Morgan County was first inhabited by Woodland Indians and later used by Cherokees as a hunting ground. Settlement began soon after the Indian title of the land was extinguished in 1805. The county was formed in 1817 and named after General Daniel Morgan. Colonization of the Wartburg area was first by German and Swiss settlers and later the English.
STEP 1: First Meeting on February 14, 2006. Click here for community identified assets
STEP 2: Detailed Drive Through Morgan County showing signage and business locations. Click here for Adobe PDF File.
STEP 3: Photo Tour of Morgan County. Click herefor Adobe PDF File.
STEP 4: Visitor Analysis and Recommendations. Click here for Adobe PDF File.
STEP 5: Map Created of Attractions and Offerings:
Morgan County has State Parks, National Parks and Wildlife Management Areas to enjoy. Is home to the Obed Wild and Scenic River. It is probably best known for its excellent opportunities for mountain biking. Estimated to be over 1,000 miles of off-road trails in this area. Primary areas of Mountain Biking are:
Frozen Head State Park - Contact (423) 346-3318. Includes a 7 mile Jeep Road climb to tower (2000 ft in 3 miles)
15 mile trail system at Lone Mountain State Park (423) 346-6655.Noted by Mountain bikers to be one of the best trails in the southeast.
Beginner scenic ride overlooking the Obed and Clear Creek (423) 346-6295.
Scenic road and trails for long or short rides in the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area
Nemo Bridge Access - (road leading to it is from the square in Wartburg). At pull-in, there is a picnic area, interpretive information board, restroom facilities and parking. In close proximity is Rock Creek Campground which as 12 sites consisting of tent pad, picnic table, cooking grill and lantern pole. No electricity or water. "On your honor" fee system.
Jett Bridge Access - Includes restrooms, picnic area, interpretive information board and parking.
Lilly Bridge Access & Overlook (see photos below) - includes restroom facilities, interpretive information board, parking, easy river access (not handicapped accessible). View from the bridge is wonderful. Up the road is the overlook which has ample parking, restroom facilities, interpretive signage area, picnic area, well marked trails, benches, breathtaking overlook and extensive decking out over the bluff.
11,000 acres, visitor center, picnic area, primitive camping and campground, recreational facilities, hiking trails including an 8-mile trek to the top of Frozen Head Mountain. Scenic waterfalls, ranks second only to Great Smoky Mountains in varieties of wildflowers. Trout fishing. (423) 346-3318.
Morgan County is home to the Cumberland Trail State Park, Tennessee's first linear State Park. The trail runs through parts of Frozen Head, Bird Mountain, Wartburg and to the historic Nemo Bridge on the Emory River. Many trails open for hikers all along this route.
80,000 acres total - 40,000 are located in Morgan County. Game animals: whitetail deer, wild boar, wild turkey, bobcat, rabbit, quail, grouse, squirrel. Camping and hunting are allowed. Considered the "Crown Jewell" of WMA's because of its size, beauty and outdoor activities. (800) 262-6704.
The river passes through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide range of natural and historic features. Recreation: camping, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and fishing.
Located near Petros, a maximum security facility. The Tennessee Department of Correction offers tours of the facilities to school groups, local law enforcement, community organizations and historical buffs. The museum is located in the front of the century old prison. It was est. in 1996. Although small in size, it offers curiosity seekers an opportunity to view old record books, photos and articles written about the prison including details of the brief escape of James Earl Ray. Brushy Mountain Prison was built with stones mined on the property and has an underground creek flowing beneath the prison.
Deer Lodge
Weidemann Hotel - Historical Society known for its Annual 4th of July Event.
Sunbright
Home of the Bluehole Canoe
Lou's Restaurant
Fire Station
Park/Playground
City Hall
Public Library
Wartburg - County Seat and Staging area for the County.
Much more to add coming soon.
Historic Courthouse.
Welcome Sign
Courthouse/Gazebo
Courthouse/Shops
Flower Shop
Lancing
A few homes, churches, post office and some abandoned buildings are nearly all that remain of a once bustling railroad town.
1887 Church
Home
Oakdale
Oakdale has its roots in the railroad. In the 1880s, Cincinnati Ohio build a railroad route through the mountainous terrain and started a hotel for its railroad workers. The hotel was named Babahatchie which was the river's name and meant "babbling waters." The town prospered for years after the turn of the century.
WMTH CORPORATION PO BOX 51153 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42102 PHONE (270) 781-6858 FAX 781-2949
