Tennessee State Route 68: Tellico Plains to Ducktown

Leaving the southern gateway of the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, we embark on a 33-mile journey down one of Southeast Tennessee’s most underrated routes: Tennessee State Route 68. This stretch takes us deep into the Unicoi Mountains and winds us through some of the region’s most serene, untouched landscapes. Whether you’re coming off a scenic cruise along the Skyway or simply exploring the Appalachian backroads, TN-68 offers a compelling next chapter.

As we pull away from Tellico Plains, the road dives immediately into lush countryside and begins tracing the curves of the Tellico River. This portion of the drive is especially picturesque in the spring and summer, with thick green canopies and occasional glimpses of the flowing river just beyond the trees. A few miles south, we pass close to the remote hamlet of Coker Creek—known for its hiking trails and gold panning history—before the road begins a subtle climb toward the Cherokee National Forest. The elevation changes gently but steadily, trading farmland and open sky for tight curves under a tunnel of hardwoods.

Midway through the drive, TN-68 enters more rugged terrain. This is where the route earns its scenic stripes. The towns of Turtletown and Apalachia may not be more than blips on the map, but they sit within a backdrop of dense forest, rolling ridgelines, and sweeping valleys. Here, the road skirts the edge of the Hiwassee and Ocoee River basins, offering occasional panoramic pull-offs for those willing to stop and take it all in. Wildlife sightings aren’t uncommon—white-tailed deer, hawks, and even the occasional black bear have been spotted near the road’s edge.

Eventually, we descend into Ducktown, a small town with a big story. Once the heart of a booming copper mining region, Ducktown’s hills were infamously stripped bare by acid runoff and deforestation. But today, thanks to decades of environmental restoration, much of the greenery has returned. The Ducktown Basin Museum stands as a testament to the area’s complex environmental history and mining legacy, making it a worthwhile detour for any road tripper curious about Appalachian heritage.

Whether you’re looking to connect scenic byways, explore Tennessee history, or just enjoy a quiet mountain drive, TN-68 from Tellico Plains to Ducktown delivers in every season. It’s a winding ribbon through hills, forests, and foothills that speaks to both the resilience of the land and the quiet strength of the communities that call it home.