Leaving the historic riverfront town of Vonore, Tennessee State Route 360 offers travelers a scenic 22-mile drive through some of the most serene and picturesque countryside in the eastern part of the state. Our journey begins just a stone’s throw from U.S. Route 411, where TN-360 peels off to the southeast, guiding us away from town and into a landscape that quickly transitions from riverside charm to open farmland and wooded valleys.
Almost immediately after leaving Vonore, we pass by Fort Loudoun State Park, a historically significant site preserving an 18th-century British fort built during the French and Indian War. For history buffs or casual sightseers alike, the park is worth a detour, featuring walking trails, reenactments, and striking views of Tellico Lake. As we continue down Route 360, we’re treated to peaceful rolling hills and tranquil rural scenes—an area where cattle graze quietly and barns dot the landscape in classic Appalachian fashion.
The road gently winds its way south through a series of subtle curves and elevation changes, carrying us through the small, unincorporated community of Ballplay. While modest in size, Ballplay embodies the slow-paced, tight-knit spirit of East Tennessee’s rural settlements. Don’t blink or you might miss it—but you’ll definitely feel the shift as wooded areas begin to dominate the scenery and the road takes on a more dynamic profile. It’s here that TN-360 starts to embrace the edge of the Cherokee National Forest, and the natural beauty ratchets up accordingly.
This middle stretch of the route is especially captivating in the fall. As the road snakes through a corridor of trees, the forest bursts into brilliant shades of red, orange, and amber—making TN-360 a lesser-known but highly rewarding fall foliage drive. Even in the spring and summer, the lush greenery and occasional creek crossings offer plenty to admire from behind the wheel or handlebars.
As we near Tellico Plains, the landscape begins to shift again—becoming more rugged and mountainous. The Tellico River starts to parallel our journey, running in playful bursts beside the road and offering spots where you might catch anglers casting for trout or kayakers navigating light rapids. Tellico Plains itself marks a fitting end to this scenic ride. Known as the “Gateway to the Cherokee National Forest,” this small town boasts a charming downtown, friendly locals, and outdoor adventure opportunities in every direction. At the junction with Tennessee State Route 165, also known as the Cherohala Skyway, the journey comes to an end—but for many, it’s just the beginning of another mountain drive into the heart of the Appalachians.
Whether you’re out for a leisurely Sunday drive or looking for a quiet alternative to more trafficked routes in the region, Tennessee State Route 360 delivers beauty, history, and a little bit of everything that makes East Tennessee special.
🗺️ Route Map
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