Rob's Guidebook

Rob
Rob's Guidebook

Welcome Home to Polk County, Tennessee!

In 1996, when the Summer Olympics came to the South, Polk County changed significantly. The undiscovered treasures of our 5 scenic rivers, Parksville Lake, Benton Falls, the Civil War era camps, hundreds of miles of hiking and wildlife spaces, the majestic Cherokee National Forest, the historic Trail of Tears sites and so much more were suddenly discovered by people from all over the world! Today, you can find a thriving and growing recreation community filled with people whose families have been in the area since long before America was discovered - as well as folks who are just now settling in and calling Polk county home. Each year hundreds of thousands of people come to ride the river. Many of the rafting guides, restaurant owners and others who have come to serve the whitewater community have made their permanent homes here. There are tons of places and experiences to enjoy while you’re in this special place. Especially in a place where it’s so easy to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Widely regarded as the “Oldest mountains in the world” the gently rolling “crests of Old Chilhowee” rear against the sky. With the wonderful stewardship of the Park Rangers, Polk county’s portions of the Cherokee National Forest offer year-round nation natural beauty whether you are here for the autumn leaf peeping tour season, riding the majestic Ocoee, the Hiawassee, Conasauga or other scenic waterways, taking in the sweeping views from our mountain overlooks or taking a day-trip through Copperhill, Ducktown, Turtletown or into Murphy, NC or McCaysville, GA - there is so much to love about the peaks and valleys of and around our Cherokee National Forest!
34 locals recommend
Cherokee National Forest
34 locals recommend
Widely regarded as the “Oldest mountains in the world” the gently rolling “crests of Old Chilhowee” rear against the sky. With the wonderful stewardship of the Park Rangers, Polk county’s portions of the Cherokee National Forest offer year-round nation natural beauty whether you are here for the autumn leaf peeping tour season, riding the majestic Ocoee, the Hiawassee, Conasauga or other scenic waterways, taking in the sweeping views from our mountain overlooks or taking a day-trip through Copperhill, Ducktown, Turtletown or into Murphy, NC or McCaysville, GA - there is so much to love about the peaks and valleys of and around our Cherokee National Forest!

Food scene

24 locals recommend
Ocoee Dam Deli & Diner
1223 US-64
24 locals recommend
Good food and an excellent atmosphere for those who enjoy a bit of nightlife out in the country! Great outdoor stage with touring bands and great local music.
11 locals recommend
The Bus Bar
522 US-64
11 locals recommend
Good food and an excellent atmosphere for those who enjoy a bit of nightlife out in the country! Great outdoor stage with touring bands and great local music.
10 locals recommend
Cajun Lady Seafood
3720 US-411
10 locals recommend
While you’re at the Howard’s Pond there are some Great Spots inside & Out to cook, grill after you caught dinner at the Pond! Fresh ‘n Low has all the fixings that you’d need to make lunch or dinner perfect. Fresh n’ Low Grocery 116 Whitewater Drive in Ocoee!
7 locals recommend
Fresh N Low
116 Whitewater Dr
7 locals recommend
While you’re at the Howard’s Pond there are some Great Spots inside & Out to cook, grill after you caught dinner at the Pond! Fresh ‘n Low has all the fixings that you’d need to make lunch or dinner perfect. Fresh n’ Low Grocery 116 Whitewater Drive in Ocoee!

Outdoor Life

Benton Sporting Clays is our next door neighbor. You’ll hear them when you’re staying with us. If you’d like to take your place at the range - they’re easy to find on-line.
Ace Ocoee Adventures
1697 US-64
They’re neighbors, they’re a great shooting range and you’ll hear it at Howard’s Pond, best that you know about them!
Benton Sporting Clays
5244 Upper River Rd
They’re neighbors, they’re a great shooting range and you’ll hear it at Howard’s Pond, best that you know about them!
9 locals recommend
Parksville Lake
9 locals recommend

Sightseeing

16 locals recommend
Ocoee
16 locals recommend
Ducktown
Turtletown
66 locals recommend
McCaysville
66 locals recommend
97 locals recommend
Murphy
97 locals recommend
22 locals recommend
Cleveland
22 locals recommend