Blue Ridge Country March/April 2021 - 57

;  Birding at Rankin Bottoms. (Cocke
County, TN). Bring the bird guide and
binoculars to this location known for
outstanding numbers of migratory
shorebirds and long-legged wading birds.
Eighty-nine species have been documented
at this large floodplain. YR (douglas-lake.org/
rankin-bottoms)
;  Melton Hill Reservoir. (Anderson, Roane,
Loudon and Knox counties, TN). Discover the
193 miles of shoreline from various county
parks, a marina, beaches, campgrounds
and multiple public access points. Fishing,
boating and an internationally recognized
rowing course are just some of the activities
on this lake created by a hydroelectric dam.
YR (meltonhilllake.com)
;  Fort Loudon State Historic Park.
(Monroe County, TN). Walk through a replica
of one of the earliest British fortifications
of the 'western frontier' (circa 1756)
surrounded by rivers and mountains. Walk
the nature trails, fish from the pier, launch
a boat, have a picnic and stop by the
visitor center, gift shop and bookstore. YR
(fortloudoun.com)

DO
;  Historic Brushy Mountain State
Penitentiary. (Petros, TN). Tour the Alcatraz
of the South to learn about this difficult
and deadly facility at the end of the line.
Serving as a prison and coal mine in the
early decades, its reputation as the last
stop for the worst criminals (including
James Earl Ray) lasted over 100 years. Visit
the museum, eat at the Warden's Table
Restaurant or take a " paranormal " tour.
Sp-F (tourbrushy.com)
;  Gupton Wetlands at Lakeshore Park.
(Harriman, TN). Bring the binoculars for rare
bird sightings at these protected wetlands.
Walk the three-quarter-mile paved trail at
the edges, and explore another mile along
the powerlines. Bird from the car on the
eastern side to see herons, egrets, waterfowl
and shorebirds. YR (roanetourism.com/
vendor/317/gupton-wetlands)
;  Wildflower walks - Frozen Head
State Park. (Morgan County, TN). Take

leisurely strolls on park trails to discover the
second largest number of diverse wildflower
species in bloom in the state. (The Great
Smoky Mountains ranks first.) There are
seven violet species, trilliums galore,
blooming vines, bushes and trees, lilies and
the ever-elusive Indian Pipes. This is also
an Important Bird Area (Audubon Society
designation) with 50 miles of foot trails for
birding. Sp-S (tnstateparks.com/parks/frozenhead)
;  Pleasant Forest Cemetery. (Farragut,
TN). Established in 1796, this is one of
the oldest cemeteries in this part of the
state. It is a tranquil and simple space rich
with the history and heritage of the area's
earliest pioneers. Latest efforts are still
underway to reconcile and record burials
for all races of citizens buried at the site. YR
(pleasantforestcemetery.com)
;  Tuckaleechee Caverns. (Townsend, TN).
Discover your inner geologist underneath
the earth's oldest mountains in this location
known as the " Greatest Site Under the
Smokies. " The 1.25-mile walk meanders
amongst stalactites, stalagmites, 20- to

Visit

GRAINGER COUNTY

Rich with Civil War history and sites
Go fishing, boating and swimming at Cherokee Lake
Visit local farms said to grow the world's best tomatoes!

Start exploring at RoaneOutdoors.com

graingerchamber@gmail.com
MARCH/APRIL 2021

57
http://www.RoaneOutdoors.com
Blue Ridge Country March/April 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country March/April 2021
