Eat & Drink
Get Outdoors in McMinn County
Grab your sunscreen and hiking boots to enjoy a wonderful vacation in nature in McMinn County! Here is a recommended itinerary for a two-day getaway to Eastern Tennessee.
The Hiwassee River Blueway near Calhoun, is a must-see. Grab your coffee early and watch the sun rise over this bubbling waterway. There are 20 public access points across the 55-mile stretch of river, so you can easily cast a line if you enjoy starting your day fishing.
If you’d like to get out on the water, head to the Calhoun Boat Launch. You can kayak or raft through the Class 1 & 2 rapids and explore the Cherokee National Forest firsthand. These are the smallest rapid classes, which makes them safe for kids and a peaceful way to start your day.
When you’re ready to return to land, stop at the Eureka Trail, which starts in Athens. This multi-purpose gravel trail spans 5.6 miles through small towns and woodlands, ending in Englewood. You can park at the Athens and Englewood side and then walk, run, bike, or ride your horse through the trail. The Athens Trailhead has restrooms, a bike repair station, and water for you and your pets.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at Athens Regional Park, which has multiple fishing lakes that are stocked with rainbow trout and other native wildlife, by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
Athens Regional Park is an ideal stop for families, because it balances adult activities like fishing and hiking, with plenty of things to do with kids. Your little ones will love playing in the splash pad (with shaded areas), exploring two different playgrounds, and challenging you to a round of disc golf on the 18-hole course. This park is ideal for picnics or cooling off in the summer.
On your second day in McMinn County, head to Sunshine Hollow Gardens – the largest private gardens in Tennessee! Horticulture fans can enjoy 30 acres of sun and shade landscaping, featuring endless rows of local plants and flowers. These gardens boast 150 acres of natural area, including a three-acre lake. After you wander through the gardens, lace up your boots and walk through eight miles of trails to see native plants, and the pollinators that support them. There are several different paths available that can accommodate different skill levels.
After a brief stop for lunch, drive to the Loch Low-Minn Scuba Diving Resort and enjoy some of the best scuba diving in Tennessee! This resort is built on the banks of a ten-acre quarry lake, which boasts an average visibility of 35 feet and a wide assortment of fish. The owners have installed shaded areas and several picnic tables so you can rest in between dives with ample space to spread out.
