This page lists all of the things to see and do on the Tennessee side of Viking Mountain Lodge.  

In order to use this guide, simply click on the button below each description that says, "Get Directions from VML" and your browser will open a new tab or window showing a detailed map and driving directions from the cabin as well as distance and approximate travel time. 

Clicking on the name or picture of the place you are interested in will take you the establishment's webpage providing additional information like hours of operation, menus, specials, and contact information. 

Keep in mind, there is no internet access or cell phone service at VML, so if there is anyplace on this page you'd like to go, please print these directions using the printer icon at the top of the map and take them with you to VML. 

Historic Downtown Greeneville

16.5 miles from VML, about 25 minutes

Home of Davy Crockett and President Andrew Johnson, Greeneville is rich in history and culture.  Visit the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, stop by the Nathanael Greene Museum, or get tickets for the Dickson-Williams Mansion Tour at the General Morgan Inn.  Greeneville was once the capital of the lost state of Franklin and today is host to many museums and numerous antique shops throughout it's downtown area.

Appalachian Trail Access 

0.8 miles from VML, about 15 minutes on foot

This is the easiest way to access the AT from the cabin.  Once you turn on Viking Mountain Lane,  walk about half a mile down and you'll see an ancient log cabin on your left.  About a quarter mile past this cabin the road makes a sharp left turn.  The AT is just off to the right along this curve.  If you get to the old cemetery, you've gone too far.  Be on the lookout for the white blazes painted on the trees.

Creekside Market 

6.7 miles from VML, about 11 minutes

Creekside is a typical convenience store that sells gas, food, fishing tackle, and soft serve ice cream. 

Ma & Pa's Restaurant 

6.8 miles from VML, about 13 minutes

Ma & Pa's is a delicious home style restaurant with very reasonable prices and friendly staff.  This is my favorite place to come for breakfast while staying at the cabin.  

Paint Creek Corridor 

6.8 miles from VML, about 15 minutes

You can hike, bike, fish, swim, camp, and picnic in this great little section of the Cherokee National Forest. 

 Jones Meadow

7.5 miles from VML, about 19 minutes

Jones Meadow is a large grassy field near the top of Camp Creek Bald (also known as Bald Mountain or Viking Mountain).  The AT passes close by and is accessible from this spot.  The field is the site of an old ski lodge that was closed down in the 70's.  There is still evidence of some foundations near the overlook. Spectacular views of Greene County abound as well as a picture worthy look at Blackstack Cliffs.   This is definitely worth the trip on a clear day.

 Blackstack Cliffs

7.8 miles from VML, about 30 minutes (0.5 miles on foot) 

Blackstack Cliffs is a natural rock formation that overlooks a steep mountainside.   It is a relatively easy hike from Jones Meadow.  Just follow the driving directions to Jones Meadow, hop out of the car, and follow the trail until it intersects the AT.  Once there, it's just a short hike to the side trial leading to Blackstack Cliffs.

 Nolichucky River Access

9 miles from VML, about 14 minutes

There is a parking area and boat ramp here just below the Nolichucky Dam providing access to some of the best small mouth bass fishing in eastern Tennessee. 

Dudley Falls 

9.3 miles from VML, about 21 minutes

Dudley Falls is a sliding waterfall that dumps into a nice little swimming hole in Paint Creek.  It's a popular area with the locals and part of the Paint Creek Corridor.

Nolichucky View Golf Club 

10.1 miles from VML, about 15 minutes

This is a well maintained and challenging course right at the base of the mountains along the Nolichucky River.  Check the website for hours and rates. 

Margarette Falls 

14.5 miles from VML, about 33 minutes

Margarette Falls is one of the most beautiful and popular waterfalls in this area.  It's a moderately difficult 1.2 mile hike from the parking lot to the sixty foot falls. 

Ingles Market 

14.8 miles from VML, about 21 minutes

Ingles is the closest full-fledged grocery store to the cabin.  They have a friendly staff and carry anything you could possibly need.  There is a card on the keychain for the cabin that will allow you to get membership discounts, so bring it with you to the register!

Walgreens 

15.5 miles from VML, about 22 minutes

This is a standard Walgreens drugstore including a photo center and a pharmacy in case you leave your medications at home.

 Ace Hardware

15.6 miles from VML, about 23 minutes

This is a typical hardware store and the best place to swap out propane tanks for the gas grill if need be. 

 Nathanael Greene Museum

16.5 miles from VML, about 25 minutes

The Nathanael Greene Museum features twelve permanent galleries and twelve walk-through exhibits encompassing the rich history of Greeneville and the surrounding region.  The museum is named after a famous revolutionary war general, as is the town and county.

Greeneville Antique Market 

16.8 miles from VML, about 26 minutes

This is a large three story antique shop located right in the middle of downtown Greeneville. 

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site 

16.9 miles from VML, about 26 minutes

Here you can learn all about our 17th president. The site includes his family homestead, a visitor's center, and the national cemetery where Andrew Johnson is laid to rest.  Tickets for the tour are also available at the General Morgan Inn in the heart of downtown Greeneville.

Dickson-Williams Mansion 

16.9 miles from VML, about 26 minutes

Designed and constructed (1815 - 1821) by Irish craftsmen Thomas Battersby and John Hoy, this house was built by Greeneville's first postmaster, William Dickson, for his daughter, Catharine (Mrs. Alexander Williams). Marquis de LaFayette, Presidents Jackson and Polk, Henry Clay, Davy Crockett, and Frances Hodgsen Burnett were visitors.  It served as headquarters for both Confederate and Union officers.  Confederate General John Hunt Morgan spent his last night here before being killed in the garden on September 4, 1864.

Mustang Alley Riding Stables 

19.7 miles from VML, about 34 minutes

Mustang Alley Horse Rescue, Inc is a non-profit horse rescue, dedicated to the horses of Northeast Tennessee and the surrounding areas, to provide a safe and secure home for unwanted, abused, abandoned or neglected horses, mules, donkeys and ponies. Fun rides for a great cause!

Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park 

29.5 miles from VML, about 43 minutes

105 acres with a museum, a replica of the original cabin, fishing in the Nolichucky River, a swimming pool, picnic tables, and a campground.