Viewing nature from your car window

A Day Away By Mike Steely

We are so blessed to have many examples of nature in our region, from river and valley views to mountain ridges and overlooks. But not everyone likes or is able to hike along our many trails or visit those beautiful places.

There are many wonderful places you can view from your car, and taking a day’s trip can bring back memories or instill new pictures in your mind. Here are just a few of those “easy to view” places you may or may not know about.

 

Clinch Mountain Overlook

There’s a breathtaking overlook of the Tennessee Valley from the top of Clinch Mountain, where you can see the Smoky Mountains across the valley. The Veteran’s Overlook has a parking area from where you can see the region from your car or step out a few feet and get the total experience.

The overlook is located on US-25E just up the mountain from Bean Station, one of the earliest settlements in the state, and south of Tazewell. For years, there was a caged bear there, and the Clinch Mountain Overlook Restaurant featured “Vinegar Pie” as a menu item.

 

Bald River Falls

Located south of Tellico Plains just off Highway 68 and along the Cherohala Parkway, the newly reopened bridge at Bald River Falls offers visitors the opportunity to view the beautiful cascades. The new bridge also features a viewing platform facing the rushing waters, expanded parking, and a park just beyond the falls with expanded facilities.

Baby Falls is located a quarter mile further up the road, and you can park and watch daring kayakers pause and then plunge into the pool below.

 

Ozone Falls

While you can’t see this high waterfall from your car, just a few steps outside can give you a great look at the falls. The Ozone Falls Natural Area is located just off I-40 near Crab Orchard, atop Cumberland Mountain and along Highway 70. There’s a small parking area just feet from the overlook of the 110-foot waterfall.

The “ozone” name comes from the fresh air generated by the swiftly falling waters.

 

The Devil’s Racetrack

Located next to Cove Lake State Park just beyond the Caryville exit, the Devil’s Racetrack, also called “The Devil’s Backbone,” is a sizeable rock wall visible to the right of northbound I-75 traffic. The landmark was created by an ancient tectonic plate collision and is said to be the most prominent geological feature between the Great Lakes and Southern Florida.

You could visit and climb the odd outcrop via the park if you’re able, but viewing the surprising rock wall while traveling up Cumberland Mountain in your car, especially in winter when it’s the most visible, is educational and puzzling. Sometimes you may see an American flag flying from the top of the natural rock feature, placed there by someone who dared to climb up there.

 

The Clear Fork Narrows

Located just south of Jellico along Highway 25-W is a gorge locally known as “The Narrows.” It’s where the Clear Fork River cuts through Pine Mountain, leaving behind a series of high bluffs, narrow valleys and some very prominent rock formations.

All of the unusual formations can be seen from a car window or by pulling off when there’s a parking area and taking in the view. One of the most noted formations, locally known as “Raven Rock” or “Indian Face Rock,” is just across the river above the railroad track atop Primroy Hollow. Along the natural monument is a high opening called the “Honey Hole.”

 

Sharp’s Ridge

You don’t have to drive far to get a great view of Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains beyond the city. Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park towers over the city and gives a great view from its scenic overlook platform. Getting to the park might seem confusing, but you can drive up or down Broadway to Ludlow Avenue and follow the mountain up to the park.

Ludlow Avenue is located off Broadway just south of I-640 and a Dollar General Store.

Sharp’s Ridge, for those who are able, has miles of hiking and biking trails, a playground and a picnic area.

 

Other roadside outings

There are many other places in our area you can visit and view from your car window that might be of interest including a drive by the Dayton courthouse, downtown Oliver Springs, downtown Limestone east of Greeneville with its row of empty buildings, and our own historic Concord, Powell or Norris communities.