Smoky Mountain Driving Tour:   Cataloochee Valley

Distance: 13 miles one way

If you're interested in history and folk lore, but want to avoid the Smoky Mountain crowds, Cataloochee Valley is a great option. It's like Cades Cove but without all the Smoky Mountain crowds.

• gorgeous mountain scenery,
• historic churches,
• a schoolhouse, and
• several homesteads.

Compared to Cades Cove two million annual visitors, only a small portion of visitors come to Cataloochee. After all, it's in a remote location and it's at the end of a gravel road.

It's you're looking for some Smoky Mountain Solitude, you're found it in Cataloochee.

Direction to Cataloochee Valley

From I - 40 get off at NC exit 20.

After .2 of a mile, look for the sign and turn right.

Follow the road for 11 miles to the gate.

The last 2 miles are a narrow gravel road, following a portion of the Cataloochee Turnpike.

The Cataloochee Turnpike was originally an Indian trail, that became a route for dattle droves.

Continuing on the road, you'll see the Cataloochee Campground and ranger station.

Less than a mile further, is the lovely Palmer Chapel. Across the road is the Beech Grove School , a historic schoolhouse with the original desks and dusty blackboards.

Other area homesteads you'll see are

• the Caldwell House, and
• the Woody House

Remember, Cataloochee is a fine choice to get away from the Smoky Mountain crowds to enjoy some Smoky Mountain Solitude.

www.smoky-mountain-solitude.com