Ride Royal Blue ATV Resort and Campground

The Great Outdoors

In addition to over 600 miles of off-road trails, Royal Blue WMA is considered “an important bird area” by Audubon. Bird lovers, ornithologists, and photographers will enjoy exploring the wooded mountains in search of rare, elusive birds like cerulean warblers and golden-winged warblers, which are rarely found anywhere outside these mountains. While hiking or riding the trails, keep an eye out. There are several remnants of bygone civilizations dotting the lonely woods. Here, and there, there are foundations that evince at long-abandoned homes, overgrown cemeteries, and low stone walls from forgotten farms. Although most of the trails in 200,000-acre Royal Blue WMA are designated for off-road vehicles, there are a few miles of maintained trails for hiking and horseback riding.Nearby North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area is considered one of the best places in the region for wildlife watching. Elks have been reintroduced to the Royal Blue Ridge mountains, and a viewing tower has been constructed to give wildlife lovers a better and safer way to view them as they graze in a fresh airy meadow. North Cumberland WMA, encompassing over 150,000 acres, is dotted by waterfalls, many of which disappear just as quickly as they appear in springtime.Nearby Chuck Swan State Forest adds another 25,000 acres of wilderness. In a state known for its logging industry, it may be surprising to learn that a large portion of the trees in this region was left untouched. The old-growth virgin woods are centuries old. They harbor creatures like coyotes, foxes, deer, elk, and other small game.

Exploring the Area

In remote Tennessee, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there isn’t anything to do in the small mountain towns. On the contrary, many small towns have charming gift shops, antique stores, and historical societies or museums that honors its heritage and culture. Based in Clinton, the Museum of Appalachia is a living-history Smithsonian Museum. Over 250,000 artifacts, tools, maps, photographs, and other items are on display in three separate buildings. Guests are also encouraged to explore the other buildings, which consist of 35 log cabins, churches, and barns. Get a glimpse into what life was like in the Appalachia boonies.Knoxville boasts a few museums, art galleries, and a variety of shopping options. Among its more curious attractions is the Airplane Gas Station, which is part art exhibit, part a working business (the type of business can vary from year to year).At the end of a long day of adventuring and exploring, kick up your heels outside an Airstream rental, and watch the night sky. In rural Tennessee, where light pollution is minimal, stars twinkle almost as brightly as the moon, and on a moonless night, the starlight is bright enough to cast a shadow.