Caryville TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Caryville, Tennessee.
1. Cove Lake State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE RETREAT
Cove Lake State Park is a scenic 667-acre area nestled in a valley of beautiful mountains in the Cumberland Plateau. The park features over 100 campsites, large picnic pavilions for rent, and hiking trails including an 11-mile route. Visitors can enjoy viewing more than 400 geese or explore the raised earthen remnants of the ancient Mound Builders that once inhabited this area.
2. Triple Falls
REFRESHING MOUNTAIN WATERFALLS
Triple Falls, also known as Little Egypt, is renowned for its cooling waterfalls that are especially popular in summer and fall. The trail offers beautiful views from the top of the mountain year-round. Hikers can enjoy a 1.95-mile trail with approximately 682 feet of elevation gain.
3. Cumberland Trail
EXPANSIVE MOUNTAIN HIKING
The Cumberland Trail winds through 11 Tennessee counties on the eastern escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau, with access points near Caryville. This extensive trail system provides hikers with diverse terrain and stunning views of the Cumberland Mountains. The trail showcases the natural beauty that makes this region a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area
VAST NATURAL WILDERNESS
Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area offers acres upon acres of beautiful scenery near Caryville. This vast natural area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting, and outdoor recreation in the Cumberland Mountains. Visitors can explore numerous trails while experiencing the unspoiled wilderness of eastern Tennessee.
5. Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION POINT
The Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower provides a unique opportunity to observe elk in their natural habitat near Caryville. The viewing platform offers excellent vantage points for spotting these majestic animals, particularly during dawn and dusk. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers frequently visit this location for its reliable elk sightings and scenic mountain views.
6. The Old Mill
HISTORIC LANDMARK STRUCTURE
The Old Mill in Little Egypt, Caryville dates back to the 1800s and served as a crucial economic hub for the early town. This well-preserved historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage and agricultural past. Today, the mill stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the area, connecting modern visitors to Caryville's rich history.
7. Norris Dam State Park
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Norris Dam State Park is located near Caryville and offers camping facilities alongside beautiful hiking trails. The park surrounds the 34,000-acre Norris Lake, providing abundant opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Visitors can also explore the historic Norris Dam, built in 1936 as the first major project for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
8. Party on the Docs
LUXURIOUS LAKEFRONT GETAWAY
Party on the Docs offers luxurious lakefront accommodations on Norris Lake near Caryville. These upscale rental properties provide direct access to the water with private docks and premium amenities. Guests can enjoy a perfect blend of comfort and nature while experiencing the beauty of Norris Lake.
9. Egypt Creek
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPLORATION
Egypt Creek flows through the Little Egypt area of Caryville, providing a picturesque natural setting for visitors. The creek's fertile surroundings were reportedly reminiscent of the Nile River Valley, which inspired the area's name. Visitors can enjoy fishing, wading, and peaceful walks along this historic waterway that played a significant role in the region's development.
10. Big Ridge State Park
HISTORIC WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Big Ridge State Park is located a short drive from Caryville and encompasses 3,687 acres of forested landscape on the southern shore of Norris Lake. The park features more than 15 miles of hiking trails that wind through a heavily forested, ridge-crest hardwood forest. Visitors can explore historic structures including an early 19th-century grist mill, the Norton Cemetery, and remnants of an early settlement.
11. Museum of Appalachia
LIVING HISTORY VILLAGE
The Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum located near Caryville that depicts pioneer life in Southern Appalachia. The museum features a collection of over 35 authentic log structures, thousands of artifacts, and beautiful gardens spread across 65 picturesque acres. Visitors can experience traditional Appalachian music, crafts, and seasonal events that bring the region's rich cultural heritage to life.
12. Coal Creek Miners Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Coal Creek Miners Museum preserves the history of the Coal Creek War and the area's mining heritage near Caryville. Exhibits showcase the struggles of miners, the development of labor laws, and the impact of coal mining on the region. The museum offers insight into the industrial past that shaped the economic and social landscape of East Tennessee.
13. Norris Lake
PREMIER BOATING DESTINATION
Norris Lake is a 34,000-acre reservoir offering exceptional recreational opportunities near Caryville. The lake features over 800 miles of shoreline with countless coves, inlets, and clear blue-green waters perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors are drawn to the lake's remarkable water quality, scenic mountain backdrop, and abundance of bass, walleye, and crappie.
14. Chuck's Place
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Chuck's Place is a beloved local restaurant in Caryville serving homestyle Southern cuisine. The restaurant is known for generous portions, friendly service, and dishes that reflect authentic Appalachian culinary traditions. Visitors and locals alike come for the comfort food classics and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that embodies small-town Tennessee hospitality.
15. Appalachian Arts Craft Center
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS SHOWCASE
The Appalachian Arts Craft Center showcases and preserves traditional Appalachian crafts not far from Caryville. The center features works from over 60 local artisans including pottery, weaving, woodworking, and jewelry created using time-honored techniques. Visitors can purchase unique handcrafted items, take classes to learn traditional skills, and connect with the rich artistic heritage of the region.