Overton County: Peaceful Streams and Muddy Pond

Waterfall - Large stream in Overton County

While riding anywhere in the Smokey Mountains, you will come across many streams, creeks and rivers that make the perfect photo opportunity. This location is actually on private property in Overton County, but it is the same stream that comes out under the bridge on Union B Road.

When biking through the mountains, bring a picnic lunch, because you'll never know when you'll come upon something this beautiful and serene. The waterfall here, though it doesn't look it from where this picture was taken, is 10 to 12 feet.

Same waterfall as above, just standing higher on the mountain, looking down.

In the first picture, I was standing at the edge of the bank, which you can see in the photo. This picture was taken from the old logging road, looking down.

Just above the waterfall.

This was taken just above the waterfall. It's a great wading pool. About 75 feet below the fall, there is a great swimming hole.

This stream also comes out and goes under the road closer to Muddy Pond -- there is another swimming hole under the bridge at that location. If you didn't bring a lunch with you, you can visit the deli at the Muddy Pond General Store. They have great sandwiches and cold soda. Pack up a lunch from there and bring it back down to the creek to enjoy.

If you really enjoy the area, you can check out the cabin rentals at Muddy Pond. They book up rather quickly, so call ahead. Also, stop and visit the Muddy Pond Sorghum Mill if you are in the area in September and October.

This year, November has quite the chill up in the mountains, but there are still some warm days left for riding. This weekend, it's supposed to be in the 60s during the day -- perfect for riding through Muddy Pond. If you're starting out in Crossville, take 127 North to 62. Left on 62, then right on Campground Road. Campground Road eventually turns into Muddy Pond and takes you past the General Store and a bakery that offers pastries that melt in your mouth.

Curvy and hilly, Campground Road is one of the best bike rides in the area. 

Campground Road has very little traffic, allowing you to stop to enjoy the scenery. Even with no leaves on the trees, the view is outstanding.

Scenery - farms and forest with lots of hills and curves.

Small lake on Campground Road.

Rain drops on the lens, overlooking a bridge on Campground Road.

After a few miles of hills and curves, you can stop and visit the sorghum mill and one of the general stores in the area. A few miles further down the road, after it changes to Muddy Pond Road, you can visit another general store and a bakery. Continue down Muddy Pond road to the four-way intersection. Turn right onto Union B to come out onto 164. A left turn takes you into Monterey. A right turn takes out out to 85 and Wilder Mountain, where you can find the dragon's tail: Seven back-to-back hairpin turns.