One Of Tennessee's Friendliest Towns Is Tucked In A Valley Full Of Misty Waterfalls And Purple Mountains

Tennessee is known as one of the friendliest states in the U.S. (via World Population Review), so it's no surprise that the "Volunteer State" is filled with welcoming mountain towns where visitors are embraced by the local community. Situated in the Sequatchie Valley, Pikeville is one of Tennessee's friendliest towns, which combines Southern hospitality with stunning views. The town is a gateway to Fall Creek Falls State Park, one of the most popular state parks in Tennessee, thanks to its abundance of misty waterfalls, lush forests, and evocative caves, all found within its purple mountains on the Cumberland Plateau.

While many visit the town en route to Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville is worth a stop in its own right. You'll find historic buildings, family-run restaurants and shops, and different events throughout the year that tap into the region's culture and atmosphere. After all, community is at the heart of friendliness, and Pikeville seeks to bring that inviting spirit to anyone who passes through. 

Pikeville was founded in 1816 on former Cherokee lands, and after becoming the county seat of Bledsoe County, the town became a center for commerce and trade since it was on the route to Knoxville. It's no wonder since the town is nearly dead-center in the triangle formed by Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, all of which are within a 1 to 2.5-hour drive.

Stroll through downtown to see the multiple sites that capture Pikeville's past, like the 19th-century homes of Dr. James A. Ross, Eliza S. Ault, and John Bridgeman (a Confederate-leaning house that was occupied by the Federals during the Civil War). There are also some notable 20th-century structures, like the 1909 courthouse and the 1925 Lincoln School, where African American children were educated when segregation was legal. For a more in-depth look at Pikeville, you can take a walking tour to get insight into the town's history, or if you're looking for a taste of the town, head to The Butter Dish for a modern take on regional favorites. 

Part of what makes Pikeville so friendly is its sense of community, which you can experience at various events throughout the year. The annual 9 Mile Bluegrass Festival brings together live music, good vibes, and bluegrass lovers in the center of town, while Pikeville's frequent "cruise-ins" are a showcase of antique cars on Main Street. This vintage car event is a great way to feel the timelessness of this small town. The yearly Fall Festival is also a favorite way to experience Pikeville and connect with its agricultural character, so be sure to check out the town's website for updates on what's happening in Pikeville.

For many, the main draw of Pikeville is its proximity to Fall Creek Falls State Park, home to some of the highest waterfalls in the Eastern United States, like the awe-inspiring 256-foot Fall Creek Falls. It's not just the dramatic waterfalls that bring folks to Fall Creek Falls; this state park also has an incredibly diverse forest, with several old-growth groves and a mix of trees that includes northern red oak, American beach, and eastern hemlock. Fall Creek Falls is just over a 20-minute drive from Pikeville and covers almost 30,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain sprawled across the Cumberland Plateau, one of Tennessee's most notable geological features since it's the world's longest hardwood forest plateau (via The Nature Conservancy).

Fall Creek Falls has over 56 miles of trails (including a few overnight ones), so there's something for everyone in this massive state park, which may be why Places to Travel named it one of the top "hidden gems" in the United States (via WKRN). The Fall Creek Falls lake has water sports like kayaking and canoeing, while Cane Creek Falls is a favorite swimming spot thanks to the magical cascading waterfall that drops into a deep (and cold) natural pool. It's not only about Fall Creek Falls for visitors to Pikeville, though. The head of the Sequatchie River is about a 30-minute drive from the town. There, you'll find an easy half-mile hiking trail that passes over Devilstep Hollow Cave, a ritual site featuring Indigenous cave drawings that are over 1,000 years old.