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
Highlights
The Caverns
A world-renowned destination for live music in beautiful natural settings above and below ground, home of the PBS television series The Caverns Sessions (formerly Bluegrass Underground), and a magical cave system for different skill levels of exploration.
Head of the Crow State Park
Features two beautiful natural sandstone arches -- Sewanee Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge Trailhead) and Sherwood Natural Bridge (Pack Hollow Trailhead). It's also home to "Buggytop Cave," one of Tennessee's only publicly accessible cave openings with an underground river spilling out of its mouth.
The 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
Places to Stay
Sewanee
Caver's Paradise
Campground for cavers only with 11 RV hookups, shaded tent camping and direct hiking access to a nearby cave
Monteagle
Terralodge
Luxury domes and treehouses in a wooded setting
Sewanee
The Grove Airstream Campground
3 vintage Airstream trailers in a private campground
Monteagle
Monteagle Inn
A charming bed & breakfast with 13 rooms, a cottage, and a conference room located conveniently in downtown Monteagle.
Monteagle
The Edgeworth Inn
Historic bed & breakfast located within the historic Monteagle Assembly
Monteagle
South Cumberland Concierge
Exclusive, luxury vacation homes in Monteagle and Sewanee
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
Trailhead Cabins
Four cabins located near the South Cumberland Welcome Center
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
Altamont, Monteagle, Tracy City, Coalmont, Beersheba Springs
South Cumberland Getaways
SCG is the fastest growing vacation rental management company in the region.
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
Places to Eat
Sewanee
Stirling's Coffee House
Campus coffee shop with sandwiches & salads
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.
Sewanee
Natural Bridge Events
Whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a bustling reception, Natural Bridge Events can design an experience that is personal and distinctive.
Sewanee
Blue Chair Tavern
Appalachian flavors and New Orleans soul, low & slow.
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
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
Green's View Grill
Burgers, hot dogs & gourmet salads adjacent to golf pro shop
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.
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.
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
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.
Monteagle
Mountain Goat Market
Killer eats, eclectic finds
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.
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
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.
Monteagle
Paco's Cantina
Mexican restaurant and sports bar serving tacos, beer and more