Definition
The Ocoee Scenic Byway is a designated scenic highway situated in southeastern Tennessee, United States, that follows the course of the Ocoee River and provides access to a range of natural, recreational, and historic sites along its route.
Overview
The byway runs primarily along U.S. Route 64 and State Route 40 (SR 40) for approximately 23 miles (about 37 km) between the towns of Copperhill and Ocoee in Polk County. It was officially recognized as a Tennessee Scenic Byway in 1992 and later designated a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration in 2001. The route traverses the Cherokee National Forest, passes the Ocoee River’s white‑water rapids, and connects to the Ocoee Whitewater Center, the site of the 1996 Olympic canoe/kayak competitions.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Ocoee” derives from a Cherokee word, often rendered as oka‑i or okv‑i, which is understood to refer to a type of apricot or to the river itself. Exact translation varies among linguistic sources, and the precise original meaning is not uniformly agreed upon.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 23 mi (37 km). |
| Primary roadway | U.S. Route 64 (US‑64) and Tennessee State Route 40 (SR 40). |
| Scenic attributes | River valleys, rugged Appalachian terrain, mixed hardwood‑pine forests, and multiple waterfalls. |
| Recreational access | White‑water rafting and kayaking on the Ocoee River, hiking trails within Cherokee National Forest, and the Ocoee Whitewater Center. |
| Historical points | Proximity to sites related to the Cherokee Nation, early 20th‑century hydroelectric development (e.g., Ocoee Dam No. 1 and No. 2). |
| Designation status | Tennessee Scenic Byway (1992); National Scenic Byway (2001). |
| Road condition | Paved two‑lane highway; seasonal traffic may increase during peak tourism periods, particularly in spring and summer. |
| Wildlife | Typical Appalachian species, including white‑tailed deer, black bear, and a variety of songbirds. |
Related Topics
- Tennessee Scenic Byways – a statewide program that designates and promotes roads of particular scenic, historic, cultural, or recreational value.
- Ocoee River – a 45‑mile tributary of the Tennessee River, renowned for its Class III–IV white‑water rapids.
- Ocoee Whitewater Center – a permanent white‑water venue built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, now a hub for water‑sports tourism.
- Cherokee National Forest – the forested area encompassing much of the byway’s corridor.
- U.S. Route 64 – a trans‑American highway that traverses the southern United States, of which the Ocoee Scenic Byway constitutes a segment.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – located to the northeast of the byway, often visited in conjunction with the scenic route.
All information presented reflects currently available, verifiable sources as of the knowledge cutoff date.