Coker Creek
Heritage and culture experiences are the primary emphasis in this area. It is home to the nationally recognized Millennium Trail, The Unicoi Turnpike and gold panning opportunities.
Looking for a cultural heritage excursion? Pan for gold in the community of Coker Creek (NOTE: gold panning on Coker Creek is only allowed on private property). Hike a portion of the Unicoi Turnpike, an ancient travel route once part of the Trail of Tears and now a nationally designated Flagship Millennium Trail. Visit the waterfalls in Coker Creek Scenic Area and drive along Hiwassee Scenic River on TN 68.
General Information
The Coker Creek Region contains a wealth of cultural heritage resources. A variety of opportunities exist to explore this Region's rich culture and history. Take a scenic drive, hike the Unicoi Turnpike, visit the community of Coker Creek and pan for gold. Spread a picnic at scenic Buck Bald and enjoy the panoramic mountain top views from 2,350 feet in elevation.
View the effects of historic copper smelting and mining in Ducktown and the surrounding Copper Basin. Visit the Ducktown Basin Museum for an educational tour of this area’s history. The major travel routes are TN 68 and TN 315. The Hiwassee State Scenic River and Coker Creek Scenic Area are located in this area. Coker Creek, Ducktown and Tellico Plains are the nearest communities.
Go Sightseeing!
Tour the Appalachian countryside. Visit the communities of Coker Creek, Turtletown, Dogtown, Ducktown, and Copperhill on TN 68. You will catch glimpses of Little Frog and Waucheesi Mountains and Hiwassee State Scenic River. Take a picnic and view the panoramic countryside from Buck Bald, a former fire tower site off Hwy 68 on Forest Road 311 and 198. Drive a scenic loop linking Ducktown, Coker Creek, Tellico Plains and Etowah by travelling TN 68, County Road 39, County Road 310, US 411 and US 64.
Follow the Trail!
Hike Coker Creek Falls Trail #183, a scenic 3.2 -mile trek along the gorge in Coker Creek Scenic Area. View a series of deep, clear pools followed by cascading, stair step falls. In early summer, the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in full bloom. Access the trail by Forest Road 2138 off County Road 22, or as a spur off John Muir National Recreation Trail # 152. There are many other great trails in this area, refer to your Forest map.
Study the Past!
Hike the Unicoi Turnpike Trail, a 2.5 mile section of one of the oldest known travel routes in North America. Historically, it served as a principle route from the Atlantic coast to the interior southeast. It became part of the Trail of Tears, the main route for the Cherokee removal of 1838. Interpretive panels along the way describe this historic trail. Access the trailhead on Forest Road 40, off TN 68 near Coker Creek.
Sleep under the Stars!
The nearest developed campground is Indian Boundary Recreation Area, located off Cherohala Skyway, TN 165. Over 90 campsites are equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts and electric hook-ups. There is easy access to drinking water, showers, flush toilets and an on-site dump station. Day use facilities include a 96-acre lake, swim beach, small boat launch, accessible fishing pier, and 3.2-mile hike/bike trail around the lake.
Recreation Sites
Coker Creek Falls Hike
Conasauga Falls Hike