Our next Tennessee outing is scheduled for April 16-18th, 2021 (Updated April 6th)
Ready for spring? So are we! Please join us for some southern hospitality and some trail riding. Bill and Nancy's southern hospitality includes the amenities you would find in a bed and breakfast. They have 4-5 bedrooms available on a first come basis. Dry camping (no dump station) is available on-site on a limited basis. They will also provide a hearty breakfast before we head out to a full day of trail riding. The Keurig is always stocked with various varieties of coffee including decaffeinated. Lunch (and beverages for the trail) is on your own and they will provide the condiments for you at the cabin you to prepare. Limited refrigerator space is available in addition to ice filled coolers for your perishables. After each trail ride your choice of cooking/grilling (on your own) at the cabin or a dinner out to support the local restaurants. Desserts and snacks are provided as well and if the weather is good maybe even a camp fire smore with a glass of wine may be available.
For travelers from Michigan please note that the double decker bridge for I-75 in Cincinnati will be down to 2-lanes in each direction for painting/maintenance. I-275 to the West is the suggested detour which may be quicker than sitting in traffic,
For travelers from Michigan please note that the double decker bridge for I-75 in Cincinnati will be down to 2-lanes in each direction for painting/maintenance. I-275 to the West is the suggested detour which may be quicker than sitting in traffic,
Trail Ride Options
Here are the tentative trail rides for this spring which most are accessible by an aggressive stock driver but larger non-highway tread tires are suggested. Most of the these areas do not charge an entrance fee nor is a permit required. The scenery for each day will be similar as all three are between 15-60 minutes drive from the cabin. Times and meet-up locations are subject to change. Please text Bill 586-651-9042 each morning to confirm.
- Friday April 16th: Royal Blue has some easy to moderate trails on the East side of I-75 as well. On the easy side depending on the depth of the river crossing the eternal flame is a quick out and back trip as well. The Upper Cumberland Wildlife Management area does require a daily vehicle permit which is currently $37.50 (per vehicle not per person). Plan on about 26 miles which will take 40 minutes to get there. We will leave the cabin around 9:00am and meet everyone else at the TA gas station at the 141 exit off I75 by 10:00am.
- Saturday April 17th: Blackhouse/Pickett State Forest offers a spectacular overlook from the top of the plateau. This area (22,000 acres) is still being explored and we will update that page accordingly. Nearby is Pickett State Park which has an arch almost visible from the road. A short walk (50-feet) provides a nice view. This area has quite a few arches and rock shelters. The journey to and from will take us through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Think national park like the Smokies with very few people. Depending the the weather and how wet this could quickly get into a high MODERATE or DIFFICULT rating as there are ruts and mud (plus rocks!). We will leave the cabin around 9:00am and meet everyone else at the East entrance to Big South Fork Park around 10:00am.
- Sunday April 18th: We are also planning on tackling the Chitwood Mountain loop. Here you will find 'the hole in the earth' as the locals call it. The area is a reclaimed strip mine offering two tracks through the woods, some ruts are possible and the chance to drive across and through (like down stream) a large creek or small river. You are challenged to keep track of how many times you enter the water! Plan on less than 50 miles with the majority off-road. Plan on a 6-7 hour day as we will cover about 50 miles. We will leave the cabin around 9:00am and meet everyone else at the Winfield City park just off US27 about 9:30am.
Other options include the Sand Mines located in the Royal Blue area of the Upper Cumberland Wildlife Management area. The area is about a 45 minute drive to the South and West and is adjacent to I-75 mile marker 141. The trail is NOT stock or even slightly modified friendly as a minimum of 35" aggressive tires would be required. A winch is highly suggested as well. Tackett Creek which is to the North of Royal Blue (near Jellico TN) may also be an option as John Davison knows those trails. The Upper Cumberland Wildlife Management area does require a daily vehicle permit which is currently $37.50 (per vehicle not per person).
Getting There
From the North it is HIGHLY suggested that you take I-275 West around Cincinnati due to bridge construction as it would only normally add about 10 minutes to the drive. The backups in .Cincinnati have been crazy (hours long) . After that the suggested way for trailers is exit at #62 in Kentucky and follow you GPS to US27. It is best to call our hosts (Bill 586-651-9042) once you get into Somerset KY area (US27) before you lose cell service. If you elect to stay on I-75 further South there is some construction before you reach exit 11 which is Williamsburg KY on TN92. From either Somerset or if you chose the latter exit 11 (Williamsburg) route you will be about an hour out. Please call from (Bill Cell 586-651-9042) there so we know to watch for y'all.
When you reach US-27 head South. Oneida is 13 miles into Tennessee and there is no welcome center just a wide patch of road at the state line. There is no welcome center only a cluster of buildings and a partially hidden "Welcome to Tennessee" sign. Watch your speed when you come up the hill and enter the town limits. Stay in the left lane. The Green's cabin is located at 542 Williams Creek Road in Onedia Tennessee 37841. Williams Creek is best reached off of US-27 by turning West (TURN RIGHT) onto 3rd avenue which is light 3 (they are numbered as well). It will have an S curve to your left and back to your right. It will join in with TN-297 as you pass Burchfield School. By the barn, Williams Creek Road will appear on your right (TURN OR VEER RIGHT) and you follow that up the hill. They have a circle driveway with a stone fence out front, but the 542 Williams Creek address is hard to see and the cabin sets back from the road as well. Trailers will need to be unloaded before they are parked in the grassy horseshoe area.
When you reach US-27 head South. Oneida is 13 miles into Tennessee and there is no welcome center just a wide patch of road at the state line. There is no welcome center only a cluster of buildings and a partially hidden "Welcome to Tennessee" sign. Watch your speed when you come up the hill and enter the town limits. Stay in the left lane. The Green's cabin is located at 542 Williams Creek Road in Onedia Tennessee 37841. Williams Creek is best reached off of US-27 by turning West (TURN RIGHT) onto 3rd avenue which is light 3 (they are numbered as well). It will have an S curve to your left and back to your right. It will join in with TN-297 as you pass Burchfield School. By the barn, Williams Creek Road will appear on your right (TURN OR VEER RIGHT) and you follow that up the hill. They have a circle driveway with a stone fence out front, but the 542 Williams Creek address is hard to see and the cabin sets back from the road as well. Trailers will need to be unloaded before they are parked in the grassy horseshoe area.
Cabin Information
Contrary to what you may have heard they do not have an outhouse LOL. The cabin is located within the town limits of Oneida and less than 4 miles to the Wal-Mart. All of the roads are paved including the circle drive way to the cabin. Situated on about 3-1/2 acres in a park like setting is our base camp for this event. The cabin is smoke and pet free.
At the cabin you will find multiple rocking chairs on the wraparound porch to simply kick back and unwind under a ceiling fan (if needed). The back upper deck is a screened in porch overlooking the lake which is a great location for morning coffee or to relax with a good book. They have steps down to the lake and have two kayaks and a canoe for the lake which does NOT allow swimming or gas motors. Plenty of life jackets for people of all sizes and the lake is easy to navigate. There is a firepit down by the lake and one adjacent to the house for making smores!
At the cabin you will find multiple rocking chairs on the wraparound porch to simply kick back and unwind under a ceiling fan (if needed). The back upper deck is a screened in porch overlooking the lake which is a great location for morning coffee or to relax with a good book. They have steps down to the lake and have two kayaks and a canoe for the lake which does NOT allow swimming or gas motors. Plenty of life jackets for people of all sizes and the lake is easy to navigate. There is a firepit down by the lake and one adjacent to the house for making smores!
The cabin has 3 levels with the main level having no steps for main entry from the garage. Parking may be along the driveway or on the lawn in front of the cabin. For airing up tires there is an air compressor in the garage and hand tools for any minor fixes that need to be done. Plenty of storage for you hard top of doors if needed.
Upstairs are 4 bedrooms each with a different theme. Two rooms offer double beds and the others have queen sized beds. The family bedroom has one of the queens plus a single over double bunkbed for the kids. There is a full bathroom on the upper level with a tub. Each bedroom has floor space for your air mattress for the kids if needed. Three of the bedrooms are carpeted and the other has hardwood flooring.
The main level has a great room with direct access to the back screen porch. The master bedroom is on this level in addition to a 1/2 bath and of course the kitchen. The library has a futon full size bed as well. There are area rugs on the first floor over tile and hardwood flooring.
Down stairs is the recreation room where you will discover a 6' by 6' Scrabble board on the wall, foosball table, billiards (pool), darts and pinball. The couches have a area rug while the lower level is mostly a hardwood floor. The lower deck is accessible off this level and offers a porch swing overlooking the lake and the terraced back yard. There is a full bathroom on the lower level with a shower adjacent to Bill's office which can also double as a bedroom with your air mattress. High speed wireless internet is available throughout the cabin along with a TV that has NetFlix and Prime Video but no over the air channels. Did they mention they have an extensive library, board games and puzzles as well?
Upstairs are 4 bedrooms each with a different theme. Two rooms offer double beds and the others have queen sized beds. The family bedroom has one of the queens plus a single over double bunkbed for the kids. There is a full bathroom on the upper level with a tub. Each bedroom has floor space for your air mattress for the kids if needed. Three of the bedrooms are carpeted and the other has hardwood flooring.
The main level has a great room with direct access to the back screen porch. The master bedroom is on this level in addition to a 1/2 bath and of course the kitchen. The library has a futon full size bed as well. There are area rugs on the first floor over tile and hardwood flooring.
Down stairs is the recreation room where you will discover a 6' by 6' Scrabble board on the wall, foosball table, billiards (pool), darts and pinball. The couches have a area rug while the lower level is mostly a hardwood floor. The lower deck is accessible off this level and offers a porch swing overlooking the lake and the terraced back yard. There is a full bathroom on the lower level with a shower adjacent to Bill's office which can also double as a bedroom with your air mattress. High speed wireless internet is available throughout the cabin along with a TV that has NetFlix and Prime Video but no over the air channels. Did they mention they have an extensive library, board games and puzzles as well?
Feel free to bring your favorite pillow or blanket but there are plenty to choose from at the cabin. Bed linens in addition to hand/bath towels and washcloths are provided for your use. No need to bring anything except your clothes and lunch. A well stocked guest bathroom has the items you may have forgotten such as sunscreen. bug spray. toothbrushes, tooth paste and even a hair dryer for your use.
Rather than spend $$ at the car wash a pressure washer will be avaiable to help clean you 4X4 before heading home. An air-compressor is also available as well.
Other Accommodations
Oneida and Scott County does not have a lot of accommodations for overnight stays. For hotels the Grand Vista is the closest to the cabin located about 15-20 minutes to the South located at the intersection of TN63 and US27. The other in town motels are NOT recommended. The other choice is the Comfort Inn at Royal Blue. This is located just off I-75 at exit 141 and like the name suggests it is close to Royal Blue so figure on about an hour to the cabin but 5 minutes to Royal Blue.
Being near the Big South Fork National Park there are a handful of rental cabins through AirBNB. The inexpensive ones are already booked as they are very popular. We have a neighbor that has rooms for rent as a former AirBnB and they may be willing to look at having guests that weekend. The issue is that they just opened up a Coffee shop so they did not not have time for their rental business. Let me know if you are interested and we can check this out further. Text Bill at 586-651-9042.
Camp sites (water and electric) are located at Bandy Creek campground in Big South Fork as well. There are a mixture of tent and RV sites and a couple of 50-amp sites as well. Call Bill and Nancy prior to making reservations and they can advise you as to what is a level site and other considerations. It would be a 30 minute drive back to the cabin as you need to traverse the gorge (13% grade).
Food and Refreshments Nearby
Shopping is very limited in the Town of Oneida. For groceries we have a Wal-Mart plus a Save-A-Lot and and IGA grocery store within 5-15 minutes of the cabin. Oneida has your typical fast food such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, Sonic, KFC, Hardees, Arbys, Long John Silvers plus specialty offerings such as Element Asia, Alex's Kitchen and Lee's Chicken. If pizza is your thing you can choose from Pizza Hut, Little Caesars or a hometown favorite Baby J's. Gather Coffee House is better and cheaper than Starbucks for your morning caffeine fix.
For sit down or take off they have Preston's Steak House, Murph's Bar and Grill, El Reys Mexican, County's BBQ and RaeZacks. Currently the Rugby Cafe is closed due to a fire but may be open by Summer.
Thursday April 15th: Rae-Zacks
Friday April 16th: El-Reys
Saturday April 17th County's BBQ/Pizza Take Out
Sunday April 18th: Murph's
For sit down or take off they have Preston's Steak House, Murph's Bar and Grill, El Reys Mexican, County's BBQ and RaeZacks. Currently the Rugby Cafe is closed due to a fire but may be open by Summer.
- Preston's is on US27 right in Onedia and has some of the best steaks in town. Their pizza is good and the salad bar is always a hit. They are located across the street from the shopping plaza in Oneida. No adult beverages are served there. $ to $$
- Murph's Bar and Grill is a biker bar but do not let that worry you as it is family friendly. Nothing is over $10.00 and they have the best burgers hands down! Multiple adult beverages available including wine and liquor while still being a family oriented restaurant. They are located near Winfield (~15 minute drive) not far from the Chitwood Mountain Trail. $
- El Reys Mexican is one of two Mexican restaurants and the go to one. They offer limited adult beverages (Monday through Saturday) and their service is top notch. They are located in Onedia in the same plaza as the Wal-Mart$
- County's BBQ is in the process of opening a new sit down restaurant (Spring 2021) and has always offered some of the best pulled pork and brisket on the county. No adult beverages are served there. They will be located just South of Oneida and only a 10 minute drive from the cabin. $
- RaeZacks has been a group favorite for many years and offers seafood, steaks, burgers and other typical diner fare served with a southern flare. Think Cracker Barrel but more like home cooking. Sorry no adult beverages available here. Located in Helenwood which is just to the South of Oneida and only a 15-20 minute drive. No adult beverages are served there. They fill up fast and have a limited parking lot. $ to $$
- Rugby Cafe (Currently Closed) offers English pub food in an authentic and historic setting in the town of Rugby. The 45 minute drive transports you back almost 150 years where time seems to have been frozen. The quality of the food (in the past) has been worth the drive. Did we mention pie for dessert? $ to $$
Thursday April 15th: Rae-Zacks
Friday April 16th: El-Reys
Saturday April 17th County's BBQ/Pizza Take Out
Sunday April 18th: Murph's
Town of Oneida
The town of Oneida sits on the Cumberland Plateau and has a population of about 3,700 people, Oneida is located in Scott County which the entire county consists of just over 22,000 residents spread throughout the 533 square miles or about 40 residents per square mile. Yep, a rural Appalachian mountain community yet Knoxville is just over an hour away.
Oneida has an O'Reillys, Autozone and NAPA as well in addition to a Tractor Supply. 4-WD Performance a local 4X4 shop is available for any major issues and Bill has the owner's cell phone number just in case. There is a quarter carwash at the corner of 3rd Avenue and US-27 (the main street) or a power washer may be available at the cabin as well. Other shopping is very limited in town but there are some unique shops as well. A favorite is Big South Fork Tack which by the name suggests horse but they have much more. Stop by (<5 minutes from the cabin) meet Virginia and Wilbur (he is the dachshund) and take a look around as they have local souvenirs as well. They also sell adult beverages on Sundays just in case of an emergency!
A Walgreens is located adjacent to the Wal-Mart plaza and the town does have a hospital and minute clinic located between the cabin and Wal-Mart if needed. Typically Murphy's (across from the Wal-Mart) has the best gas price and the Marathon by the cabin is convenient but you have to go in as no pay at the pump, The Marathon also sells adult beverages except on Sunday.
Oneida has an O'Reillys, Autozone and NAPA as well in addition to a Tractor Supply. 4-WD Performance a local 4X4 shop is available for any major issues and Bill has the owner's cell phone number just in case. There is a quarter carwash at the corner of 3rd Avenue and US-27 (the main street) or a power washer may be available at the cabin as well. Other shopping is very limited in town but there are some unique shops as well. A favorite is Big South Fork Tack which by the name suggests horse but they have much more. Stop by (<5 minutes from the cabin) meet Virginia and Wilbur (he is the dachshund) and take a look around as they have local souvenirs as well. They also sell adult beverages on Sundays just in case of an emergency!
A Walgreens is located adjacent to the Wal-Mart plaza and the town does have a hospital and minute clinic located between the cabin and Wal-Mart if needed. Typically Murphy's (across from the Wal-Mart) has the best gas price and the Marathon by the cabin is convenient but you have to go in as no pay at the pump, The Marathon also sells adult beverages except on Sunday.
Nearby Tourist Options
While four wheeling may bring you to Oneida there are many other things to do for little or no cost. Bill and Nancy would be happy to tell you more and offer some insider information as what the must see or do for each option.
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary LINK (the Alcatraz of the South) offers self guided tours and have docents stationed at various locations. The docent may be a former guard or prisoner! They make their own moonshine and other adult beverages which they sell in their gift shop. A cafe is available for a light lunch or snack. Plan on 60-80 minutes for the drive south along the twisty US27 as Brushy is to the South of Wartburg TN. Fees $$
Frozen Head State Park LINK is located near Wartburg (about an hour to the South). Here you will find picnic areas, playgrounds and a nice hike up to a waterfall. There is no entry fee or permit required.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area LINK. Think of it as a national park and the entrance is 15 minutes from the cabin. They offer miles and miles of hiking and numerous areas to explore as well. There are hiking poles, maps and daypacks at the cabin for your use, The park also has horse and mountain bike trails as well. Down at the river you may wade in to cool off if needed but spring is typically high water season. The river attracts white water rafters and kayakers from around the country.
On the Kentucky side of the park you will find the Blue Heron Mining Community LINK. While being abandoned they have re-created the feel with open air buildings (roof and floor only) with the various buildings that once stood there. The train tipple offers a great view of the area and the excursion train may be running on a regular weekend schedule. There is no entry fee or permit required but there is for the excursion train.
On the Kentucky side of the park you will find the Blue Heron Mining Community LINK. While being abandoned they have re-created the feel with open air buildings (roof and floor only) with the various buildings that once stood there. The train tipple offers a great view of the area and the excursion train may be running on a regular weekend schedule. There is no entry fee or permit required but there is for the excursion train.
Pickett State Park LINK is about an hour to the west (through Big South Fork Park) and offers a swimming beach, hiking trails and a neat suspended bridge. A short walk and you will find a rock shelter and an natural arch. The park was built by the CCC back in the 30's so be sure to stop by the ranger station and ask for the key to the museum to learn more. It will take about an hour to drive the 40 miles there. There is no entry fee or permit required.
Oneida City Park LINK is a great place for a short walk on a paved path or to have a picnic in a shelter down by the lake. The park boasts multiple playgrounds including a barrier free one geared to all ages. The operate a no cost splash pad for the kids as well. Drive time is less than 10 minutes and there is no entry fee or permit required
Winfield Park has a longer (almost a mile) walking path in addition to a playground for the kids. Restrooms are availble behind the library which is on-site. Drive time is about 15 minutes and there is no entry fee or permit required
Oak Ridge LINK is about an 90 minutes away as is Knoxville. In Oak Ridge a must do is the atomic energy museum. They also have a children's museum and small art gallery as well. The city park has walking trails, playgrounds and the "Friendship Bell" which really sounds cool. Knoxville is a big city with shopping and other things to see and do. Clinton Tennessee is a for antiques and unique shops.