Bradley

Located between Chattanooga and Knoxville on I-75, Bradley County is in the middle of one of nature's most beautiful playgrounds. Just 20 minutes away is the beautiful Ocoee River and the site of the Whitewater Venue in the 1996 Olympics. Visitors have come to know Bradley County as the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Hiwassee River is the first designated State Scenic River in Tennessee. The Hiwassee offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking and nature photography as well as skiing, boating and camping on some sections of the river.

Bradley County’s unique history includes the home of the Cherokee Nation whose last Eastern Capitol is now known as Red Clay State Historical Park. It is an interpreted site certified by the National Trail of Tears Association and stands as a reminder of the spot where they were notified of their tragic journey ahead.

There are significant Civil War sites in Bradley County and two Gateway markers explain why President Abraham Lincoln placed a high priority upon capturing and controlling the railroad in the County Seat of Cleveland. This would enable union troops to control the supply lines to the looming battle in Chattanooga in November of 1863.