Nestled in the southern portion of the Appalachian mountains lies the Cumberland Plateau, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and charming towns that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While the Cumberland Plateau spans Tennessee, Kentucky, northern Alabama, northern Georgia and parts of Virginia and West Virginia, this list of secluded towns is restricted to those in Tennessee. Join us as we count down ten of the most secluded towns in the Cumberland Plateau, each boasting unique attractions and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
10. Dunlap, Tennessee: Hang Gliding Haven over the Plateau
Home to approximately 5,000 residents, Dunlap is a picturesque town known for its serene Sequatchie Valley setting and vibrant hang gliding scene. Adventure enthusiasts can soar above the valley at the Tennessee Tree Toppers’ renowned hang gliding launch site on Henson’s Gap. Beyond aerial adventures, visitors can explore the Sequatchie Valley Historical Association Museum or enjoy a leisurely day at local shops and eateries. Agriculture and small businesses form the backbone of Dunlap’s economy, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere. The town’s seclusion comes from its encirclement by the Cumberland Plateau’s rolling hills, providing a peaceful retreat from urban life.
Where is Dunlap?
Dunlap is situated in southeastern Tennessee, about 30 miles northwest of Chattanooga. Nestled in the Sequatchie Valley, it is bordered by the majestic Cumberland Plateau to the east and west. This geographic location contributes to its secluded charm, as the surrounding mountains create a natural barrier from bustling neighboring areas. Accessible via U.S. Route 127 and State Route 111, Dunlap offers a scenic drive that enhances its appeal as a hidden gem in the plateau.
9. Oneida, Tennessee: Gateway to the Big South Fork
With a population of around 3,700, Oneida is a small town that serves as the perfect base for exploring the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs. The town itself hosts charming local shops and annual events like the Wing Ding festival. Oneida’s economy is supported by local businesses and tourism centered on outdoor recreation. Its seclusion is enhanced by the vast expanses of forest and rugged terrain that surround the area, offering a tranquil environment for visitors and residents alike.
Where is Oneida?
Located in northeastern Tennessee, Oneida is nestled near the Kentucky border in Scott County. The town’s proximity to the expansive Big South Fork makes it secluded, as it is enveloped by untouched wilderness and away from major urban centers. Accessible via U.S. Route 27, Oneida offers a gateway to nature’s serenity, making it a peaceful escape accessible yet removed from the busy world.
8. Crossville, Tennessee: The Golf Capital Amidst Plateau’s Beauty
Crossville, home to approximately 12,000 people, combines small-town charm with a passion for golf, boasting more than ten championship courses. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities at Cumberland Mountain State Park, including hiking, fishing, and exploring the iconic 1930s stone bridge. The town also features the Cumberland County Playhouse, offering year-round theatrical performances. Major industries include tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, contributing to a vibrant local economy. Crossville’s seclusion stems from its plateau location, surrounded by sprawling forests and farmlands that provide a peaceful ambiance.
Where is Crossville?
Situated on the Cumberland Plateau in central Tennessee, Crossville is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 127. Despite its accessibility, the town retains a secluded feel due to the vast natural landscapes enveloping it. The surrounding hills and state parks create a buffer from the hustle and bustle, making it a serene haven for residents and visitors. Whether arriving by highway or scenic backroads, Crossville offers a restful retreat amid nature’s splendor.
7. Tracy City, Tennessee: Coal Heritage and Dutch Maid Bakery Delights
Tracy City is a small town with around 1,500 residents, rich in coal mining history and nestled among rugged landscapes. Visitors can explore the Grundy County Historical Society Heritage Center to learn about the area’s past. A must-visit is the Dutch Maid Bakery, Tennessee’s oldest family-owned bakery, offering delectable treats since 1902. The town’s economy historically revolved around coal mining, but now focuses on small businesses and tourism. Its secluded nature is attributed to its location atop the plateau, surrounded by thick forests and mountainous terrain, offering a quiet retreat.
Where is Tracy City?
Located in southeastern Tennessee, Tracy City sits along U.S. Route 41 in Grundy County. The town’s position atop the Cumberland Plateau contributes to its seclusion, with winding roads and dense woodlands creating a peaceful barrier from larger cities. Accessible via scenic mountain drives, Tracy City invites visitors to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of plateau life away from the main thoroughfares.
6. Pikeville, Tennessee: Serenity in the Sequatchie Valley
Pikeville, with a population of about 1,600, offers a serene rural setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sequatchie Valley. Nature enthusiasts can venture to the nearby Fall Creek Falls State Park, home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. The town boasts charming antique shops and local diners that exude small-town hospitality. Agriculture is a primary industry, with local farms contributing to the economy. Pikeville’s seclusion is due to its valley location, enveloped by the plateau’s rolling hills that create a peaceful and picturesque environment.
Where is Pikeville?
Pikeville is nestled in central Tennessee, approximately 60 miles north of Chattanooga along U.S. Route 127. The town’s placement in the Sequatchie Valley, bordered by the plateau’s ridges, enhances its secluded feel. The surrounding countryside and lack of major highways contribute to its tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can reach Pikeville via scenic routes that showcase the area’s natural beauty, adding to the allure of this hidden gem.
5. Jamestown, Tennessee: Home of the World’s Longest Yard Sale
Jamestown, housing around 2,000 residents, is famed as the headquarters of the annual 127 Yard Sale, the world’s longest yard sale stretching over 690 miles. Beyond this unique event, visitors can explore the nearby Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park or enjoy horseback riding in the vast Big South Fork recreation area. The local economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing. Jamestown’s secluded charm comes from its plateau location surrounded by forests and parks, offering a quiet retreat from bustling city life.
Where is Jamestown?
Positioned in northern Tennessee, Jamestown lies near the Kentucky border along U.S. Route 127. Its remote location atop the plateau, away from major interstates and urban centers, contributes to its seclusion. The town is accessible via scenic byways that wind through rolling hills and lush woodlands. This off-the-beaten-path journey enhances the sense of escape, making Jamestown a peaceful destination nestled in nature.
4. Oliver Springs, Tennessee: Gateway to Windrock Mountain
Oliver Springs is a small town of approximately 3,300 residents, known for its quaint downtown and proximity to outdoor adventures. Enthusiasts can explore Windrock Park, one of the country’s largest privately owned off-road parks, offering trails for ATVs, mountain biking, and hiking. The town also features historic sites like the Oliver Springs Railroad Depot. Industries include tourism and local businesses supporting outdoor recreation. Oliver Springs’ seclusion is due to its location amid rolling hills and forests, providing a serene setting away from urban hustle.
Where is Oliver Springs?
Located in eastern Tennessee, Oliver Springs straddles the counties of Roane, Anderson, and Morgan. The town is accessible via State Route 61 and is about 30 miles west of Knoxville. Its setting at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau and near the Appalachian Mountains adds to its secluded nature. The surrounding natural landscapes and absence of major highways enhance the town’s tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal escape for nature lovers.
3. Whitwell, Tennessee: Hidden Gem with Rich Coal Mining History
Whitwell, with a population of around 1,700, offers a quiet rural atmosphere steeped in coal mining history. Visitors can delve into the town’s past at the Whitwell Coal Miner’s Memorial or explore the poignant Paper Clips Holocaust Memorial at the local middle school, a unique project that gained international attention. The economy historically revolved around coal mining, but now centers on agriculture and education. Whitwell’s seclusion comes from its location in the picturesque Sequatchie Valley, surrounded by rolling hills that provide a peaceful setting.
Where is Whitwell?
Situated in southeastern Tennessee, Whitwell is located in Marion County along State Route 28. The town’s nestled position in the valley, away from major cities and highways, enhances its secluded feel. Accessible via scenic routes that wind through the countryside, Whitwell offers a serene escape immersed in natural beauty. The surrounding landscapes and quiet roads contribute to the town’s hidden gem status.
2. Rugby, Tennessee: A Victorian Village Frozen in Time
Rugby is a tiny unincorporated community with a population of fewer than 100 residents, renowned for its preserved Victorian architecture and utopian roots. Founded in 1880 by British author Thomas Hughes, the town was envisioned as a class-free, agricultural community for English settlers. Visitors can tour historic buildings, stay at the quaint Newbury House, and hike the trails of the nearby Big South Fork. The main industry is heritage tourism, with the Rugby Colony Historic District attracting history buffs and travelers. Rugby’s seclusion is due to its location amidst dense forests and its minimal modern development, providing a step back in time.
Where is Rugby?
Located in northeastern Tennessee, Rugby sits in Morgan County near the Cumberland and Fentress County lines. The community is accessible via State Route 52 but remains remote due to its surrounding woodlands and absence of nearby urban centers. The nearest towns are several miles away, and the winding roads leading to Rugby enhance its secluded charm. This isolation allows Rugby to preserve its historic character, offering visitors an immersive experience in a bygone era.
1. Monteagle, Tennessee: A Mountain Retreat Above the Clouds
With a population of about 1,200, Monteagle is a mountain retreat known for its breathtaking vistas and serene environment atop the plateau. Visitors can explore South Cumberland State Park, hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail, or relax at local establishments like The Monteagle Inn. The town is also home to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, a historic Chautauqua community. Tourism and hospitality are primary industries, catering to travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. Monteagle’s seclusion is attributed to its elevated location, enveloped by forests and offering panoramic views that create a sense of being above it all.
Where is Monteagle?
Monteagle is situated in southeastern Tennessee, straddling the counties of Grundy, Marion, and Franklin. Located along Interstate 24, it is about 90 miles south of Nashville. Despite the interstate access, the town’s mountaintop position and the surrounding natural landscapes provide a secluded ambiance. The ascent to Monteagle via picturesque roads enhances the feeling of retreat, making it an accessible yet peaceful destination high atop the Cumberland Plateau.
