Town of Unicoi Tennessee

Cradled in the picturesque northern part of the “Valley Beautiful” of the ancient Unaka range of mountains, the town of Unicoi takes tremendous pride in its rich Appalachian character and charm. And though word is starting to get around about this rare mountain community, you won’t find traffic snarls or hectic crowds here to dampen your spirit of adventure and discovery.

Area Hiker Being surrounded by the 620,000-acre Cherokee National Forest contributes greatly to Unicoi’s growing allure as an outdoor recreation and scenic destination. Unicoi and its surrounding vicinity play host to nearly every kind of outdoor activity and sport imaginable, including hiking and camping, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and horseback riding, golf, Antique and classic car shows, Nascar racing among others.

The famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses the high ridges that tower above the southern edge of town, drawing hikers and backpackers from around the world. Just minutes away, lies the spectacular Unaka Mountain Wilderness Area, forming a pristine watershed that is the source for miles of world-class trout fishing, and featuring famous Red Fork Falls. A scenic 1 ½ hour drive from town will take you to your choice of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And just ten minutes away lies North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, which in combination with the adjacent Cherokee, forms a vast wilderness playground in the heart of the southern Appalachian high country.

Many fascinating discoveries await the vacationer as well as the casual visitor in Unicoi, not the least of which are the people of this special place. To get to know us better, a trip to the Unicoi County Heritage Museum will take you on a journey from the present back into the rich mountain history of the Valley Beautiful. Of course, Appalachian art and music are part of the fabric of life in these mountains, and Unicoi has its share of nationally recognized artists and musicians. Their work is showcased at any of several local festivals, including the annual Fiddlers and Fiddleheads Festival at Unicoi’s renowned Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens, the Fourth of July Freedomfest in downtown Unicoi, and the award-winning Unicoi County Apple Festival held each October.

Down-home cooking awaits the hungry visitor after a day in the mountains, and is featured at any of several local establishments, including well-known eateries like Maple Grove, Clarence’s, Jerry’s Market, Wilson’s, and, of course, Unicoi Market and Deli, home of Fannon’s famous hot dogs. If you need accommodations, there are plenty of choices, from several area hotels, motels, and B&B’s to the half-dozen or so campgrounds in and around town, including conveniently located Wood Smoke and North Indian Creek campgrounds, and the scenic Grand View Ranch in nearby Limestone Cove. For those with an interest in the fast-growing field of agritourism, Unicoi boasts several major attractions, including Wiseman Horse Farms and Western Store, Scott’s Tomato and Strawberry Farms, the nearby Erwin National Fish Hatchery, and Jones-Church Tomato Farms.

For the vacationer or visitor who wants to get away from the noise, the traffic, and the hype of the big resort towns, Unicoi is a quiet, scenic paradise nestled in the world’s oldest mountains. We invite you to be our guests here in the heart of the Valley Beautiful - Unicoi, Tennessee, USA.

P.O. Box 39, Unicoi Tennessee 37692