monroe county

  The Lost Sea is a popular tourist attraction located in Sweetwater, Tennessee. It is known as the largest underground lake in the United States, and is a part of the Craighead Caverns system. The Lost Sea is estimated to be over 140 feet deep, and covers an area of more than 4 acres.

Visitors to the Lost Sea can take a guided tour of the caverns to see the unique geological formations and learn about the history of the area. The tour includes a boat ride on the underground lake, where visitors can see the crystal-clear water and schools of rainbow trout swimming in the lake. The temperature inside the caverns remains a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a popular destination for visitors during both hot and cold months.

The Lost Sea is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, salamanders, and cave crayfish. The attraction also features a gift shop, restaurant, and campground for visitors who wish to stay overnight in the area. Overall, the Lost Sea is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in geology, history, or outdoor adventure. 

 The Cherohala Skyway is a scenic byway that runs through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, in the southeastern United States. The Skyway stretches for 43 miles, from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina, and reaches elevations of over 5,000 feet.

The road is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests, as well as its many overlooks and pull-offs where visitors can stop to take in the scenery. Along the way, visitors can also see numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and other outdoor attractions.

The Cherohala Skyway was constructed in the 1990s as a joint effort between the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, and was designed to provide a scenic alternative to the more heavily-traveled roads in the area. Today, the Skyway is a popular destination for tourists, as well as for motorcyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts. 

 Bald River Falls is a popular waterfall located in the Cherokee National Forest in Monroe County, Tennessee. The falls are located on Bald River, which is a tributary of the Tellico River. The waterfall drops approximately 90 feet from a sandstone ledge, and is surrounded by a forest of hemlock and rhododendron.

The falls are easily accessible via a short hike from the parking area, and there is a viewing platform that provides a great vantage point for taking photos and enjoying the scenery. Visitors can also swim or wade in the pool at the base of the falls, although caution is advised as the water can be cold and swift.

Bald River Falls is a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the southeastern United States. The area surrounding the falls is also popular for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. 

Photo by VS Outdoor Snaps, Photography by Victoria

 Tellico River is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, known for its abundance of trout. The river is located in Monroe County, Tennessee, and flows through the Cherokee National Forest. The Tellico River is a tailwater fishery, which means that it is fed by water released from a dam, resulting in a consistent water temperature and flow year-round.

The Tellico River is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, with rainbow trout being the most commonly caught species. The river is divided into several sections, with each section having its own set of regulations and restrictions. The upper section of the river is catch-and-release only, while the lower section has a daily creel limit of five trout per person.

Fishing on the Tellico River is best during the spring and fall months, when the water temperature is cooler and the fish are more active. Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch trout on the Tellico River, including fly fishing, spin fishing, and bait fishing.

There are several outfitters and guide services in the area that offer guided fishing trips, as well as shops that sell fishing gear and supplies. Visitors to the area can also camp, hike, and enjoy other outdoor activities in addition to fishing. 

 Coker Creek  is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, near the border between Tennessee and Georgia. The community is named after the Coker Creek, a small stream that flows through the area.

Coker Creek is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The nearby Cherokee National Forest offers miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as opportunities for hunting and fishing. The Tellico River, which flows through the area, is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing.

Despite its small size, Coker Creek has a rich history and cultural heritage. The area was first settled by European-American pioneers in the late 1700s, and the community grew around the mining industry in the early 1900s. Today, many of the historic buildings from that era still stand, including the Coker Creek Elementary School, which was built in 1929 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

 The Tellico River Fish Hatchery is a state-operated facility located in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, near the Tellico River. The hatchery was established in 1951 and serves as a major producer of rainbow trout for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

The hatchery raises and releases over 200,000 rainbow trout each year, which are stocked into various streams and rivers throughout Tennessee. Visitors to the hatchery can take a self-guided tour of the facility, which includes a visitor center, outdoor raceways, and a fish ladder for observing the trout as they swim upstream to spawn.

The Tellico River, which flows adjacent to the hatchery, is a popular destination for fly fishing and attracts anglers from around the world. The river is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass and other species. The hatchery also provides educational programs for schools and community groups, teaching visitors about the importance of fisheries management and conservation.