemeteries, maintain the church buildings, repair pathways and share information with visitors. The Cades Cove Museum in the historic Thompson-Brown House at 1004 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville has an extensive collection of Cades Cove artifacts to tell the story of the Cove. Museum Director Gloria Motter estimated that the museum contains almost 1,000 artifacts once used in the Cove, telling the story from the viewpoint of the families who lived there. Holdings include photographs, documents and genealogical information, as well.
Admission: Free, but donations are welcome Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays Phone: 865-454-4256 The Blount County Historical Museum in Maryville is located near the Cades Cove Museum. A parking lot between the two gives visitors an opportunity to visit both museums with only a short walk between. George Lane, president of the Blount County Historical Museum, and other volunteer docents lead tours of the museum and share a wealth of information about the unique displays. The tour begins in the lobby then circles through the main exhibit hall and back to the lobby. One of the most valuable pieces is a sculpture, “The Man and His Dog,” by internationally famed Alcoa sculptor Bessie Harvey. Harvey’s sculptures are made of found materials, predominantly wood branches and roots, which she then decorated with paint, glitter, jewelry, and other materials. Native Americans are also featured in six collections of artifacts. These are displayed in the main exhibit room at the beginning of the tour along with information about these earliest inhabitants. The tour continues with information and displays about the forts and stations of Blount County. One of the displays is of a possible entry gate hinge believed to have been from Fort McTeer, the first fortification on the frontier of the Indian territory of the North Carolina Colony which is now Blount County. Displays of life in Blount’s history after white settlers came onto the scene are depicted in rooms showing spinning and weaving, cooking and sewing. A significant display on the Civil War takes visitors through that tumultuous time with information, photographs and weaponry.Veterans are well-represented in a separate exhibit hall where uniforms, letters and objects related to the veterans’ military service are found. The llobby has additional exhibits and a gift shop area. The museum sponsors special programs and activities throughout the year. Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026 | 5
Two small towns, one big story
Some souvenirs sit on a shelf. Others take you somewhere new every time you open them. In Monroe County, two independent bookstores offer travelers a chance to collect both a good read and a little of the community spirit that makes a small town worth exploring. At Story Hollow in Madisonville and Sweethearts by Story Hollow in Sweetwater, the invitation is simple: come browse, follow your curiosity, and leave room in your day for an unexpected discovery. These sister stores have different personalities, but their shared purpose is bringing people together through books. Story Hollow began with something more practical than a romantic notion of owning a bookstore. It began with a need. When the shop opened in June 2025, it answered a wish from readers who wanted new books, browsing, and literary community closer to home. “Our community was desperate for a bookstore and we answered that call,” says owner Steph Seibert. Today, the shop at 102 College Street South offers stories for all ages and interests. Picture books welcome the youngest browsers, while fiction, fantasy, mysteries, romance, nonfiction, and local authors offer plenty of reasons for grownups to linger. A family need not agree on what makes a wonderful story to enjoy choosing books together. That is part of the pleasure of an independent bookstore: discovery does not have to happen alone. Ask for something funny, something comforting, or something you cannot quite describe. A conversation can lead you toward a writer you have never tried or help you find a gift that feels genuinely personal. For Seibert, the reward has been watching reading become a shared experience. Families choose books and time together. Book club acquaintances become friends. Downtown gains another place where people have a reason to gather, rather than simply pass through. The story unfolding around the shelves matters as much as the stories on them. Story Hollow’s calendar makes those connections possible through author events, story time, and book clubs. Even readers who prefer a quieter gathering have a place. Silent Book Club invites people to bring a book of their choosing and enjoy reading alongside others, without assigned reading. It is a lovely reminder that companionship does not always require conversation. Over in downtown Sweetwater, the next chapter comes with a little extra heart. Sweethearts by Story Hollow, at 504 North Main Street, is devoted to romance. Its shelves span sweet love stories, contemporary romance, historical romance, fantastical adventures, and stories with considerably more spice. It is not one kind of love story, but a whole bookstore of possibilities. Newcomers are just as welcome as devoted fans. Sweethearts grew from another community request. Sweetwater readers wanted a bookstore nearby, and an available Main Street space offered the opportunity to create something distinct. Rather than duplicate Story Hollow, Seibert built a companion store where romance enthusiasts could explore their favorite genre and discover its many different moods. For a visitor, that makes a delightful excuse for a literary outing. Bring the friend who always has a recommendation, the partner who knows your favorite fictional couple, or simply your own curiosity. Browse for a gentle escape or an adventure with a love story at its center. There is pleasure in finding a place that takes your reading joy seriously. 6 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026
Together, the stores suggest an appealing approach to travel: slow down enough to notice what a community loves. Leave room between browsing stops for lunch, a stroll, and the neighboring businesses that give each downtown its character. A bookstore visit can be the beginning of an afternoon, not merely an errand squeezed into one. That sense of connection starts behind the scenes, too. Seibert describes both bookstores as a family dream, shaped by the work of her husband, Chris, their children, and extended family. Their contribution is not just shelves filled with books, but spaces intended to welcome people into a shared enthusiasm. For travelers, the takeaway can be wonderfully simple. Buy a book because its cover catches your eye. Try an unfamiliar author. Ask what someone else is reading. Later, when you open that purchase at home, it may bring back more than a story: an afternoon, a conversation, a small Tennessee town. Find Story Hollow in downtown Madisonville and Sweethearts in downtown Sweetwater. Check each store’s website for current hours and events before visiting. Then allow yourself the luxury of browsing without a hurry. Between the two, you may find your next favorite book, and a reason to return.
Every chapter feels like home.
SEQUOYAH BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM VONORE, TN
Sequoyah gave his people an enduring gift: a writing system so the “Cherokee Nation would live forever.” Experience the Cherokee through our videos, and gift shop. Hike our Shoreline Trail and visit the Cherokee Memorial mound, Blacksmith shop, and Dog Trot Cabin. We are Tennessee’s only tribally-owned museum. A Open Mon.-Sat.: 9am-5pm & Sun.: 12-5pm. W Adults are $5 - 12 and under are free We do have group rates, and other discounts. 423-884-6246 • www.sequoyahmuseum.org or follow on Facebook
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Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026 | 7
Christmas on the
‘Sweetest Street in Tennessee’
There’s something special about Christmas in a small town, and in Sweetwater, the holiday season comes with a little extra magic. Known as the “Sweetest Street in Tennessee,” downtown Sweetwater transforms into a festive destination filled with twinkling lights, local shopping, holiday traditions and plenty of opportunities to make memories with family and friends. From the first holiday open house to the final festive shopping event, there’s something to look forward to throughout the season.
Christmas Open House & Sweetest Street Sweepstakes The holiday season officially gets underway with Sweetwater’s annual Christmas Open House on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14. Local shops will be decked out for the holidays, welcoming shoppers with special sales, refreshments and plenty of Christmas cheer. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop local, find unique gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere of downtown Sweetwater. The Christmas Open House also marks the beginning of the 4th Annual Sweetest Street Sweepstakes, where shoppers have the chance to win up to $1,000 in cash before Christmas! Participating downtown businesses will have game boards available. Simply shop, collect your stamps and fill your game board for a chance to win.
a nativity scene and much more. Before the evening festivities begin, families can also stop by the Sweetwater Depot Visitor Center from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for Pet Pictures with Santa. For just $5, pet owners will receive a professional photo of their furry friend with Santa, along with some special treats.
Sweetwater Christmas Parade No small-town Christmas season would be complete without a parade! The annual Sweetwater Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Sweetwater Kiwanis Club, will take place Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. Gather your family and friends, find a spot along the route and enjoy an evening filled with festive floats, lights and Christmas spirit.
The Jingle Bell Shop On Sunday, Dec. 6, downtown Sweetwater will be the place to be for The Jingle Bell Shop. From noon to 5 p.m., local businesses will offer Christmas sales and holiday shopping opportunities, along with train rides and a special visit from Santa at the downtown gazebo. And there’s an extra reason to shop that day: Dec. 6 is the only day during the Sweetest Street Sweepstakes when purchases earn double stamps! With all your favorite local shops open, it’s a great opportunity to find those lastminute gifts while enjoying everything that makes downtown Sweetwater special.
Small Town Christmas
The Sweetwater Elf Experience
One of Sweetwater’s most beloved holiday traditions returns Saturday, Nov. 28, with Small Town Christmas from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Downtown will come alive with an evening of holiday fun for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy local vendors, food trucks, carriage rides, marshmallow roasting, a kids’ zone, music, live entertainment,
There’s even more holiday magic happening downtown that same day with the Sweetwater Elf Experience! This year, Santa has given special permission for children to bring their Elf on the Shelf along for a day of Christmas fun in downtown Sweetwater. The ticketed experience includes elf makeovers, photo shoots, train rides, elf
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shopping and a wrapping dance party, with the day wrapping up with an ice cream social. Tickets are $25 per child, and space is limited, so families are encouraged to get their tickets while they’re available. With locally owned shops, community traditions and activities for the whole family, downtown Sweetwater captures the charm of a small-town Christmas — making it a place worth visiting again and again during the holiday season.. For more information about these events, visit sweetwatertn.net or contact Sweetwater City Hall at 423-3376979.
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Magic in Madisonville Madisonville’s Christmas event season will start on Nov. 27 with the Lighting of the Square that is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. The event will feature a lighting of the historic Courthouse square with music and celebration preceding the lighting. “We are especially excited about this year’s entertainment. Josh Isaac, who appeared on American Idol, and Madelyn Tallent, who appeared on America’s Got Talent this year, are scheduled to perform during the Lighting of the Square,” said Madisonville Main Street Director Karen Carey. “The celebration continues the following day with Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., encouraging visitors to spend the day exploring and supporting Madisonville’s locally owned shops, restaurants and small businesses.” The largest celebration for the holiday season will be the “A Colonial Christmas on the Square” event along with a parade that are both scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12 starting at 2 p.m. “In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s festival will have a Colonial Christmas theme, bringing a little early-American Christmas charm to downtown Madisonville while still including the traditions our community looks forward to each year, like the Princess Tea Party, the ice skating rink, the kids zone and more. The Christmas parade begins at 7 p.m. and will also use the Colonial Christmas theme,” Carey noted. “Our Christmas events have grown into an important part of both our community traditions and downtown revitalization efforts,” Carey continued. “Last year’s Christmas festival brought an estimated 5,000–6,000 people into downtown Madisonville. For a community our size, seeing thousands of people filling the streets around our historic courthouse square is pretty special and that activity also means thousands of potential customers being introduced to our downtown shops, restaurants and businesses.” Madisonville Main Street has put a lot of effort into making the downtown area of Madisonville a spot that people would want to visit and spend their time with. “Events like Christmas on the Square give people a reason to come downtown, but our hope is always that while they’re here, they discover something that gives them a reason to come back,” Carey expressed. “One of the things I love most about Christmas in Madisonville is that, even with thousands of people attending, it still feels like a small-town Christmas. You can shop locally, enjoy the lights and music, visit with friends and neighbors, watch the parade around the Courthouse square and experience the kind of community Christmas tradition that is becoming harder to find.” Learn more at www.visitmadisonvilletn.com 10 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026
Christmas Festival on the Square • Dec. 12
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MADISONVILLE MAIN STREET AND JENNIE LEA PHOTOGRAPHY
Featuring Live Performances By:
Madelyn & Josh Tallent Issac America’s Got Talent
American Idol
Monroe County Courthouse FREE ADMISSION
Downtown Madisonville FREE ADMISSION
www.visitmadisonvilletn.com/christmas Accepting Vendors & Living History Participants Call 423-442-9416 for more info
Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026 | 11
A scenic drive in the sky
Celebrating 30 years of the Cherohala Skyway BY JESSICA KENT Contributor
October 12, 1996. Charles Hall stood in front of a large crowd of people, all who were gripping a 150-foot ribbon stretching across the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Excitedly, he told everyone to cut on the count of three. One. Two. Three. “With the cutting of this ribbon, we dedicate this road in honor and in memory of all those who participated in the Wagon Train. And to the pleasure of this generation and all future generations, the Cherohala is now open! All barricades have been removed!” Hall proclaimed. As the scissors closed and the ribbon fell, a nearly four-decade-long dream of two
mountain communities became reality, and the Cherohala Skyway was dedicated and opened to traffic. “I didn’t know if Daddy would live to see it [the completion of the Cherohala Skyway],” said Pam Hall Mathews, Charles’ daughter, who now operates the Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center in Tellico Plains. “To me, the Cherohala Skyway is a testament of how many people’s visions can come together. Daddy’s purpose, he would say, wasn’t that he wanted the mountains to change, but that you had to look forward. His motive was to help the people of Tellico Plains; it always was.” Hall not only lived to see the Cherohala Skyway completed, but he lived until he was 90 years old and saw the National Scenic Byway become a tourist attraction for people from all over the country.
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Undeniable economic impact The Cherohala Skyway covers about 51 miles and begins at 900 feet in Tellico Plains before climbing in elevation to 5,200-feet at Sycamore Gap and dropping into Robbinsville, North Carolina. The byway is divided almost equally between the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala Forest in North Carolina, which is how it got its name “Cherohala.” The project cost nearly $100 million to complete. “As we celebrate 30 years of the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway, it is vital that we pause and reflect on the true blessing it is for this tourism asset to exist in Monroe County,” said Monroe County Tourism Director Blaina Best. “More so, we all should be thankful for every single person that worked hard to bring the first National Scenic Byway in Tennessee to our area. The economic impact the Cherohala
Above: On Oct. 12, 1996, a public ceremony and ribbon cutting was held to dedicate the Cherohala Skyway. The 150foot ribbon stretched across the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. At right: A photo of the construction of the Cherohala Skyway from Lloyd Middleton’s photo collections.
Skyway has annually is undeniable, but more importantly, the memories that the Skyway has afforded to both locals and visitors will continue to secure this scenic route’s successful future.” Best said the Cherohala Skyway sees an average of 3,043 vehicles a day, which equates to an average of 1,110,695 vehicles that drive the clouds and experience the Cherohala Skyway annually. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development estimates that the average traveler coming to Tennessee has three people per vehicle. Using that information, Best noted that it is safe to estimate that the Cherohala Skyway sees 3 million visitors annually.
The idea for a Wagon Train In 1958, Hall was an instrumental part of the Tellico Plains Kiwanis Club, who came up with the idea to start a Wagon Train while discussing the need for a connecting highway between Tellico Plains and western North Carolina. Club member Sam Williams said, “Why don’t we have a Wagon Train? We only have wagon roads!” While the members had a laugh over Williams’ suggestion, they later found themselves considering the idea. Club
President Pryor Hunt appointed a Wagon Train Committee, including Hall and Williams, and after gaining support, the first Wagon Train was planned for July 4, 1958. Hall served as the delegation’s only scout. “It was sort of my baby,” Hall told The Advocate & Democrat in 2011. “Everything you can think of happened on the Wagon Train. When you had 1,000 people on one trip, you had a little bit of everything—birth, death, conceptions, all of it.” The group met in Tellico Plains on June 30 and camped near the Tellico River on July 1-2. On June 29, three wagons and eight horses left Andrews, North Carolina, for Robbinsville, where one wagon joined the caravan. The North Carolina group arrived in Tellico
Plains on July 2. The riders from both Tellico Plains and North Carolina paraded through downtown Tellico Plains that afternoon, led by Wagon Master G.C. Frye. That night, a Square Dance was held in Town Square, a tradition that continues annually to this day. On July 3, the entire caravan made its way along the Tellico River to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line and then on to Murphy, North Carolina, where a parade was held on July 4. Successive wagon trains in 1959, 1960 and 1961 traveled the same route, growing each year. The 1961 Wagon Train departed Tellico Plains on July 3 with 92 covered wagons and 525 horseback riders.
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Mathews has memories of the Wagon Train from the age of 5 on. She said in the camp at night, everyone would cook together and then tell stories about the day. “It was our family vacation,” she said. “But it had a mission to it. Everyone there shared a common interest—all had a certain amount of love for being in nature, preserving American history, and a desire to improve the roads between our two states.” Each trip received extensive publicity, including coverage by television and newspapers, and even an article in Life Magazine in 1959, but the only road construction was the paving of an existing three-mile road. Yet, Hall said 1958-1965 were the peak years for Tellico Plains. “According to press reports, anywhere from 20-30,000 people would be here for the Square Dance to send us off on the Wagon Train,” he said. “It was very exciting for our small town.” “As a child, it felt like the circus had come to town,” recalled Mathews. “There were so many people and music everywhere. Of course, Daddy would never let us stay very late. Momma [Billie Nell Hall] would always walk us home.”
Securing funding for a road While the Wagon Train and Square Dance helped provide publicity, organizers knew they needed to secure funding, but that was not an easy task. Cecil McDaniel, a staff member of Sen.
Chief Scout Charles Hall leads the Wagon Train through the Tellico and North Carolina mountains in the early 1980s. The Tellico Plains Wagon Train that began in 1958 to draw attention to the need for a road between Tellico Plains and Western North Carolina eventually led to the construction of the Cherohala Skyway.
Carl Hayden of Arizona and a native of Tellico Plains, suggested the group seek financial support from the Federal Lands Highway Fund. With a source of funding in mind, the wagon train turned its attention to other possible routes across the mountains as the money for that program could only be spent on federal lands.
Kenny Shaw from Tellico Plains and Roy Hutshell of McMinn Co., wagon masters, lead the 1996 Wagon Train across the Tennessee-North Carolina state line at Beech Gap. The road in that section had not been lined yet for traffic. 14 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026
Hall said the group was not accomplishing anything in their efforts toward Murphy, North Carolina, but were receiving a lot of support from Andrews and Robbinsville, North Carolina. Then Tennessee Gov. Buford Ellington appointed a panel to handle negotiations with the U.S. Congress and North Carolina state officials on Aug. 7, 1961. With that, a group, including Hall, went to Washington to seek funding. On March 13, 1962, the Interior Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations heard and approved the group’s request. The time had arrived for the group to gather support and publicity for its new route with another Wagon Train across the mountains to Andrews, North Carolina. Wagon Train leaders for this trip were Wagon Master Ed Frye, Assistant Wagon Master Capt. Frank Swan and Chief Scout Hall. Following the Wagon Train, McDaniel and Sen. Estes Kefauver planned for a delegation from Tennessee and North Carolina to appear before the Public Roads Subcommittee for Public Works. Before the hearing, Hall went to meet with Sen. Robert Kerr of Oklahoma, but the senator was out of office. Instead, Hall met with Kerr’s administrative assistant Don McBride, who, Hall was surprised to learn, had married Tellico native May Lou Patterson.
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“It was the efforts of Sen. Estes Kefauver, Cecil McDaniel and Don McBride [who was later appointed to the TVA Board of Directors] that the project was funded,” Hall recalled. On Oct. 10, 1962, Sen. Kefauver sent a telegram notifying Hall that $6 million in federal funds had been approved to construct a roadway between Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina.
construction” of the Cherohala Skyway. “I consider the Skyway the little brother to the Blue Ridge Parkway [because it is shorter],” Middleton once said. “I am proud of the design that offers many mountain vistas with as little environmental impact as possible.” The Wagon Train returned to Tellico Plains for its 10th anniversary in 1967, in 1976 for the Bicentennial trip and again in 1982 for its
25th anniversary. Smaller trips in Tennessee were held in 1987, 1988, and 1989. In 1991, Kenneth Shaw, Don Frye and Roy Hutsell organized the Tellico Plain Wagon Train Association and the Wagon Train continued for many years.
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Compromises and frustrations In 1965, work began on the North Carolina section, skirting the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and the first Tennessee section along the Tellico River. By the mid-1960s, however, the environmental movement was strong enough to halt the road project. Objectors did not want a road going through the virgin forest of Joyce Kilmer. By this time, Hall was serving as Tellico Plains mayor. “Daddy was pleased when they stopped that route,” said Mathews. “He never wanted that. There were a lot of compromises and frustrations throughout the process. People often thought of him as a developer, but he had a stopping point.” From 1968 to 1983, no work was allowed in North Carolina, while both states tried to work out a new route. The new route would eventually be from Santeetlah Gap in North Carolina to Beech Gap at the state line. “Daddy said many times that it wouldn’t happen overnight,” said Mathews. “But he was always patient; he knew it would happen one day.” The Tennessee section, in the meantime, continued to inch up toward the state line. But the Tennessee portion also suffered a setback when it was discovered in 1977 that exposed rock formations created acid when combined with rainwater. It cost $4 million to cover the rocks and prevent contamination of the streams. Lloyd Middleton served as the Eastern Division’s Federal Public Lands Highway construction engineer and, thus, designer for the Cherohala Skyway from the beginning of its construction contracts in 1965 to its finish date. He was also the construction engineer for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Middleton called it “challenging” to lessen the environmental impact including the handling of the iron pyrite rocks and said “innovative techniques” were used to build a road on such steep slopes. Mathews said her father also credited Middleton with the “excellent
Above: Raymond Williams, North Carolina commissioner from Graham County, left, with Charles Hall, center, and Lloyd Middleton, right the construction engineer for the Federal Public Lands Highway, greet Charles Hall as the Wagon Train prepares to cross the state line at Beech Gap on July 2, 1996. Hall’s grandsons are also pictured at the right. Below: Frank Holliday, Charles Hall, and Nora Holliday stand beside the water tanker, sponsored by the Tellico Telephone Company and Volunteer Federal Savings Bank, that carried water to Wagon Trainers and their livestock.
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Thirty years after its dedication, the Cherohala Skyway now has more than 3 million visitors annually.
‘History was being made’ Finally, in 1996, the road neared completion. Earlier that year, officials held an informal ceremony at the state line. “The Tennessee people lined up on one side and North Carolina people on the other,” said the late Sam Stamey, who was serving as Tellico Plains mayor at the time. “And together, we pushed the rocks through for the first time and allowed someone to drive over the dividing line.” Then, a Cherokee girl climbed on top of a rock and began to sing “Amazing Grace.” “There wasn’t a dry eye there,” said Stamey. “It was just really touching. History was being made.” Before the byway was set to open, the Wagon Train came together one last time for a special trip across the Cherohala Skyway into Robbinsville, North Carolina. Kenny Shaw from Tellico Plains and Roy Hutshell from McMinn County were the wagon masters. The trip took the group five days. As they crossed the Tennessee-North Carolina state line at Beech Gap on July 2, 1996, the Wagon Train stopped for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Cherohala Skyway was officially dedicated in a public ceremony on Oct. 12, 1996. At its opening, it had already been awarded a National Scenic Highway award. “The completion of the Cherohala Skyway allowed people to see places that they couldn’t before,” said Mathews. “They didn’t have to hike for miles or risk their life to experience the beauty of the mountains anymore. And that, it was overwhelming.”
Mathews recalled how Rev. Bill Childress said the prayer at the dedication ceremony. “It was beautiful,” she said. “He talked about how man built the road, but God made the mountains.” The most memorable moment of the day, however, was seeing her father’s face. “All of us—daddy’s children and our husbands, his grandchildren—were there,” she said. “He had introduced all the dignitaries from a national, state and local standpoint, but then he looked at us, his family, and teared up. That’s what meant the most to him, that all his family was there.” Two months later, Mathews’ twin sister Pat died after a long battle with cancer. “We were all glad she got to be there to see Daddy’s dream come true,” said Mathews. In 1997, the Tennessee State Legislature named the bridge over Laurel Branch on the Cherohala Skyway the “Charles Hall Bridge.”
‘He lived and breathed it’ Hall died on Dec. 31, 2014. He served in elected offices in Monroe County for 45 years, 31 of those years as mayor of Tellico Plains. In 1951, at age 27, he was the youngest person to hold the position of mayor in the state of Tennessee. He served as mayor until 1955, as alderman in 1961, recorder in 1962 and again as mayor from 1963 until he resigned from the post on June 14, 1990. “As Daddy would tell you, he could have never done it alone,” said Mathews. “Leadership can bring so many people together to make something happen. He was just one of many who helped create the Cherohala Skyway. When
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it was finished, he looked at the town and found ways to improve it. He was always wondering what was next.” Hall led the fight to re-route Highway 165 (Cherohala Skyway) further through Tellico Plains and land acquisitions were obtained in 1997 to do so. Construction started in the spring of 1998 and finished in 1999. The byway now connects directly to Highway 68. Mathews said driving the Cherohala Skyway with her parents was always special. “Of course, I’d have to force Daddy to do it,” she laughed. “He was always working on something, and I’d have to make him stop and go with us. Once we’d get going though, he would tell you about every nook and cranny. He knew every inch of it. He lived and breathed it.” The late Stamey maybe said it best when he remembered once hearing a group of elderly men talking at the former Tellico Pride convenience store. “One of them asked the question, ‘What does Cherohala mean?’ A guy named Julio answered that in Native Cherokee it meant Charles Hall,” laughed Stamey. “Without Charles’ leadership, I’m not sure the Cherohala Skyway would exist. He worked tirelessly until the dream became a reality.” For more information about the Cherohala Skyway, visit www.visitmonroetn. com/cherohala-skyway.
**Historical information obtained from Pamela Hall Mathews, “A History of Tellico Plains, TN 10,000 B.C.-2,001 A.D.” by Charles Hall and “Behind the Scenes” by Cindy Brooks. Photos courtesy of the Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center and Monroe County Tourism.
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The Skyway is calling Cherohala Skyway Festival • Oct. 24 The Charles Hall Museum of History & Heritage will host the highly anticipated annual Cherohala Skyway Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum and its grounds in Tellico Plains. With free admission and a full day of activities, this beloved event draws both locals and tourists for a celebration of history, music, and family fun. Convenient parking will be available in the field behind the museum, with festival entry at 122 Bank Street near Tellicafe. A $10 parking fee per vehicle applies, but discounted tickets for $5 can be purchased at the Charles Hall Museum through Oct. 23. Shuttles will also run throughout the day. Handicap parking is available between the Cherohala Skyway Visitor’s Center and the Tellico Plains Public Library. Profits made from the festival support the community service partners who help with the festival and the Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center’s operating costs. The museum is not family owned, is governed by a board of directors, and must fundraise to keep its doors open. “The Cherohala Skyway Festival is one of our most exciting events,” says Pam Hall Mathews, president of the Charles Hall Museum Board and event coordinator. “It’s like a community reunion where both locals and visitors come together to enjoy the festival and explore the museum’s incredible collections.” The festival features the Josh Graves Music Tribute, sponsored in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. The tribute will honor the late bluegrass
legend with performances by Tim Graves, his band The Farm Hands, and the Graves brothers—Tim and Tedd. Additional performances will include Appalachian Smoke, local Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), Tim Decker and Tennessee River, Just Us Bluegrass, and a local upcoming bluegrass band, Wilson and Cross. Attendees can also join Deb McCarter on the clogging stage or square dance to Jim Brooks Music. Albums from artists will be available for purchase. Families can enjoy a variety of free activities in the Family Fun Zone, including inflatables, horse-drawn wagon rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, and more. The Tellico Plains Police Department’s Little Train and arts and craft stations by Monroe Area Council for the Arts and Tender Heart Ministries will keep kids entertained, while the Sawdust Dig by Volunteer Federal Savings Bank gives children the chance to uncover treasures and cash prizes. There’s something for everyone with a face painting booth, Tellico Plains KOA Game Zone, and the Tellico Plains High School student activity area. Artisans and crafters will showcase their work, with over 90 vendors offering handmade goods, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Festivalgoers can also purchase delicious eats from food trucks and local vendors. A highlight of the festival is the living history demonstrations, which offer a glimpse into early settler and Cherokee life in the 1800s. Guests can enjoy old time Cherokee and early settler dolls, pottery, weaving,
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grinding herbs, jewelry, tool and quilting demonstrations, and taste 1800 era dishes cooked over open fires. There will be a reenactment of the DeSoto Expedition, offering a look at life in the 1500s. Other demonstrations will include blacksmithing and corn grinding. Visitors can try cross-cut sawing at the Benton MacKaye Trail Association’s. Smokey Bear will appear with Cherokee National Forest representatives. Antique tractor, lawn mower, small engine and classic car enthusiasts are invited to display their machines in the Charles Hall Field, with no entry fee required. For details, call Kenneth Stiles at 423-295-4985. The Charles Hall Museum, a non-profit institution offering free admission, will be open for self-guided tours during the festival. Visitors can explore the extensive collection of historical artifacts, photos, and documents that showcase the rich history of the Tellico Plains area, plus new displays on early logging in Tellico Plains and the history of the Wagon Train/Cherohala Skyway story. For more information about the Cherohala Skyway Festival, visit www. skywayfestival.com, follow the Cherohala Skyway Festival-Josh Graves Music Tribute 2026 Facebook page, contact the museum at charleshallmuseum@ hotmail.com, or call 423-253-8000. The museum is located at 229 Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains. The entrance of the festival is behind the museum at 122 Bank Street.
Thank You for a Great 60+ Years!
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Christmas celebrations in Etowah Preparations are being made for Christmastime celebrations in the City of Etowah. The first Christmas season event in Etowah is set to be the annual Christmas tree lighting party on Friday, Nov. 27. The Etowah Area Chamber of Commerce and Etowah Main Street have announced that Travis Bishop will represent the citizens of Etowah as he lights the 2026 Community Christmas Tree on Friday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. on the lawn of the historic L&N Depot. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. inside the depot with live Christmas jazz by the Cool Beans Jazz Duo, free gingerbread cookies, apple cider and hot chocolate, plus visits and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children can also enjoy one of the tallest inflatable slides in Tennessee on the depot lawn. This year’s tree will stand four feet taller, thanks to support from the Etowah Rotary Club, sponsor of this year’s celebration. Then, that weekend, the Etowah Christmas Market will return in the downtown area on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28 and 29. The Durant Tullock Memorial Christmas Parade and Block Party will follow on Thursday, Dec. 3 with another appearance from Santa Claus.
Following that, the city will hold a walking play throughout its streets. On Dec. 4, 5 and 6, Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Sadie Goodin and Jacob White have joined creative forces with Director Raven White for an ambi-
tious telling of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, A Christmas Carol — Immersive Walking Pla. This event will span both the Historic L&N Depot and the Gem Theater in Etowah.
An old-fashioned Niota Christmas
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The City of Niota will have a jam-packed leadup to the Christmas season this year. The fun will begin on Nov. 6 when the town hosts the Celebrate America 250 event with a trip through history. The event will be held at the Niota depot at 6 p.m. with live music, ice cream and presentations by local students. Then, on Nov. 11, the city will host its annual Veterans Day parade beginning at 2 p.m. A veterans program will follow the parade.
On Nov. 14, the town will host its annual Christmas boutique at the depot from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this event, the city regularly has vendor booths and numerous other attractions. The Christmas season will be in full swing at that point, as the city transitions to its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 12. Line up for the event will be at 5 p.m. that day with the parade beginning at 6 p.m.
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Candlelight Walk • Dec. 5
No place like home for the holidays The Town of Tellico Plains and its downtown merchants will be the guiding force behind the 27th annual Candlelight Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This cherished holiday tradition celebrates the community’s rich Appalachian heritage, small-town spirit, and the magic of the Christmas season. Stroll through historic downtown streets glowing with beautiful luminaries, shop local stores, enjoy a meal in a downtown restaurant, and enjoy an evening filled with holiday fun for the whole family. Along the way, stop to enjoy the nativity, play in the snow, visit Santa and the Grinch, and gather for the Christmas tree lighting. Take a festive horse and wagon ride through downtown and soak in the sights and sounds of the season. Don’t forget to make a pitstop at the Cookie Caper to buy homemade cookies by the pound to take home! A limited series Christmas ornament will also be available for purchase. For more information, contact Tellico Plains City Hall at 423-253-2333. 26 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler, Fall & Winter 2026
THE TOWN OF TELLICO PLAINS, TN
Welcome!
From the Citizens of Tellico Plains
The Small Town with the Big Back Yard
“Getaway to the Cherokee National Forest & The Cherohala Skyway”
Recreation, hunting, fishing, swimming, camping, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking or just a leisure drive across the Skyway. Enjoy street dancing at our 4th of July Celebration. If you can’t find it in Tellico Plains, it can’t be found!!!
Come & See!
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An 18th Century Christmas Christmas Garrison • Dec. 5
Step back in time and escape the holiday rush with “An 18th Century Christmas” at Fort Loudoun State Historic Area in Vonore. This year’s event, set for Saturday, Dec. 5, offers a unique and festive way to experience the season. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the fort will be brought to life by re-enactors portraying men, women, and children from the 18th century. The fort, decorated with rustic touches like leaves and berries, captures the atmosphere of Christmas during the French and Indian War. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy demonstrations of historical cooking, laundering, blacksmithing, and artillery drills. Parson John will lead a traditional Christmas church service, and guests can indulge in a warm wassail tasting. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the fort’s buildings, including the infirmary, soldier barracks, and commander’s quarters, or take a stroll through the nearby Cherokee encampment. As night falls, the event concludes with a candlelight tour of the fort from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors can walk the path, illuminated by luminaries, from the visitor’s center to the fort. Once inside, the fort’s buildings will be lit by candles, fireplaces, and torches. The evening will also feature a rare night firing of the cannon—a breathtaking sight against the night sky.
About Fort Loudoun Fort Loudoun State Historic Park spans 1,200 acres and is one of the earliest British fortifications on the western frontier, built in 1756. It was reconstructed during the Great Depression and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. During the French and Indian War, Fort Loudoun played a crucial role in forging alliances between the British Colony of South Carolina and the Overhill Cherokee Nation, helping to secure trade and military support. However, after relations deteriorated, the Cherokee captured the fort in 1760, and it was never used for military purposes again. The site was largely forgotten until
1917, when the Colonial Dames of America placed a commemorative marker at the fort. In 1933, the Tennessee General Assembly purchased the land and created the Fort Loudoun Association to manage it. In 1977, Fort Loudoun became a Tennessee State Park. Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed fort and the ruins of the 1794 Tellico Blockhouse, overlooking the scenic Tellico Reservoir and Appalachian Mountains. The park’s interpretative center offers insights into the area’s history and showcases artifacts excavated from the site. Guests can also watch a 15-minute
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film, Fort Loudoun: Forsaken by God and Man, to learn more about the fort’s storied past. In addition to its living history programs, Fort Loudoun State Park hosts several popular events throughout the year, including garrison weekends like the Colonial Trades Garrison in March, which highlights the fort’s history through interactive demonstrations. Fort Loudoun State Historic Area is located on Highway 360 in Vonore. For more information about events or to plan your visit, call 423-420-2331 or visit www.fortloudoun.com.
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Dec. 4 Sweetwater Christmas Parade The Sweetwater Kiwanis Club will jointly sponsor the 44th annual Christmas Parade in Sweetwater on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. The parade route will form on Mayes Avenue, traveling through downtown Sweetwater and turning right onto New Highway 68. From there, the parade will then turn right onto High Street, ending at Sweetwater High School.
Dec. 12 Vonore Christmas Parade The Town of Vonore will tentatively hold its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 12. Details to be announced. The parade route will travel down Hall Street through downtown onto Church Street, ending at Vonore Baptist Church.
Dec. 12 Madisonville Christmas Parade The City of Madisonville’s Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Madisonville Kiwanis Club, will be the conclusion of the annual Christmas Festival on the Square event. This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. The parade will leave from Madisonville Primary School and continue straight through town on College Street, ending at the CO-OP on Anderson Street.
Dec. 19 Tellico Christmas Parade The Town of Tellico Plains will hold its annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by Tellico Plains Kiwanis, on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. This year’s grand marshal will be Tellico Plains’ Without Limits team, along with Smokey Bear. The parade route will start on Veterans Memorial Drive (near the gazebo) and
travel through Town Square, taking a right on Babcock Street then left on Cherohala Skyway, before taking a right onto Bank Street and ending at the Community Center. Festivities will kick off prior to the parade with Cookies ‘n Claus at 2 p.m. with five hospitality stations that will be serving free cookies compliments of Tellicafe along with coffee, hot chocolate or cider. Stations are Volunteer Federal Savings Bank’s parking lot, the first entrance to Cherohala Skyway Visitors Center, the first entrance to the Charles Hall Museum, on Cherohala Skyway near Skyway Realty, and First Baptist Church of Tellico Plains in Town Square. Santa will be at the Visitors Center for a holiday photo opportunity during this time. Bring your phones and cameras for photos. Then, Santa will make a mad dash and will be riding in the parade on the fire truck tossing out candy for everyone.
Other Holiday Events: • Niota’s Christmas Boutique: Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the depot • Downtown Etowah Christmas tree lighting: Friday, Nov 27 at 7 p.m. • Etowah Christmas Market: Saturday, Nov 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29 • Durant Tullock Memorial Christmas Parade and Block Party: Thursday, Dec 3 • Englewood Christmas Parade: Friday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. • Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas in Athens: Saturday, Dec. 5 from noon to 7 p.m. • Jimmy Liner Memorial Christmas Parade in Athens: Monday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. • Niota Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. • Downtown Decatur Christmas: Saturday, Dec 12 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Decatur Christmas Parade: Sunday, Dec 13 at 4 p.m.
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Tellico Hometown Realty 206 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
423-253-5576
Missy Burger Owner/Broker
missy@tellicohometownrealty.com
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