One of my absolute favorite things to do when I am out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. I have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions I have found in the state of Tennessee.
It will be a constant work in progress as I will add new oddities and attractions every time I find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here
Bald River Falls
Location: River Road
City: Tellico Plains
Region of State Located: South/Central
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Located in the Tellico Plains area of the Cherokee National Forest, Bald River Falls is widely considered one of the most spectacular and easily accessible waterfalls in the entire southeastern United States. Crashing down nearly 100 feet over a series of jagged rock tiers, the falls are a powerful centerpiece of the Southern Appalachian wilderness.
Because the bridge puts you at eye-level with the middle of the falls, it’s one of the best spots in the forest to practice long-exposure photography, capturing the silky “veil” effect of the water against the dark, mossy rocks.
The “Roadside” Advantage: What makes this a perfect “roadside” entry is that you don’t even have to leave your car to see it. The falls are located directly beside Tellico River Road (Forest Service Road 210), with a bridge spanning the river that serves as the ultimate observation deck. There is a hiking trail that will take you to the top.
Seasonal Shifts: During the spring, the falls are a roaring wall of white water fueled by mountain runoff. In the peak of winter, the cascade often freezes into a massive, shimmering ice sculpture, attracting ice climbers and photographers from all over the region.
The Bald River Gorge: The falls mark the point where the Bald River empties into the larger Tellico River. For those who do want to stretch their legs, the Bald River Gorge Trail begins right at the falls, winding deep into a federally protected wilderness area filled with smaller cascades and ancient hemlocks.
Clingmans Dome
Location: Clingmans Dome Road
City: Bryson City
Region of State Located: East/Central
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Located at the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome (officially renamed Kuwohi in 2024 to honor its Cherokee name) is a towering 6,643-foot peak that offers a true “top of the world” experience. It sits on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. The centerpiece is the futuristic, saucer-like concrete observation tower that provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding mist-covered mountains.
The Spiraling Walkway: To reach the tower, visitors walk a steep, half-mile paved trail. The reward is a long, winding concrete ramp that spirals up above the treeline, offering a dramatic perspective for photographers looking to capture the “layers” of the blue ridges stretching into the distance.
The Highest Point: This is the highest point in Tennessee, the highest point along the entire 2,192-mile Appalachian Trail, and the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi.
The “Smoky” Effect: On a clear day, views can extend over 100 miles into seven different states. However, more often than not, you’ll be treated to the classic “smoke”, the natural blue-gray mist that gives the range its name.
A Vertical Ecosystem: Driving from the park’s base to the dome is like traveling from Georgia to Canada in terms of climate. The summit is home to a unique spruce-fir forest, where temperatures are often 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the valleys below.
Elizabethton Covered Bridge
Location: 717 E. Elk Ave
City: Elizabethton
Region of State Located In: North/East
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Spanning the Doe River in the heart of downtown Elizabethton, the Elizabethton Covered Bridge is a majestic 134-foot landmark and one of the most iconic historic structures in Tennessee. Built in 1882 for a mere $3,000, this Howe truss bridge was constructed without a single piece of metal, using only wooden “trunnels” (tree nails) to hold the massive oak timbers together. It famously survived the catastrophic “May Flood” of 1901, which swept away every other bridge in the county, earning it a reputation for legendary strength. Today, the bridge is the centerpiece of a beautiful five-acre park, serving as a pedestrian-only walkway that connects the historic district with the local baseball trails. With its distinctive red-and-white exterior and the gentle rush of the Doe River beneath, it remains a premier destination for photographers and a proud symbol of 19th-century engineering resilience.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Location: 88 River Rd
City: Gatlinburg
Region of State Located: East/Central
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Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in the country, offering an immersive deep-sea experience right in the middle of the mountains. This world-class facility is famous for its massive 340-foot “Shark Lagoon” underwater tunnel, where a glidepath carries visitors through a breathtaking environment filled with jagged-toothed sharks, giant sea turtles, and graceful stingrays. Beyond the predators, the aquarium features interactive exhibits like the playful Penguin Playhouse, complete with tunnels for kids to crawl through, and the glowing, ethereal Wonders of the Jellyfish gallery. Whether you’re touching a prehistoric-looking horseshoe crab at the Discovery Center or watching the rhythmic dance of a giant Pacific octopus, the aquarium provides a vibrant, educational contrast to the rugged wilderness of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park.