COUNTIES
Along The Byway
Smith County
The Tennessee General Assembly chartered Smith County on October 26, 1799.
Putnam County
Putnam County was originally created in 1842.
Cumberland County
The settlement was referred to as Crossville, and that name was chosen in the 1830s.
Roane County
Roane County was established in 1801.
ADDITIONAL
Regional Touring Destinations
The following regional sites and touring routes are within or overlap with the Walton Road Scenic Byway corridor:
Cumberland River
Views to the Cumberland River can be enjoyed from Upper Ferry Road and the Cordell Hull Bridge in Carthage. A boat landing, located less than a quarter mile from the Smith County Area Chamber of Commerce offers a place to pull off and view tranquil waters and wooded shores, as well as the National Register Listed Cordell Hull Bridge. From Walton’s Grave Site, just north of where the Caney Fork splits from the Cumberland, the view toward the Cumberland River is relatively free from intrusions and is historically evocative of the early 19th century. Views from canoes and kayaks will offer a more intimate experience of the Cumberland River.
Avery Trace
Roane and Loudon Counties
In 1787 the state of North Carolina commissioned for the clearing of a roadway which would lead travelers into the Cumberland Settlements between the Clinch Mountain and French Lick (Nashville). Peter Avery lead the effort following buffalo trails used by the Cherokee Indians. The trail, as with the Walton Road, started at Fort Southwest Point. It directed settlers to four other forts–through the Cumberland Mountains to Fort Blount, Bledsoe’s Fort, Mansker’s Fort, and finally Fort Nashborough. Conflicts with the Cherokees over tolls resulted in war until territorial claims were resolved. This wagon trail preceded the Walton Road. Today the Avery Trace follows modern highways US-70N, TN-56, TN-85, TN-80, TN-25, and US-31. Historic sites, attractions, and recreational areas can be enjoyed in and surrounding the towns that share Avery Trace history.
Mountain Survivor East Tennessee Motorcycle Trail
Roane and Loudon Counties
Upper Cumberland Quilt Trail
Cumberland, Smith, Jackson, Macon, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Scott, Fentress and White Counties
A project of the Hull-York Lakeland RC&D, the Cumberland Quilt Trail is an eleven county scenic path through the rural Upper Cumberland region which guides visitors from barn to barn where painted replicas of local quilt patterns are on display. The works of past and present-day quilt artists are shown. In addition to the rural scenery, a variety of unique stores, galleries, and marketplaces offer opportunities to learn about the local history and quilt patterns.
Upper Cumberland Wine Trail
Putnam and Cumberland Counties