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Just south of Cleveland, at a spring-fed council ground called Red Clay, the Cherokee Nation held its last general councils in the East before the forced removal of 1838 that became the Trail of Tears. That history gives this southeast Tennessee city a weight beyond its size, and the state historic park that preserves the site is the most moving stop in the region.
Cleveland itself grew as the seat of Bradley County and a railroad and manufacturing town, and later as a center of Pentecostal faith: the Church of God and the Church of God of Prophecy both have their international offices here, and Lee University, founded in 1918, fills the north side of downtown with brick halls and students. Downtown keeps a handsome courthouse square, the Museum Center at Five Points and the Gothic Revival St. Luke's Episcopal Church with its storied marble mausoleum.
The Cherokee National Forest begins a short drive east, where the Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events, draws rafters all summer. Chattanooga is about 30 minutes southwest along I-75.
From 1832 to 1837 this valley was the seat of Cherokee government, and eleven general councils met here before removal on the Trail of Tears. The park has a museum, replica council house and farmstead, and the sacred Blue Hole spring. It lies about 12 miles south of downtown; visit in August for Cherokee Days.
John Craigmiles built this Gothic Revival stone church in the 1870s in memory of his young daughter Nina, who died in a carriage accident. Her white marble mausoleum stands beside it and is known locally for reddish stains that some call a bleeding tomb. View the grounds respectfully, as it is an active parish.
This downtown museum tells the story of the Ocoee region and the people of Cleveland and Bradley County, from the Cherokee and early settlers to the railroad, industry and modern life. Changing exhibits and events add variety. It sits at a historic five-way intersection near the start of the city greenway.
Founded in 1918 by the Church of God, Lee University has grown into a large Christian university whose landscaped campus of red-brick buildings, fountains and courtyards adjoins downtown. Visitors can stroll the grounds and attend public concerts and recitals. Check the performing arts calendar during the school year.
This sprawling brick mill complex near downtown housed the Hardwick family's woolen textile business from the 1880s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a striking piece of Cleveland's industrial past, with redevelopment plans for new uses. View it from the street and note its tall chimney and long rows of windows.
The streets around the Bradley County Courthouse hold restaurants, coffee shops, antique stores and restored brick buildings, with Johnston Park offering shade and seasonal events. The annual downtown Halloween block party is a local favorite. Park once and explore on foot between the museum and the Lee campus.
A paved trail that follows Mouse Creek and other green corridors through Cleveland for several miles, linking parks, neighborhoods and downtown. It is popular for walking, running and biking. Enter at one of the trailhead parks with parking, and expect shade along most of the creekside sections.
A family apple orchard on the edge of Cleveland with a country store and cafe known for fresh apples, cider, baked goods and fried apple pies. Fall brings the biggest crowds and the widest choice of varieties. Stop for lunch and take home a bag of local apples when the season peaks in September and October.
A modern aquatic center in Cleveland with a 50-meter competition pool, diving well and recreational pools, used for college and regional swim meets as well as public swimming and lessons. It is a good rainy-day option for families. Check the website for open swim times, which change with the meet schedule.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: JonesManagement, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
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Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
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Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Andrew Jameson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Hkeely, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Hkeely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Hkeely, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Hkeely, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Hkeely, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Andrew Jameson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
