Nestled in the heart of the Ocoee Region in Southeast Tennessee lies Cleveland/Bradley County, Tennessee. Nature's playground with whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, fishing and camping in the Cherokee National Forest. Cleveland is the perfect place to rest, refuel and reenergize while enjoying the Ocoee Region of Tennessee.
BIKING
Whatever your style of biking, the Ocoee Region has a place for you!
As you drive through the Ocoee Region, you will probably see lots of bike racks mounted onto passing vehicles. Why? Biking is a passion shared by natives and visitors alike! The Ocoee Region is full of places to take your bike...whether you're a casual cyclist, a serious mountain biker or a weekend BMX amateur.
Mountain Biking
The Cherokee National Forest is full of trails, including the Tanasi Trail system and Chilhowee Mountain Trails. Here are just two of the many trails available to mountain bikers in the Ocoee Region:
Azalea Trail #141
Beginner/1.5 miles
This ride is fun for beginners and experts alike, with fast narrow singletrack leading mostly downhill (if you start across the lower campground road). You can use this trail to connect up with the rest of the system or just as a short loop back to the campground area.
Thunder Rock Express
Advanced/1.5 miles
All downhill with a couple of awesome jumps backed up by loose shale, off camber turns and deep gravity wells. Sharp turns and 2 bridges (slippery when wet).
Mountain Bike Races
In addition to the casual days of mountain biking one can do in the Ocoee Region, there are also several major mountain bike races that draw hundreds to the area every year. Here are a sampling of three of the largest.
April
100-Mile Mtn. Bike Race
The 100-mile mountain bike race on the Tanasi Trail System originates at the Whitewater Center and draws hundreds of riders from across the country. Entry fees and OWC user fees apply. (404) 217-0041
May
SERC Mountain Bike Race
Cross-country, NORBA-sanctioned championship races for all age groups along the beautiful Tanasi Trail System. This race draws hundreds from across the country each year.
September
Black Bear Rampage
Advertised as the premier mountain bike race of the year, the Black Bear Rampage is a 42-mile mountain bike race utilizing the best trails of the Tanasi Trail System in the Cherokee National Forest. Sponsored by Gary Fisher, Oakley and Scott's Bicycle Centre of Cleveland. 423-472-9891
BMX Biking
If BMX biking is your thing, then the Ocoee Region is the place for you! The Ocoee Region boasts not only one, but two, BMX bike tracks. The first is a newly redesigned, Billy Allen, Signature Track located in Cleveland, TN and is run by Bradley County Parks and Recreation . (423)728-703. The second, Ocoee BMX , is located in Ducktown, TN. (423) 715-2521
Road/Casual Biking
The city of Cleveland has a wonderful Greenway that runs through the city's center. Bikes are welcome, as long as you make way for pedestrians. Historic Downtown Cleveland is also a pleasant place for biking trips.
Bike Shops
But what if you forget something, or heaven forbid, experience a flat? Maybe you just must have that cool piece of equipment you saw that other rider with this morning. If you need any gear while you're here, the expertise at our local bicycle shops is unsurpassed! Not only are our vendors knowledgeable, they are also friendly and will be able to assist you in finding the best places to ride in the Ocoee Region.
Scott's Bicycle Centre
2544 Georgetown Rd (423)472-9891
CAMPING
Get in touch with nature...camp in the Ocoee Region!
|
Commune with nature and experience the thrill of being in the great outdoors. The Ocoee Region has lots of terrific campsites and acres of unspoiled nature to enjoy! Camping also creates many happy memories that children treasure, like making s'mores and telling stories by a campfire. As an added bonus, our state and federally run campsites also have entertaining, educational programs for children in the evenings that teach them about conservation. Check out the following ist of campgrounds in our area. Any of the following campsites can provide you the Tennessee vacation experience you're looking for! 33 Campground B&B Marina Campground Black Bear Cove Resort
Chilhowee Campground Golden Chain Village Campground Lost Creek Parksville Campground Quinn Springs Campground Sugarloaf Campground Sylco Campground Thunder Rock Tumbling Creek |
CANOEING
Enjoy a beautiful day paddling the Hiwassee River!
The season and weather is finally here to enjoy the river and the outdoors! The Hiwassee River is a beautiful and historic river that has much to offer to the nature lover. Although the upper river has been well addressed for the thrill seeker, the lower river has been quiet for many years, leaving the canoe opportunities open for your paddling enjoyment. There are a variety of scenery and river experiences available. The river is manageable for beginners and is a pleasure for those looking to reconnect with nature.
Visit Hiwassee Canoe Company for a relaxing afternoon of paddling on the Hiwassee River.
(423) 336-5600
453 Market Street
Charleston, TN
FISHING
Our Fishing is Excellent Year Round!
If you've come to the Ocoee Region to go fishing...you've caught the right destination. Our lakes and rivers are filled with many varieties of fish including crappie, bluegill, white bass, trout, catfish, yellow bass, yellow perch and pickerel.
Here are a list of lakes and rivers that provide excellent fishing:
Hiwassee River (upper and lower)
Ocoee River
Parksville Lake
Watts Bar Reservoir
Tellico Reservoir
Chilhowee Reservoir
Visit the Tennesee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) for more information on fishing regulations in Tennessee, maps or brochures. Also, visit the Cherokee National Forest site for more information about fishing at Parksville Lake and other Forest Reservoirs.
Fishing Gear
Smokey Mountain Tackle Company is a locally owned and operated fishing shop that has everything the avid fisherman (or woman) would want. Tacle and gear, local fishery information, as well as maps and souvenirs. Their location is convenient to I-75 and has plenty of parking for boats in tow.
Smokey Mountain Tackle Company
Cleveland Corners Shopping Center
890 25th St NW, Rear Suite
Cleveland, TN
(423) 472-1800
Marinas
Two Chamber-member marinas service the Ocoee Region. B&B Marina is located on the lower Hiwassee River in Charleston, TN (Northern Bradley County) and the Lake Ocoee Marina services Parksville Lake in the Cherokee National Forest.
B&B Marina
117 Marina Dr
Charleston, TN
(423) 336-2341
Lake Ocoee Marina
2496 Hwy 64
Benton, TN
(423)338-5591
WALKING TRAILS
Let Your Feet Lead You on the Scenic Trails of the Ocoee Region!
Walk the path less traveled, pause and take a deep breath of clean, pure mountain air. See the beauty of nature surrounding you, hear the birds singing in the trees, the distant sound of a waterfall and the leaves crunching under your feet. These are the joys of hiking and the Ocoee Region is a fabulous place to experience them!
The Ocoee Region is full of beautiful hiking trails that will transport you...allowing you and your family to get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily lives and to experience nature at its best. Whether you enjoy long winding trails that are difficult or a short trail perfect for the kids, the Ocoee Region has something for you!
For most hikers, the Cherokee National Forest has the most variety of trail difficulties, from easy to advanced. Both the Appalachian Trail and the Benton McKaye trail run through the area, providing hikers with opportunities to hike long distances if they choose. The Forest is the location for the popular Benton Falls Trail, which is part of the Chilhowee Trail Complex.
The last council grounds of the Cherokee Nation before their removal along the tragic Trail of Tears. A Cherokee farm and council house of the period have been replicated to offer visitors a glimpse of how the area might have looked 150 years ago. The sacred council spring produces over 400,000 gallons of sapphire-blue water a day, providing the area's long-ago residents with fresh spring water. An interpretative center houses a theater, exhibits and artifacts. Recreational facilities include a 500-seat amphitheater, a picnic pavilion, picnic area with grills and tables, and a two-mile loop trail with a beautiful limestone overlook tower. This trail is perfect for beginners and for hikers with small children.
A 720-acre passive, nature oriented park. Five-mile walking trail, 100+ year-old springhouse, fishing pond and picnic area. Other features are a boardwalk, observation walkway and amphitheater. On Tennessee Nursery Road.
(423) 479-4129. Appropriate for beginners and hikers with small children.
PUBLIC PARKS AND POOLS
Public Swimming Pools
Kenneth Tinsley Recreation Center
4301 Keith Street NW
Cleveland, TN
(423) 559-3356
Four lighted softball fields, Concession Stand, Seven (Five lighted) Tennis Courts, Olympic Size Swimming Pool, Kiddie Pool for small children, Four Ballfields, Fitness/Jogging Trail, Picnic areas and Playground.
Cleveland Community Center
1334 Church Street SE
Cleveland, TN
(423) 559-3322
Public Swimming Pool, Softball Field and gymnasium.
Northeast Recreation Center
264 Berry Street
Cleveland, TN
(423) 479-6370
Public Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts and gymnasium.
Public Playgrounds
Deer Park
17th Street
Cleveland, TN
Playground and Picnic Tables
Stuart Civitan Park
Stuart School
Keith St/20th Street
Handicapped Playground and Picnic Tables
Bradley County Industrial Park
BMX Track, Baseball & Softball Fields Tennis Courts & Playground
234 Urbane Rd
Cleveland, TN
Walking Trails
Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway
http://www.cbcgreenway.com/
Fletcher Park
Tennessee Nursery Road
423-479-4129
A 720 acre passive, nature-oriented park. Five-mile walking trail, 100+ year old springhouse, fishing pond and picnic area. Other freatures are a boardwalk, observation walkway and amphitheater.
1140 Red Clay Park Road
Cleveland, TN 37311
(423) 478-0339
Individual picnic tables each have a grill and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Red Clay has a 100-person capacity picnic pavilion and 18 individual picnic tables. The picnic shelter may be reserved up to one year in advance and is equipped with a grill, a water fountain and restrooms.
WATER SPORTS
Come get wet in the Ocoee Region!
One of the wonderful things about living in a warm, temperate climate is the opportunities for lots of water play. From late April to October, we in the Ocoee Region swim, ski and kayak ---enjoying the great outdoors.
Boating/Water Skiing
Boating, water skiing, knee boarding, jet skiing…all of these are fun and entertaining water sports that are fun to do, and there are ample places to do them here in the Ocoee Region. Parksville Lake, the reservoir located in the Cherokee National Forest , is an excellent location to do all of these activities. Their website tells where the public boat launches are located. Lake Ocoee Marina, located at 2496 Hwy 64, on Parksville Lake, has slips that can be rented and a boat launch. (423) 338-5591
The Hiwassee River is also an excellent place to do water activities. Several public boat launches for the Hiwassee are also located on the Cherokee National Forest Website. Another convenient place to put your boat in the lower Hiwassee is B&B Marina , 117 Marina Dr. in Charleston, TN. (423) 336-2341
The Ocoee Region loves boating…and it shows! In fact, while you're enjoying our waters and your boat needs service or accessories, visit the professionals at Cleveland Boat Center . With over 34 years of experience, they are eager to help! 3125 Waterlevel Hwy. (423) 472-1201
Swimming
What's warm weather without swimming? Fortunately, the Ocoee Region affords many opportunities for you to dive in….whether it's into a lake, river or just a swimming pool. We've even got beaches!
Swimming Beaches
These man-made beaches in the Cherokee National Forest on Parksville and Chilhowee Lakes are the perfect place to swim and play.
• Parksville Beach
• Mac Point
• Chilhowee/McKamey Lake
Swimming Pool
If a swimming pool is more your style, enjoy the Olympic-sized pool at Kenneth Tinsley Park , complete with diving boards, lifeguards, and kid-pool. Keith St., Cleveland, TN (423) 479-4129
Water Slide and Wave Pool
Enjoy this 100 ft speed slide, wave pool, lazy river and wet climbing wall on Horn's Creek 's 300 acre resort located next to the Cherokee National Forest. Other activities include a high/low ropes course, adventure race with plenty of mud, and a paintball course. Horn's Creek Resort is located at Route 1, Sloan Gap Road Ocoee, TN. (423) 338-9575
Kayaking
With whitewater rafting so synonymous with the Ocoee Region, you would expect that kayaking would also be a very popular activity. It is! But whitewater kayaking is not the only kind of kayaking to be enjoyed…flat water kayaking is growing in popularity all across the nation and there are many bodies of water which a day trip or a short scenic trip would be very enjoyable. New to kayaking? No problem! Several of our whitewater outfitters offer kayak instruction. Kayaking is a sport which can be exhilarating or relaxing…it's your choice. Or you can come to the Ocoee Region and not be forced to choose…both are available, wherever your boat takes you.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Are you ready for adventure? You've come to the right place! Whitewater rafting is really why the Ocoee Region is famous. This is a vacation experience you're never going to forget!
Shoot the rapids on America's only Olympic River, the Ocoee River. Located just 20 miles east of Cleveland, Tennessee, the Ocoee River with its class III and IV whitewater rapids is one of the South's most popular whitewater rivers. The Ocoee was the site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Competition.
Anyone age 12 or over can enjoy the rapids of the Ocoee on guided raft trips offered by outfitters. These guided trips are available weekends
April-October and weekdays June-August.
The 2013 water release schedule for the Middle Ocoee is http://www.tva.com/river/recreation/sched_ocoee2.htm. The schedule for the Upper Ocoee is http://www.tva.com/river/recreation/sched_ocoee3.htm
Search the Cleveland, Tennessee Chamber's member directory for an outfitter for your next trip.
Cleveland is the perfect place for your home base while you raft the river and enjoy other outdoor activities here in the Ocoee Region. We really are in the middle of it all! Be sure to check out all that the Ocoee Region has to offer.
