Harriman-Rockwood Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Harriman-Rockwood with this comprehensive travel guide.


A Comprehensive Guide to Harriman-Rockwood, Tennessee

Nestled in the Eastern region of Tennessee, Harriman-Rockwood is a charming small town that boasts of a rich history and stunning natural beauty. From enjoying outdoor adventures to exploring historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Harriman-Rockwood. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, where to stay, the food and drink scene, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Harriman-Rockwood

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Harriman-Rockwood is home to several museums and historical landmarks that are sure to interest history buffs. Some of the top places to visit include:

  • Southern Appalachia Railway Museum: Take a trip back in time at this museum that houses vintage trains, locomotives, and artifacts from the golden age of rail travel.

  • Fort Southwest Point: Explore the birthplace of the state of Tennessee at this historic site that features a reconstructed 1797 fort, a museum, and a picnic area.

  • Roane County Heritage Commission and Museum: Learn about the rich cultural history of the region at this museum that features exhibits on Native American culture, Civil War-era artifacts, and other historical memorabilia.

Natural Attractions of Harriman-Rockwood: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature lovers, Harriman-Rockwood offers plenty of scenic spots and outdoor activities. Some of the best natural attractions include:

  • Frozen Head State Park: This expansive park is a must-visit for nature lovers and offers activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Don’t miss the scenic beauty of the observation tower at the top of Lookout Tower Trail.

  • Watts Bar Lake: This beautiful lake offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities. There are also several parks and picnic areas around the lake.

  • Obed Wild and Scenic River: This beautiful river is a popular spot for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. The surrounding wilderness area offers plenty of hiking trails and scenic overlooks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Harriman-Rockwood

Harriman-Rockwood is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Some of the best routes include:

  • Obed River Trail: This scenic 8-mile trail runs along the Obed River and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and waterfalls.

  • Cumberland Trail: This 8.5-mile trail features several bridges and scenic overlooks and is suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

  • Victory Trailhead Loop: This 5-mile trail offers stunning views of the Watts Bar Dam and is popular among hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Harriman-Rockwood: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, Harriman-Rockwood offers a host of other activities and tours that are worth checking out. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Take a scenic train ride through the Smoky Mountains and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

  • House Mountain Horseback Riding: Explore the natural beauty of House Mountain on horseback and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Caney Creek RV Resort: This resort offers a host of activities like swimming, fishing, boating, and more, making it the perfect spot for families and groups.

Week-Long Itinerary for Harriman-Rockwood

If you’re planning to spend a week in Harriman-Rockwood, here’s a sample itinerary that covers the best places to visit and things to do:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum, Fort Southwest Point, and Roane County Heritage Commission and Museum
Day 2 Explore the Frozen Head State Park
Day 3 Take a scenic bike ride along the Cumberland Trail
Day 4 Go on a horseback riding tour at House Mountain
Day 5 Enjoy a leisurely day at Caney Creek RV Resort
Day 6 Explore the Obed Wild and Scenic River
Day 7 Take a scenic train ride at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Harriman-Rockwood

Must-Try Dishes

Harriman-Rockwood offers a wide range of culinary delights, including:

  • Bologna Burger: This local specialty features a patty made of bologna and is a must-try for visitors looking to experience the local flavor.

  • Fried Green Tomatoes: This Southern classic is a must-have, featuring crispy battered green tomatoes that are often served with remoulade sauce.

  • Deep Fried Oreos: This delicious dessert features deep-fried Oreos that are sprinkled with powdered sugar and served hot.

Local Beverages

Don’t forget to quench your thirst with some of the local beverages like:

  • Orange Crush: This refreshing soda is a local favorite and is often paired with the bologna burger.

  • Rockwood Creamery: This local ice cream parlor offers a wide variety of flavors, including some unique options like sweet potato.

Where to Stay in Harriman-Rockwood: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Harriman-Rockwood offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some of the top options include:

  • Days Inn by Wyndham Harriman: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking.

  • Grand Vista Hotel: This hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and features amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant.

  • Lucy’s Guesthouse: This charming guesthouse offers cozy accommodations and is within walking distance of several attractions and restaurants.

What to Buy in Harriman-Rockwood: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for some souvenirs to bring back home? Here are some of the top things you can buy in Harriman-Rockwood:

  • Bologna: This local delicacy is a must-try and can be purchased from local markets like Harriman Meat Market.

  • Moonshine: Take home a bottle of this potent local brew from the end of the world distillery.

Local Culture and Customs of Harriman-Rockwood

Harriman-Rockwood is known for its hospitality, and visitors are often greeted with warmth and friendliness. The locals take pride in their heritage and are happy to share it with visitors.

Best Time to Visit Harriman-Rockwood

The best time to visit Harriman-Rockwood is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months are often too cold for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Harriman-Rockwood

Do:

  • Do explore the natural beauty of the region and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Don’t disrespect the local culture or customs.

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Harriman-Rockwood

Harriman-Rockwood is generally safe, and visitors can feel secure while exploring the town and its surroundings. However, it’s always advisable to take basic precautions like keeping valuables in a safe place and staying vigilant in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Harriman-Rockwood

There are several health facilities and pharmacies available in Harriman-Rockwood, making it easy for visitors to access healthcare services if needed. However, visitors are advised to carry a basic first aid kit and any prescription medications they may require.

Getting to Harriman-Rockwood: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Harriman-Rockwood

The nearest airport to Harriman-Rockwood is the McGhee Tyson Airport, located about an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near Harriman-Rockwood

The nearest bus station is the Greyhound Bus Station in Knoxville, located about an hour’s drive away.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt to drive to Harriman-Rockwood, with several major highways connecting it to nearby cities like Chattanooga and Knoxville.

How to Get Around in Harriman-Rockwood

The best way to explore Harriman-Rockwood is by car, as it offers the most flexibility and makes it easy to get around the town and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Harriman-Rockwood: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Looking to explore the surrounding areas? Here are some nearby destinations worth checking out:

  • Gatlinburg: This charming mountain town is just a two-hour drive away and is known for its stunning natural beauty and thriving arts scene.

  • Chattanooga: This vibrant city is just an hour’s drive away and offers attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium and the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.

  • Knoxville: This vibrant college town is just an hour’s drive away and features attractions like the University of Tennessee, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and the Market Square.

Conclusion

Harriman-Rockwood is a hidden gem in Eastern Tennessee that offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural history. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or learn more about local culture and traditions, this charming town has something for everyone.