Where the mountain air clears your mind and the small-town soul captures your heart.
Perched along the rim of the Cumberland Plateau, Monteagle is more than a roadside stop—it’s a destination with roots, rhythm, and rustic charm. Here, wild trails twist through hardwood forests, and historic gathering places echo with the laughter of generations. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat, an outdoor adventure, or just the best plate of smoked barbecue this side of I-24, Monteagle is ready to greet you with open arms—and maybe a front porch swing.
Rooted in the Land | Monteagle, TN
South Cumberland State Park
One of Tennessee’s most scenic parks, spanning over 30,000 acres of wilderness. Perfect for hiking, camping, and waterfall chasing.
📍Visitor Center: 11745 US 41, Monteagle, TN 37356
Popular spots inside the park include:
Savage Gulf – Deep canyons, waterfalls, and panoramic views.
Greeter Falls – A gorgeous double-tiered waterfall with a swimming hole.
Stone Door – A massive crack in the bluff offering dramatic overlooks and access to miles of trails.
Fiery Gizzard Trail – One of the top-ranked trails in the Southeast, full of rock formations, streams, and forest beauty.
Monteagle Bluff Overlook
A peaceful local lookout point near the town, offering expansive views over the valley—especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
Mountain Goat Trail
A scenic walking and biking trail that follows the path of the old Mountain Goat Railroad, connecting Monteagle to Sewanee and beyond. Easy access and family-friendly.
Sewanee Trailhead: Parking available in the gravel lot on Highway 41A at Hawkins Lane, Sewanee, TN 37375
Monteagle Trailhead: Parking recommended at Mountain Outfitters, 903 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
Tracy City Trailhead: Access the trail from downtown Tracy City or Tracy City Elementary School, 276 3rd St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Sewanee Natural Bridge (just minutes away)
A 25-foot natural sandstone arch hidden in a forested glade. Short walk from the parking area—great for photos and nature lovers.
📍Address: Natural Bridge Rd, Sewanee, TN 37375
A short trail leads to a 25-foot natural sandstone arch overlooking Lost Cove.
Explore Historical Attractions
Monteagle Sunday School Assembly
Founded in 1882, this historic Chautauqua-style community blends spiritual renewal with cultural enrichment in a storybook setting of front porches, lectures, and quiet retreats..
📍 735 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37383
The Highlander Folk School
Originally located in Monteagle (now in New Market, TN), the Highlander School played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Leaders like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and John Lewis attended workshops here. Its mission: social justice through education and community organizing.
Historic Churches of Monteagle & Sewanee
Several beautiful churches in the area, including those within the Monteagle Assembly and Sewanee’s All Saints’ Chapel, are architecturally significant and date back to the late 1800s.
Explore Tales from the Plateau | Monteagle, TN
Fog, Faith, and a Few Ghosts in the Pines
Perched high on the Cumberland Plateau, Monteagle has always been a place where people came to escape—heat, crowds, the past... and sometimes, the law. With winding mountain roads, dense forests, and stone buildings that seem to hum with age, this town is steeped in stories that walk the line between history and haunting. Here, the mountain doesn’t just hold views—it holds secrets.
Capone in the Clouds
Perhaps Monteagle’s most famous local legend is tied to High Point Restaurant, a 1929 stone mansion rumored to have been financed or frequented by Al Capone during Prohibition. Locals whisper that the building’s underground tunnels and thick stone walls weren’t just architectural choices—they were strategic. The mansion's remote location and sweeping views allegedly made it the perfect mountain hideout for moving moonshine or laying low. Some say Capone’s men once sat at the bar; others claim he never left.
Monteagle Mountain Hauntings
Monteagle has long been rumored to be one of the most haunted stretches along the Cumberland Plateau. The Monteagle Mountain stretch of I-24 is infamous—not just for its steep drop-offs and fog, but for a series of fatal crashes that have inspired tales of phantom vehicles and disappearing hitchhikers.
Truckers tell stories of a woman in white seen walking along the side of the mountain road at night—only to vanish when approached. Others claim to have seen a spectral figure standing in the road, causing drivers to swerve, only to find no one there.
Spiritual Retreats & Mystical Energy
Monteagle has a long-standing tradition of faith-based gatherings and spiritual retreat centers, like the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, founded in 1882. But locals and long-time visitors alike say the mountain carries more than just religion—some say there's a spiritual energy in the stone itself. The area is dotted with labyrinth walks, meditation gardens, and places where the air feels stiller than it should—places where people report feeling watched, but not afraid.
Sacred Grounds & Old Rituals
Monteagle’s proximity to both Native American trade routes and Appalachian settler cemeteries adds an extra layer of mystique. It's said that early settlers buried charms and carved protective symbols into trees near their homesteads to ward off evil spirits from the mountain. Some of those carvings still remain, hidden deep in the woods behind the old roads and trails that wind around the Assembly grounds and historic churches.
The Whispering Still Sites
Like Pelham and much of the Cumberland Plateau, Monteagle was once prime territory for Prohibition-era moonshiners. Entire families were known to vanish into the woods for days, returning with full jugs and quiet smiles. Today, some locals still know where the old stone stills sit, moss-covered and tucked beside forgotten springheads. They’ll tell you—off the record—that the best ‘shine never left the mountain.
Monteagle isn’t just a town—it’s a threshold. A place where fog hides the line between past and present, where legends settle into the pine needles, and where every trail has a story if you walk it slow enough to hear.
Explore Monteagle, TN
Monteagle’s story began in 1870, when Scottish-Canadian reformer John Moffat envisioned a mountaintop town shaped by education, faith, and fresh air. He founded a women’s college, supported the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly in 1882 (modeled after the Chautauqua movement), and helped make the town a center for learning and spiritual growth. Originally called Moffat Station, the town eventually adopted the name “Monteagle,” a poetic nod to its highland perch.
Hometown Highlights | Monteagle, TN
Explore Places to Stay:
The Smoke House Lodge & Cabins
Where Crackling Fires and Comfort Food Meet
With rustic cabins, lodge rooms, live music, and its iconic BBQ restaurant and trading post, The Smoke House is a Monteagle tradition. It's the perfect basecamp for waterfall hikes by day and whiskey by the fire at night.
Front desk open daily | Check-in: 3 PM | Check-out: 11 AM
📍 Address: 844 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
Monteagle Inn & Retreat Center
A Quiet Escape with Southern Grace
A peaceful 13-room inn known for its gardens, gourmet breakfasts, and peaceful energy. Ideal for romantic getaways, weddings, or travelers looking to unplug and breathe in the mountain air.
📍 Address: 204 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
Clifftops Gated Community Rental
For those looking for upscale mountain privacy, Clifftops offers vacation rentals inside a private, forested community. Expect hot tubs, hiking trails, and stargazing decks—perfect for groups, reunions, or romantic hideaways.
🌐 Available through Airbnb & Vrbo | Some listings via clifftopstn.com
The Red Oak Hollow Cabins (Just outside town)
Country Cabin Charm with a Personal Touch
A family-run retreat with beautifully maintained cabins just minutes from Monteagle. Each stay includes rocking chairs, quiet trails, and personal hospitality that feels like home.
Address:📍 14055 US-41, Monteagle, TN 37356
The Super 8 by Wyndham & Motel Options
Simple, Reliable, and Right Off the Exit
For quick, convenient stays, Monteagle has a few trusted roadside motels and chain options perfect for travelers passing through. Clean rooms, easy parking, and close to coffee and food.
Address:📍 Various locations along Main St & I-24
🌐 Available on major booking sites
Explore with Forks on the Plateau:
High Point Restaurant
Set inside a 1929 stone mansion steeped in Prohibition-era lore, High Point Restaurant delivers upscale Southern dining with a side of mystery—rumored to be tied to Al Capone himself. Known for its hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and historic ambiance, it’s Monteagle’s most elegant (and intriguing). dinner spot.
📍 224 E Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
Reservations required.
Hours of Operation:
Mon–Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fri: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sat: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sun: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mountain Goat Market
A Monteagle favorite, Mountain Goat Market is part café, part artisan shop, and all charm. Serving up creative sandwiches, flatbreads, and espresso drinks in a quirky, art-filled space, it’s the go-to spot for locals and travelers alike. Bonus: they’ve got vintage finds, local goods, and gifts that scream “cool mountain town.”
📍 Address: 109 Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
Hours of Operation:
Mon–Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Sun: Closed
The Smoke House Restaurant
Barbecue, Biscuits & Bluegrass
A Monteagle tradition. Come for the hickory-smoked meats, stay for the vintage trading post and live music. With an adjoining lodge and firepits out back, it’s the perfect post-hike stop or weekend hangout.
📍 Address: 844 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
Hours of Operation:
Daily: 7 AM – 9 PM
Papa Ron’s Italian Steakhouse
Best Family Restaurant in Town
Laid-back dining with a rustic edge, Papa Ron’s serves up hearty Italian-American favorites—from pasta and pizza to juicy steaks. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with indoor and patio seating perfect for mountain evenings. A family-friendly must-stop for comfort food lovers.
📍 Address: 402 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
Hours of Operation:
Mon–Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
The Depot Café
All Aboard for Homestyle Fare
Set within a historic train depot, The Depot Café in Monteagle serves up classic Southern comfort food. Guests can enjoy breakfast and lunch specials, including a variety of hand-prepared dishes. The café's warm ambiance and nostalgic setting make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
📍 Address: 403 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Please note that operating hours can vary, so it's advisable to contact the café directly for the most current information.
McDonald’s (Monteagle)
A familiar face along I-24, this golden-arched stop is where road trippers, hikers, and families refuel before disappearing into the woods again. Reliable, fast, and friendly—it’s Monteagle’s busiest pit stop.
Subway, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Waffle House. etc.
📍 Located along Main St corridor | Open daily | No-fuss options
Explore Shops on the Mountain:
Builders Supply Monteagle
Supporting Construction & Home Improvement in Monteagle, TN
A trusted name since the 1920s, Builders Supply Monteagle provides top-tier building materials and expert service to homeowners, contractors, and businesses. As part of the Builders Supply Co. Inc. family, they’ve become a local cornerstone for construction needs.
Operating Hours:
Monday-Friday: 07:00am – 05:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Mooney’s Market & Emporium
Think organic grocery store meets enchanted apothecary. Mooney’s is where you grab your local honey, your fair-trade coffee, and maybe a handmade crystal pendant or two. It’s funky, warm, and entirely Monteagle.
Outfit Your Exploration:
UnpluggedTN.com
More than a lifestyle—it’s a movement. With gear, guides, and outdoor experiences that connect you back to the land, Unplug TN is for the adventurers, the trail-chasers, and anyone craving a bit of fresh air and freedom.
Note: Unplug TN is associated with Extreme Rentals LLC and offers rentals of electric bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
More Than Just Main Street:
Extreme Installs LLC
A locally trusted crew bringing big vision to small-town builds—whether it’s smart home automation, home theater systems, or next-level tech installs, this business proves that even mountain towns can go full digital.
Ann R. McNair, CPA
Keeping Monteagle's books balanced and its businesses thriving, Ann McNair is the go-to CPA for locals who want their finances handled with care, experience, and a deep-rooted understanding of the community.
Clifftops
A private mountaintop community that feels like a world apart, Clifftops is where wooded trails meet quiet luxury. Think stone fireplaces, stargazing decks, and hidden waterfalls—no wonder so many people never want to leave.