The Head of the Crow Area
The Head of the Crow area of Tennessee’s South Cumberland is named for the geographic feature — Crow Creek — that has its origins within Head of the Crow State Park. There are three communities in this area — Sewanee, Monteagle and Pelham — each with unique and fascinating things you’ll want to check out:
Monteagle is the gateway to the South Cumberland region, with direct access to I-24 via exits 134 and 135. It has numerous options for lodging, dining and shopping and is home to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, one of a handful of remaining Chautauqua communities dating back to the late 1800s, and a number of other historic sites and homes.
Pelham is home to The Caverns, a large underground music venue that has attracted some of the world’s top musicians, across many musical genres. The Caverns also operates an above-ground music amphitheater during the warmer seasons. Pelham is just east of I-24, exit 127.
Sewanee, just 5 miles southwest of Monteagle, is both the nickname for, and location of, the University of the South, regularly named the nation’s most scenic college campus and a highly-rated private liberal arts university. The University’s gothic architecture, ensconced in native sandstone, looks like the place Harry Potter would have attended college if he’d been in America.
Sewanee's quaint village area offers several authentic shopping and dining options, including two Michelin Guide-rated restaurants. This village is also home to the temporary welcome center for Head of the Crow State Park, with three trailheads south of town featuring the Sewanee Natural Bridge, Buggytop Cave and some beautiful overlooks of Tom Pack Hollow.
The Mountain Goat Trail is a paved walking/running/biking trail that connects Sewanee to Monteagle and continues on to Tracy City, with future development planned to Coalmont, Gruetli-Laager and Palmer. Adventurous souls can even start in nearby Cowan and experience the steep climb that gave the original railroad its name.
Communities
Monteagle
Gateway to the region with direct access to I-24, the highest concentration of restaurants and retail shops and home to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, one of a handful of remaining Chautauqua communities from the late 1800s.
Pelham
Home of The Caverns, a world-renowned destination for underground live music and the Emmy-winning PBS television series.
Sewanee
Home to the University of the South, one of the nation's most beautiful college campuses with a classic and authentic downtown and miles of well-maintained hiking trails with bluff views.
Highlights
Head of the Crow State Park
Head of the Crow State Park features two beautiful natural sandstone arches -- Sewanee Natural Bridge and Sherwood Natural Bridge. It's also home to "Buggytop Cave," a huge cave with an underground river flowing from its mouth...
The Caverns
A world-renowned destination for live music above and below ground, in beautiful natural settings. It's the home of the PBS TV series The Caverns Sessions, and offers tours of its magical cave system.
University of the South
Regularly named the nation's most beautiful campus, "Sewanee" also maintains over 65 miles of hiking and biking trails on its 13,000 acre domain. Several spectacular vistas are easily accessable by car.
Mountain Goat Trail
A paved walking and cycling trail connecting the communities of the mountain along the path of the historic Mountain Goat Railroad, now open between Sewanee and Tracy City, with more trail to come!
Places to Stay
Monteagle
The Edgeworth Inn
Historic bed & breakfast located within the historic Monteagle Assembly
Sewanee
The Grove Airstream Campground
3 vintage Airstream trailers in a private campground
Sewanee
Caver's Paradise
Campground for cavers only with 11 RV hookups, shaded tent camping and direct hiking access to a nearby cave
Monteagle
Smoke House Lodge & Cabins
Rustic lodge and cabins conveniently located in Monteagle, and its Patio Grill Restaurant is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with live music every day
Monteagle
Monteagle Inn
A charming bed & breakfast with 13 rooms, a cottage, and a conference room located conveniently in downtown Monteagle.
Tracy City, Monteagle
Retreat Vacations by Oakstone
This new luxury, tiny home mountain community offers over 50 vacation homes. Includes 1/2/3 bedrooms, fire pits, hiking trails, playground, biking, canoe/kayak rentals, hot tubs & gathering areas.
Monteagle, Sewanee
Reverie Vacation Rentals
Licensed vacation rental management company offering 5-star stays in the South Cumberland and surrounding areas.
Sewanee
Sewanee Inn
43-room hotel on University campus with restaurant, bar, golfing & event space
Monteagle
Terralodge
Luxury domes and treehouses in a wooded setting
Monteagle
South Cumberland Concierge
Exclusive, luxury vacation homes in Monteagle and Sewanee
Altamont, Monteagle, Tracy City, Coalmont, Beersheba Springs
South Cumberland Getaways
SCG is the fastest growing vacation rental management company in the region.
Monteagle
Trailhead Cabins
Four cabins located near the South Cumberland Welcome Center
Places to Eat
Sewanee
Shakerag at Sewanee Inn
Located at The Sewanee Inn, Shakerag overlooks a golf course with expansive views of the verdant valley known as Shakerag Hollow.
Sewanee
Judith
Seasonal menu of creative and approachable dishes including a selection of small, shareable plates perfect for the bar crowd with accessible wines and a cocktail list.
Monteagle
Papa Ron's Pizza & Italian Steakhouse
Local family-owned restaurant since 1992, serving a large variety of food such as pizzas, pastas, steaks and much more.
Pelham
Tess's Kitchen Cafe
Country food, Asian food & pizza
Monteagle
Smoke House Patio Grill
Grilled & fried chicken, grilled pork chops, pulled BBQ, burgers, sandwiches, salads, vegetables, fried pies, cold beer with live music Friday & Saturday nights, plus open mic on Sunday from noon to 4pm.
Pelham
Simply Southern Cafe
Southern comfort food
Sewanee
Stirling's Coffee House
Campus coffee shop with sandwiches & salads
Sewanee
LUNCH
Farm-to-table restaurant with a rotating breakfast & lunch menu featuring local farmers & provisioners and a market for frozen meals, local meats, cheeses, craft beer, crafts & other gifts.
Sewanee
Green's View Grill
Burgers, hot dogs & gourmet salads adjacent to golf pro shop
Sewanee
Shenanigans
Restaurant & pub featuring sandwiches, pizza and craft beers with a back room "speakeasy" serving fine cocktails and live performance venue featuring regionally touring bands.
Sewanee
Blue Chair Tavern
Appalachian flavors and New Orleans soul, low & slow.
Monteagle
Paco's Cantina
Mexican restaurant and sports bar serving tacos, beer and more
Monteagle
High Point Restaurant
Built inside a 1929 mansion that presumably once was financed by Al Capone, High Point serves a menu of traditional gourmet dishes including Brie en Croute, Blackened Salmon Oscar and Black Thai Duck.
Monteagle
Mountain Goat Market
Killer eats, eclectic finds
Sewanee
La Bella Pearl
Organic Mediterranean fine dining in a villa-style atmosphere
Monteagle
The Depot Cafe
Home cooked Southern food, including burgers, Philly cheese steaks & desserts
Monteagle, Sewanee
Word of Mouth Provisions
Have your vacation rental stocked for your arrival with groceries, welcome meal, charcuterie board, chilled drinks, fresh flowers, and breakfast bakery items.
Monteagle
Mountain Top Restaurant
Bringing innovative techniques and recipes from across the globe to create an exceptional culinary experience. Open Mon-Fri for lunch, Saturday for brunch and Thur-Sat for dinner.
More to Explore
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Tim Graham Mountain Bike Trails
More than 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails on the campus of St. Andrew's-Sewanee School that are open to the public year-round.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Lake Cheston Loop
This easy half-mile trail at the University of the South circumnavigates Lake Cheston, a popular swimming area for the University.
Sewanee
Music & Entertainment
Shenanigans Live Music
Restaurant & pub featuring sandwiches, pizza and craft beers with a back room "speakeasy" serving fine cocktails and live performance venue featuring regionally touring bands.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Bridal Veil Falls Loop
2.7-mile out-and-back hike on the University of the South "domain", starting from Lake Cheston out to Bridal Veil Falls, which disappears into an underground stream. Not recommended during dry months.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Shakerag Hollow
One of the University of the South's most popular hikes - especially when wildflowers are blooming in the spring. Descend into Shakerag Hollow, climb stone stairs up to Green's View.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Caldwell Rim Loop
Moderate 2.7-mile hike at the University of the South, from the Sewanee Visitor Center. It leads to a wooded loop featuring views of Lost Cove
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Lake Dimmick
6-mile out-and-back hike or mountain bike ride starting on the paved Mountain Goat Trail, continuing on a dirt trail to Lake Dimmick, all at the University of the South.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Tennessee Williams Trail
A moderate 2-mile out-and-back hike at the University of the South, from the Sewanee Village to Memorial Cross, with a dramatic overlook of Cowan, below.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Piney Point
2-mile out-and-back hike from the University of the South's Western Gates to a beautiful overlook of Shakerag Hollow
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Morgan's Steep Overlook
A third scenic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee, Morgan’s Steep is also a favorite spot for picnics. Access this adventure by parking at Lake Cheston and hiking 3/4 mile each way to/from Morgan's Steep.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Memorial Cross Overlook
This scenic and historic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee is also a favorite spot for sunsets. Access this adventure from University Avenue via Tennessee Avenue.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Green's View Overlook
A scenic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee, Green’s View is a favorite spot for picnics and sunset views. Access this adventure from University Avenue via Green’s View Road.
Pelham
Outdoor Adventures
The Caverns Cave Tours
Daily cave tours at The Caverns in Pelham include one of the largest underground rooms in the world at over 3 football fields long and a behind-the-scenes tour of the music venue. Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies can take an Adventure Cave Tour to explore deep portions of The Caverns with seasoned cave guides.
Monteagle
Outdoor Adventures
ECO E-bikes
E-bike rental, sales & repair right on the Mountain Goat Trail
Monteagle
Shopping
The Whimsy Willow
Clothing, gifts and home goods boutique with a little something for everyone
Sewanee
History
University of the South
History Awaits at the University of the South
Monteagle
History
Monteagle Sunday School Assembly
One of Nine Surviving Chautauquas
Monteagle
History
The Hotel, The Eagle & College Hijinks
An Epic Tale of Fire, Abduction, Guilt and Repatriation
Monteagle
History
The Mabee Homeplace
A Storied Home with Connections to Al Capone
Monteagle
History
Wrenn's Nest
A place to escape summer heat and yellow fever
Sewanee
Spa & Fitness
Sublime Haven
A mountain sanctuary of sacred rituals—massage, facials, Reiki, reflexology, meditation and sound healing—infused with wild botanicals to restore your glow and renew your soul
Monteagle
Spa & Fitness
Fade Medical Spa
Medical spa services by appointment: hydrafacial, dermal filler, neuromodulators
Sewanee
Spa & Fitness
Bodyworks Youniversity & Mountain Massage
Pilates mat classes, private and duet sessions as well as yoga and YouFit cardio/weight training classes
Monteagle
Outdoor Adventures
Storybook Meadow Trail
This is a 1-mile easy, round trip walk through a meadow with storyboards from a children's book and a forest playground made of logs and ropes -- a great way to introduce the little ones to the joys of hiking! Access this adventure from the Fiery Gizzard State Park Headquarters on US 41 in Monteagle.
Monteagle
History
Werner Military Museum
Unique Military Equipment from a Unique Collector
Monteagle
Outdoor Adventures
Cove Creek Farm
Working farm with indoor & outdoor playgrounds and guided tours
Sewanee
Spa & Fitness
Sarah Sulfridge, LMT
Local Professional Massage Therapist offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Cupping massage to The Mountain.
Monteagle
Music & Nightlife
Music on the Mountain at The Smoke House Patio Grill
Features some of the best artists and songwriters from Nashville every Friday night from 6:30 to 9:30 and every Saturday night from 4:30 to 9:30. Also serving hot food and cold beer, with indoor and outdoor seating options.
Monteagle
Shopping
Mooney's Market & Emporium
Located in a 1939 storefront, The Market is a Natural Foods Grocery, while the Emporium is a collection of "shops". Yarn shop, antiques, houseplants, pottery, African baskets and more.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Woody's Bicycles
A full service bicycle shop offering sales, service, and rentals of bicycles and electric bicycles. Woody's is an authorized Trek and Electra dealer and is a great resource for local trails, routes, and amenities
Monteagle
Outdoor Adventures
Fiery Gizzard State Park Visitor Center
Park info, gift shop, mini-museum and trailhead for a kid-friendly "storybook trail"
Sewanee
Music & Nightlife
University of the South Ralston Listening Library
Million-dollar listening room with world-class collection of recordings
Sewanee
History
University of the South Archives & Museum
University Archives and Special Collections
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Sherwood Loop and Pack Hollow Trails
This is an easy 2.9 mile loop trail at Head of the Crow State Park that includes the Sherwood Natural Bridge and several outstanding overlooks. The new Pack Hollow trail is a spur off the Sherwood Loop Trail. Access both of these adventures from the Pack Hollow Trailhead.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Buggytop Cave
This is a moderately difficult 4-mile roundtrip hike at Head of the Crow State Park takes you to one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee, and the only one from which water normally flows. There are two steep ascent/descent areas; one at each end of this trail. Access this adventure from the Lost Cove West Trailhead.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
The Course at Sewanee
This recently renovated golf course, featuring gorgeous bluff views, is open for play at the University of the South.
Pelham
Outdoor Adventures, Music & Nightlife
The Caverns
A world-renowned destination for live music above and below ground, in beautiful natural settings. It's the home of the PBS TV series The Caverns Sessions, and offers tours of its magical cave system.
Sewanee
Shopping
Taylor's Mercantile
Florist with gift items including collectables, jewelry, stationary, gift baskets and gardening items
Monteagle
Shopping
Oakes & Oliver's Modern Mercantile
Cool vintage items, unique home decor and local handcrafted goods
Sewanee
Shopping
Fine Arts at the Mountain
Full line musical instrument store and music school
Sewanee
Shopping, Arts & Crafts
Frame Gallery Gifts & Art
Full-service custom frame shop with an art gallery that showcases work by local and regional artists and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world
Monteagle
Shopping, Arts & Crafts
Hallelujah Pottery & Full Circle Candles
Locally-crafted pottery, candles and other gifts
Monteagle
Shopping, Arts & Crafts
Highland Bluff Studio
Subtly nerdy soy candles made with all natural soy wax, cotton wicks, and no dyes
Monteagle
History
Highlander Folk School
An historic site on America's journey toward a more just and inclusive society. (Closed for Restoration)
Sewanee
Shopping
Lemon Fair
Clothes, jewelry & accessories, home goods and Sewanee-themed items
Monteagle
History
May Justus Memorial Library
Local library, named for a noted author and teacher who encouraged literacy among area citizens.
Monteagle
Shopping
Mountain Outfitters
Outdoor equipment and apparel store with rock wall inside and permanent 50%-off outlet upstairs
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Sewanee Natural Bridge
A remarkable natural sandstone arch, easily accessible via a 400-foot stair-stepped path from the parking lot. Access this adventure from the Head of the Crow State Park's Natural Bridge Trailhead.
Sewanee
Outdoor Adventures
Abbo's Alley
An easy-to-walk and carefully tended ravine garden at the University of the South in Sewanee.
Monteagle
Shopping
Amish Hippie
One of the quirkiest vintage shops in Tennessee, with clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts, nostalgic souvenirs, vintage posters & stickers, tobacco accessories, t-shirts, Amish soap and baskets.