The Ocoee Scenic Byway Is A Back Road You Didn't Know Existed But Is Perfect For A Scenic Drive In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published May 09, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
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Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
There are 13 scenic byways in the state of Tennessee, and you can find them stretching along one side of the state and the next. You can drive the Norris Freeway, an old supply route for the TVA’s initial hydroelectric dam, or you can ride along in Daniel Boone’s footsteps as you travel the Cumberland National Scenic Byway. The oldest of them all is the Ocoee Scenic Byway, the first in the state, and one of the least known. Have you driven this stunning scenic route?
The Ocoee Scenic Byway is 26 miles in total and is considered both a Tennessee Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway. A large amount of the roadway is two lanes, although it does extend to four lanes at some points. The trek will take you beyond the Ocoee River Gorge, past the ever-popular Ocoee Whitewater Center, and high up in the Cherokee National Forest.
The road is winding and moderately lengthy, so we would recommend planning at least an hour or two to stop and enjoy the view from several overlooks situated along the route. Some of the stops are perfect for short hikes and picnics.
The Ocoee Scenic Byway was first designated as a National Forest Scenic Byway in the late 1980s, and it remains one of the least-known routes in the state. The roadway follows what was once the Old Copper Road, a wagon trail that dates all the way back to the 1850s. It was used to move copper from the Copper Basin to both the cities of Chattanooga and Cleveland.
The area is predisposed to rockslides, so the Tennessee government has punted around ideas for replacing the existing road with a four-lane highway. The road will extend over Little Frog Mountain if the upgrade is pushed through. It will also boast a brand-new tunnel.
If you’re looking for a fun trivia fact about the Ocoee Scenic Byway, it has to do with the Olympics. The 1996 Olympics were held in Atlanta, Georgia, but the Canoe and Kayak Slalom Competition was held at the Ocoee Whitewater Center. There is a short stretch of roadway near the center that was once four lanes, but part of it was narrowed to make room for the Olympic stands. Wild! The area where the stands once stood is now used for parking.
When you are seeking a long, meandering drive full of mountainous views and rock bluffs, then you don't want to skip the Ocoee Scenic Byway. Folks have been enjoying its beauty for years, and if you find yourself on the eastern side of the state, it's well worth a day trip.
