Review: Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground—Tellico Plains, TN

In the rolling hills near Tellico Plains, TN, the Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground (CMTC) offers a haven for motorcyclists seeking adventure and relaxation in the Appalachian Mountains.

Kellie and Wayne have owned the CMTC for over a decade now and are outstanding hosts. Not only are riders welcomed with a big smile, they are taken care of as if they were family. Each day when you return from your ride, they are eager to hear the stories.

The campground has spots for RV hookups, plenty of space for tents to be set up, and several rustic cabins complete with beds and air conditioning. What more could you ask for from a campsite?

Firewood is free (when available), there’s an air compressor for quick tire fill-up, and all the cabins are decorated with motorcycle and mountain life decor.

The camp store, kitchen, and bathhouse are located at the top of the hill. In the mornings, you can put your breakfast order in with Wayne and then skirt around to the showers to freshen up before you eat.

There is also a free coffee and pastry bar if you prefer a lighter breakfast. Trust me, though—you’ll want to eat what Wayne is cooking.

Speaking of which, if you have the chance, ask Wayne to make you a Philly cheesesteak. He imports the bread from Philadelphia, so it’s as authentic as you can get outside of going into the city itself.

Kellie and Wayne are riders too, so they know all the best local roads. They can tip you off on the best things to see in the area, so just ask. Then, cozy up at one of the tables with a full-size map and plot your day.

Every June, I spend a weekend at CMTC, riding with some of my best friends in the Appalachians. Each time I leave, I wish I could stay for another day or two.

CMTC offers everything a summer camp should, from playing in the woods to swimming on the banks of the river and campfires at night. It gives me that summertime “going to camp” feeling that was so exciting when I was a kid.

Only now, I get to do it with my motorcycle.

Facts & Info

Amenities

• Camp store and restaurant
• Camping supplies available in the store
• Free hot coffee and pastries
• Easily accessible outlets for charging electronics
• Compressed air for filling bike tires
• Free firewood
• Route planning guidance from local riders

Nearby Attractions

• Cherohala Skyway
• Bald River Falls
• Tellico River

Nearby Roads

With Tellico Plains as your home base, there are endless motorcycle roads and trails around. No matter the type of riding you prefer, the region has something for everyone.

The Cherohala Skyway is nearby and takes you across the North Carolina state line into Robbinsville. The road is renowned for its sweeping curves and panoramic views.

SR 68 out of Tellico Plains is a great road that takes you south toward Turtletown and Ducktown. Turn on US 74 to visit the Ocoee River and its whitewater rafters.

Just about every small backroad in the area is scenic and incredibly twisty as you ride through the mountains. There are ample opportunities for off-road riders to explore gravel roads and trails as well. It really is a motorcycle mecca.

Food & Dining

In this part of Appalachia, Southern-style meat-n-three and barbecue abound. In Tellico Plains, there is some turnover in the restaurant scene, as seasonal tourists can be difficult to plan for. That said, there are a couple of staple places you must visit when you ride through.

Tellico Grains Bakery, located on the historical square, is by far one of my favorite restaurants on the planet. They craft some of the finest sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas, and the pastry and cookie selection makes a trip to Tellico Grains that much sweeter. They’re closed on Sundays and they close at 4 p.m. on Saturdays, so make this a stop early in your ride.

Tellico Beach Drive-In is another one of my favorites, serving cheap but delicious ball park-style burgers and hot dogs alongside fabulous milkshakes. Tellico Beach is a cash-only establishment, so come prepared.

Price

$25-$35 for tent camping, $50-$60 for RV sites, $60 for cabins

Location

132 Reliance Rd.
Tellico Plains, TN
(423) 253-6061