Etowah, Tennessee is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Chattanooga, near the state’s shared border with Georgia and North Carolina. The city occupies an envious position in an area rich in natural resources and outdoor recreation, as it sits adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest's numerous trails, Starr Mountain and scenic vistas.
The city of Etowah got its start when the Louisville & Nashville railroad designed a new train route in 1902. The depot was the first permanent building in the township, established as part of a settlement for railroad employees and collection of shops for travelers. Visitors can tour the restored Victorian depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building contains a museum and the grounds are a common site for community celebrations and fairs, art and historical exhibitions.
The Gem Theater has a long history in the community, dating from 1927. The theater is housed in the largest building in the city, built in 1906 and later converted for hosting performances. After it passed through many hands, the city of Etowah obtained the building in 1993 and restoration work was performed. The Gem Players formed in the same year and serve as the resident theater company. The group regularly holds open auditions for its productions, staging at least five productions per year.
Of great historic importance, the trail once connected the Overhill Cherokee to Cherokee settlements in other states and reached Atlantic coastal ports. The trail became an important route for trade goods through the area for export to Europe, played a part in the discovery of gold at Coker Creek and served as a portion of the Trail of Tears. The trail’s history includes use during the American Revolution and the French and Indian War and was the site of raids during the Civil War. Visitors can hike portions of the trail within the Coker Creek Recreation Zone of the Cherokee National Forest.
Cherokee National Forest South’s Starr Mountain Recreation Zone sits adjacent to Etowah. The zone includes the Gee Creek Wilderness, Starr Mountain trails and the Quinn Springs Recreation Area. Quinn Springs campground is located only 6 miles outside of Etowah, offering 23 sites with tent pads and tables. Visitors can camp in hardwood surroundings. The campground, open all year, provides only limited services in winter. The site has a picnic area and supplies water, hot showers and modern toilets. RVs are permitted, but neither hookups nor RV waste disposal are available. The nearby Hiwassee River supports rafting and kayaking. Several trails lead to scenic spots in the area. Spring flower viewing starts in March, and the fall foliage display lasts approximately from late September through early November, with the latter half of October providing some of the best viewing dates.
