The Tellico Plains center point is around 19 miles southeast of Sweetwater Hospital and 22 miles west of Tail of the Dragon.
Tellico Plains offers an appealing climate for visitors throughout the year. Characterized by hot and muggy summers and short, freezing, wet winters, the area provides a varied weather experience for its guests. Notably, the temperature ranges from a chilly 32 °F in the colder months to a warm 88 °F during the summertime, ensuring that visitors can enjoy different activities throughout the year. In spring, the area bursts into vibrant blooms, with mild temperatures making it ideal for hiking the scenic trails of the Cherokee National Forest. This season also hosts the annual Ramp Festival in April, celebrating the wild leek with local food, music, and crafts. Summer in Tellico Plains brings warm weather, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities like kayaking on the Tellico River or exploring Bald River Falls. Fall is arguably the best time to visit, as the region transforms into a tapestry of autumn colors, drawing visitors for leaf-peeping and the annual Fall Harvest Fest and Craft Fair in nearby Seymour in October. Winter offers a quieter experience, with occasional snow dusting the landscape, creating a serene setting. If you're looking for the most popular and favorable time to visit, consider planning your trip from mid-May to late June or early August to early October. During these months, the weather is typically pleasant, making it perfect for hiking, fishing, canoeing, or simply exploring the area and its many attractions.
HotelPlanner provides a variety of accommodation deals in Tellico Plains, TN suitable for every traveler's needs and financial plan. Seasonal promotions are available, offering affordable rates throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for any season. For guests planning to stay longer, there are discounts offered for extended stays to keep the visit economical. Solo travelers can benefit from the last-minute deals, making spontaneous trips to Tellico Plains, TN a pleasant and more budget-friendly experience. Large groups, be it families or corporate teams, can enjoy the benefits of group offers which offer economical joint accommodation options. Each deal, crafted thoughtfully by HotelPlanner, enhances the experience, making every visit to Tellico Plains, TN not just a memorable but also an affordable one.
The history of Tellico Plains stretches back thousands of years, with the land first inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Muscogee and later the Cherokee, long before European settlers arrived. In the late 18th century, the US government set up a fur trading post in the area, which operated until 1807. Over time, European settlers moved in, drawn by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture. Most of these early settlers were subsistence farmers, but by the mid-19th century, Tellico Plains was seeing some industrial development. Elisha Johnson, a former mayor of Rochester, New York, purchased land in the area and built the Tellico River Mansion. Together with his brother Ebenezer, they acquired the Tellico Iron and Manufacturing Company, marking the beginning of the brief industrial boom. Gold mining played a small role in local history. In nearby Coker Creek, a minor gold rush occurred in the late 1800s. Today, tourists can visit Coker Creek to try their hand at gold panning, exploring the remnants of old mines scattered throughout the area. While the gold rush didn't last, it left a legacy of adventure and exploration that visitors can still experience today. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tellico Plains became a logging hub for the Babcock Lumber Company, which clear-cut much of the forested land surrounding the town. After the company finished its operations, it sold the land to the US Forest Service, which has since worked to restore the area's natural beauty. Today, much of the surrounding forest is protected as part of the Cherokee National Forest, allowing visitors to enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in the rejuvenated woods. The town of Tellico Plains was incorporated in 1911, with Columbus Jenkins serving as its first mayor. His son, Ray Jenkins, would later become a well-known attorney. Whether you enjoy off-roading, camping, hiking, or kayaking, Tellico Plains is a gateway to a wealth of adventure. Its prime location offers access to the Tellico and Conasauga Rivers and the Bald River Falls - all providing exciting opportunities for water sports and exploration.