The Tennessee Overhill is a treasure trove of rivers, waterfalls, wooded mountains, quiet backroads, sprawling farmland and rolling hills set against the backdrop of Cherokee National Forest. On this self-guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to ride and explore at your own pace and take in the amazing surroundings.
It’s a region where tradition and family still mean everything, and it’s the family-owned farms and vineyards that share this tour’s focus with the natural beauty.
You'll not just enjoy some of the finest cycling Tennessee has to offer. You'll also experience farm life and observe farmers who have a passion for a calling that has been in their families for generations.
You can also visit vineyards that are more recent additions to the Overhill, but they follow a tradition that started in Tennessee well before the Civil War. In a state better known for its whiskey (there’s even a distillery along the way if you want to visit), wineries are slowly making quite a name for themselves--and you’ll taste why. In late summer and fall, you can even pick your own muscadines to snack on during your ride.
Note: This tour can be customized for private parties based on interests and preferences for ride duration and level of difficulty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Dates & Pricing
Inclusions
Map
Gallery
Highlights
Depending on chosen daily activities
The varied scenery of rural East Tennessee
Waterfalls
Visits to historic rural towns
Relaxed riding on quiet backroads
Scenic Ocoee, Hiwassee and Tellico Rivers
Lodging at a rural estate, a farmhouse inn, and a private mansion
Wine-tastings available (additional cost) at outstanding wineries
Visit to a Mennonite farm market
Difficulty
Active Level 3 out of 4
The region is called "Overhill" for a reason--and you'll be cycling over countless hills. But few are long and fewer are steep. With the exception of a few brief areas with packed gravel or dirt (very walkable), the surface is entirely asphalt.
Itinerary
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Calhoun
Our representative will meet you for your orientation in late afternoon or evening at Hiwassee Acres, your base for the next two days. It’s a peaceful, active getaway, located on 225 acres along the Hiwassee River with secluded hiking trails, a small petting zoo, kayaking, swimming, geocaching, and tranquil spots to relax or read along the river.
Lodging is in the Hiwassee Acres Nature Lodge, where you will stay in brand-new apartments with queen beds, full kitchens, bathrooms with beautiful tile showers, and wall-mounted flat screen TVs.
Note: Hiwassee Acres is wonderfully remote, but it does not have a restaurant, and there are no restaurants or supermarkets nearby. Prior to your arrival, your kind hosts at the lodge will be in touch with a shopping list where you can make choices for groceries or prepared foods. These will be in your kitchen when you arrive. (You’ll be charged actual cost--no charge for shopping and delivery.)
Day 2: Calhoun-Chatata Valley Loop-Calhoun (37 miles)
Today’s ride, the Chatata Valley Loop (37 miles), takes you into the rolling farmlands of historic Chatata Valley. Your first four miles follow along the slow waters of the Hiwassee River as you make your way to Calhoun and cross the river into Charleston, both communities ripe with history and promise.
Along this beautiful route, you should also consider the compelling stories of human spirit and tragic sacrifice that took place there involving the Trail of Tears and the Civil War. Take time to stop at the Hiwassee River Heritage Center, which is also the starting point for a brief walk along a section of the Trail of Tears called “Voices from the Past,” which features significant quotes about the Cherokee Removal.
You cross the Hiwassee and make your way to your mid-ride destination: family-run Morris Vineyard. Free tastings are available, but the setting and the view alone are worth the trip. Cheese or charcuterie plates are available if you’d like a snack.
Your ride takes you through forests and farmland, where the cows are plentiful and curious. You cross the Hiwassee River again and make your way back to the lodge.
Day 3: Calhoun to Tellico Plains (34 miles or 39 miles with optional out and back to Savannah Oaks Winery and Delano Community Farm Market)
After breakfast, you enter the Hiwassee River Valley and make your way to historic Tellico Plains. If you’d like, detour your ride five miles and visit the Delano Community Farm Market, a Mennonite market where you can load up on fruit and baked goods. You’ll also pass picturesque Savannah Farms, whose 11,000 acres, nestled in the foothills surrounding Starr Mountain, also include the vineyards of Savannah Oaks Winery. Make sure to marvel at the 1861 cantilever barn that was built by 40 men in one day!
Your perfect lunch stop awaits you in historic Etowah, the Farmhouse Restaurant (closed Mondays). You’ll enjoy Southern charm and Southern comfort food.
Lunch will fortify you for your remaining miles to Tellico Plains, a vintage mountain town on the Tellico River at the gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest. Its population has been under 1,000 for decades, but you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants--none more charming than your overnight B&B for the next three nights.
Overnight at Tellico Farmhouse Inn, a 1920s farmhouse renovated with modern conveniences. Restaurants for dinner are within walking distance.
Bald River Falls
Day 4: Tellico Plains Along Tellico River Road and Back (24-44 miles round trip)
Follow the Tellico River through a deep chasm on an asphalt forest service road deep into Cherokee National Forest. The first half is nearly entirely uphill, but it’s gradual--although it doesn’t feel so gradual on the sweeping downhill ride back. It’s an out and back, so you can turn around whenever you’d like. The full distance takes you almost to the North Carolina line. Whatever distance you ride, you’ll have the river as company the entire way as it tumbles down from the Smoky Mountains. An early highlight: Bald River Falls with an opportunity to hike. Turn around here, or continue to Green Cove Angler Store for snacks and a restroom break with an optional extension to the Tellico Trout Hatcher and further with a steep uphill to the North Carolina State Line . Return to Tellico Plains. Depending on your timing, Ironworks Grill will provide the perfect lunch or dinner with tables overlooking the Tellico River. It will also provide you with a great sense of the rich history that pervades the region. During the war between the States the Tellico Iron Works produced cannonballs and bullets for the Confederacy. In December 1863, Union General Sherman came with his troops to Tellico Plains and destroyed the works, but you can still see some of the foundation.
A vareity of routes through forest and farmland toward the Little Tennessee River include possibilities to stop at Hidden Lake Campground and Resort; Tellico Community Farmers Market, a small Mennonite market with produce from local farmers; and Tellico Farm Cottage, where you can meet the cows and farmers of this sixth generation farm. Return to Tellico Plains.
Day 6: Tellico Plains to Tsali Notch Vineyard to Athens (34 miles)
Enjoy a leisurely back-country ramble to Tsali Notch Vineyard, a 202-acre muscadine grape vineyard. Named after an historic Cherokee leader, Tsali Notch vineyard specializes in muscadine grapes, grown on over 6,000 vines on 21 miles of trellises, covering 35 acres of a 202-acre estate. The property has an average elevation of 1,150 feet and is ringed by sweeping mountain views. The Vineyard tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 6 pm.
Your ride ends at your private manor house outside of Athens, Ramble Creek. You can end the day in the pool or hot tub or just lounge on the deck and look at the sunset.
You'll have the option to be pampered at Ramble Creek with breakfast, dinner and picnic lunches prepared by your own private chef, using local farm products as much as possible. Or we can provide ingredients or prepared meals for you.
This is one of our favorite rides, as it provides a sampling of the best of everything in this part of the Chattanooga region - farmland, woodland, hills, and creekside flats - all in a manageable 36-mile loop. It also has the perfect lunch stop at the Tellico Junction Cafe in downtown Englewood, a small town with a lot of country charm.
Overnight at Ramble Creek Manor
Today's "Meat and 3" menu at Tellico Junction Cafe--and they have banana pudding today!
Day 8: Individual departure or ride to Hiwassee Acres
You can either depart from Ramble Creek or continue with a final day's riding, starting along the Eureka Trail, a hard-packed gravel trail that follows the path of a former rail line connecting the communities of Athens and Englewood. In Athens, you can explore the historic town as you make your way to Silver Springs Winery, one of Tennessee’s newest wineries but one that has already established deep roots. One of our favorite Overhill restaurants is the winey's Greek Taverna. (The winery's founder has fond memories of growing up in Greece and all aspects of making wines with his grandfather. He's also a renowned pastry chef.
Continue to your parked car and your transferred luggage at Hiwassee Acres. Showers are available.
Extra nights at Hiwassee Acres are available on request for an additional charge.
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily, upon request, subject to availability, April 15-November 15, 2021
Prices
$1,995 per person, double occupancy (2-4 people)
$1,795 per person, double occupancy (parties of 5 or more)
$750 single supplement (1 person/1 room)
Rental bikes
Hybrid touring bike: $325
Electric-assist (e-bike): $560
Additional support
Emergency assistance "insurance" for bicycle and/or traveler pick-up within two hours with drop-off at lodging: $125 per person (entire group must select)
Accompanying vehicle/driver: Price upon request
Accompanying escort rider: Price upon request
Transfers
Round-trip transfer to/from Chattanooga: $49 per person
Optional Day 8 ride: $35 per person for luggage transfer to Hiwassee Acres
Catering, prepared foods and grocery shopping are available at additional cost.
Inclusions
7 nights’ lodging
5 breakfasts or breakfast baskets
Arrival snack at Tellico Farmhouse Inn
3 packed snacks from Tellico Farmhouse Inn
3 packed lunches from Tellico Farmhouse Inn
Luggage transfers (2)
Detailed route planning
Maps, route information and downloadable Ride With GPS files
Emergency hotline in case of issues en route (we will try to arrange pickups or repairs with your local hosts)
Lodging at a rural estate, a farmhouse inn, and a private mansion
Wine-tastings available (additional cost) at outstanding wineries
Visit to a Mennonite farm market
Active Level 3 out of 4
The region is called "Overhill" for a reason--and you'll be cycling over countless hills. But few are long and fewer are steep. With the exception of a few brief areas with packed gravel or dirt (very walkable), the surface is entirely asphalt.
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Calhoun
Our representative will meet you for your orientation in late afternoon or evening at Hiwassee Acres, your base for the next two days. It’s a peaceful, active getaway, located on 225 acres along the Hiwassee River with secluded hiking trails, a small petting zoo, kayaking, swimming, geocaching, and tranquil spots to relax or read along the river.
Lodging is in the Hiwassee Acres Nature Lodge, where you will stay in brand-new apartments with queen beds, full kitchens, bathrooms with beautiful tile showers, and wall-mounted flat screen TVs.
Note: Hiwassee Acres is wonderfully remote, but it does not have a restaurant, and there are no restaurants or supermarkets nearby. Prior to your arrival, your kind hosts at the lodge will be in touch with a shopping list where you can make choices for groceries or prepared foods. These will be in your kitchen when you arrive. (You’ll be charged actual cost--no charge for shopping and delivery.)
Day 2: Calhoun-Chatata Valley Loop-Calhoun (37 miles)
Today’s ride, the Chatata Valley Loop (37 miles), takes you into the rolling farmlands of historic Chatata Valley. Your first four miles follow along the slow waters of the Hiwassee River as you make your way to Calhoun and cross the river into Charleston, both communities ripe with history and promise.
Along this beautiful route, you should also consider the compelling stories of human spirit and tragic sacrifice that took place there involving the Trail of Tears and the Civil War. Take time to stop at the Hiwassee River Heritage Center, which is also the starting point for a brief walk along a section of the Trail of Tears called “Voices from the Past,” which features significant quotes about the Cherokee Removal.
You cross the Hiwassee and make your way to your mid-ride destination: family-run Morris Vineyard. Free tastings are available, but the setting and the view alone are worth the trip. Cheese or charcuterie plates are available if you’d like a snack.
Your ride takes you through forests and farmland, where the cows are plentiful and curious. You cross the Hiwassee River again and make your way back to the lodge.
Day 3: Calhoun to Tellico Plains (34 miles or 39 miles with optional out and back to Savannah Oaks Winery and Delano Community Farm Market)
After breakfast, you enter the Hiwassee River Valley and make your way to historic Tellico Plains. If you’d like, detour your ride five miles and visit the Delano Community Farm Market, a Mennonite market where you can load up on fruit and baked goods. You’ll also pass picturesque Savannah Farms, whose 11,000 acres, nestled in the foothills surrounding Starr Mountain, also include the vineyards of Savannah Oaks Winery. Make sure to marvel at the 1861 cantilever barn that was built by 40 men in one day!
Your perfect lunch stop awaits you in historic Etowah, the Farmhouse Restaurant (closed Mondays). You’ll enjoy Southern charm and Southern comfort food.
Lunch will fortify you for your remaining miles to Tellico Plains, a vintage mountain town on the Tellico River at the gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest. Its population has been under 1,000 for decades, but you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants--none more charming than your overnight B&B for the next three nights.
Overnight at Tellico Farmhouse Inn, a 1920s farmhouse renovated with modern conveniences. Restaurants for dinner are within walking distance.
Bald River Falls
Day 4: Tellico Plains Along Tellico River Road and Back (24-44 miles round trip)
Follow the Tellico River through a deep chasm on an asphalt forest service road deep into Cherokee National Forest. The first half is nearly entirely uphill, but it’s gradual--although it doesn’t feel so gradual on the sweeping downhill ride back. It’s an out and back, so you can turn around whenever you’d like. The full distance takes you almost to the North Carolina line. Whatever distance you ride, you’ll have the river as company the entire way as it tumbles down from the Smoky Mountains. An early highlight: Bald River Falls with an opportunity to hike. Turn around here, or continue to Green Cove Angler Store for snacks and a restroom break with an optional extension to the Tellico Trout Hatcher and further with a steep uphill to the North Carolina State Line . Return to Tellico Plains. Depending on your timing, Ironworks Grill will provide the perfect lunch or dinner with tables overlooking the Tellico River. It will also provide you with a great sense of the rich history that pervades the region. During the war between the States the Tellico Iron Works produced cannonballs and bullets for the Confederacy. In December 1863, Union General Sherman came with his troops to Tellico Plains and destroyed the works, but you can still see some of the foundation.
A vareity of routes through forest and farmland toward the Little Tennessee River include possibilities to stop at Hidden Lake Campground and Resort; Tellico Community Farmers Market, a small Mennonite market with produce from local farmers; and Tellico Farm Cottage, where you can meet the cows and farmers of this sixth generation farm. Return to Tellico Plains.
Day 6: Tellico Plains to Tsali Notch Vineyard to Athens (34 miles)
Enjoy a leisurely back-country ramble to Tsali Notch Vineyard, a 202-acre muscadine grape vineyard. Named after an historic Cherokee leader, Tsali Notch vineyard specializes in muscadine grapes, grown on over 6,000 vines on 21 miles of trellises, covering 35 acres of a 202-acre estate. The property has an average elevation of 1,150 feet and is ringed by sweeping mountain views. The Vineyard tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 6 pm.
Your ride ends at your private manor house outside of Athens, Ramble Creek. You can end the day in the pool or hot tub or just lounge on the deck and look at the sunset.
You'll have the option to be pampered at Ramble Creek with breakfast, dinner and picnic lunches prepared by your own private chef, using local farm products as much as possible. Or we can provide ingredients or prepared meals for you.
This is one of our favorite rides, as it provides a sampling of the best of everything in this part of the Chattanooga region - farmland, woodland, hills, and creekside flats - all in a manageable 36-mile loop. It also has the perfect lunch stop at the Tellico Junction Cafe in downtown Englewood, a small town with a lot of country charm.
Overnight at Ramble Creek Manor
Today's "Meat and 3" menu at Tellico Junction Cafe--and they have banana pudding today!
Day 8: Individual departure or ride to Hiwassee Acres
You can either depart from Ramble Creek or continue with a final day's riding, starting along the Eureka Trail, a hard-packed gravel trail that follows the path of a former rail line connecting the communities of Athens and Englewood. In Athens, you can explore the historic town as you make your way to Silver Springs Winery, one of Tennessee’s newest wineries but one that has already established deep roots. One of our favorite Overhill restaurants is the winey's Greek Taverna. (The winery's founder has fond memories of growing up in Greece and all aspects of making wines with his grandfather. He's also a renowned pastry chef.
Continue to your parked car and your transferred luggage at Hiwassee Acres. Showers are available.
Extra nights at Hiwassee Acres are available on request for an additional charge.
Dates
Daily, upon request, subject to availability, April 15-November 15, 2021
Prices
$1,995 per person, double occupancy (2-4 people)
$1,795 per person, double occupancy (parties of 5 or more)
$750 single supplement (1 person/1 room)
Rental bikes
Hybrid touring bike: $325
Electric-assist (e-bike): $560
Additional support
Emergency assistance "insurance" for bicycle and/or traveler pick-up within two hours with drop-off at lodging: $125 per person (entire group must select)
Accompanying vehicle/driver: Price upon request
Accompanying escort rider: Price upon request
Transfers
Round-trip transfer to/from Chattanooga: $49 per person
Optional Day 8 ride: $35 per person for luggage transfer to Hiwassee Acres
Catering, prepared foods and grocery shopping are available at additional cost.
7 nights’ lodging
5 breakfasts or breakfast baskets
Arrival snack at Tellico Farmhouse Inn
3 packed snacks from Tellico Farmhouse Inn
3 packed lunches from Tellico Farmhouse Inn
Luggage transfers (2)
Detailed route planning
Maps, route information and downloadable Ride With GPS files
Emergency hotline in case of issues en route (we will try to arrange pickups or repairs with your local hosts)
At Hiwassee Acres
Fishing poles
Kayaks and paddles, life vests
Maps are for reference only and may not be the actual routes used.
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