Top Reasons to Visit Sneedville in Hancock County, TN

Although it is off of the beaten track, there are lots of reasons why visitors should visit Sneedville, TN in Hancock County. If you are one of the many who feel that life is a journey you will enjoy your visit.

Sneedville, TN is tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee. The road has switchbacks. If you aren't local you may not be used to driving them. I'm not the best mountain driver and always cringe but manage to drive the roads and enjoy doing so. If I didn't, I wouldn't travel there.

Breathtaking, stunning scenery is one of the reasons to visit Sneedville, TN but is far from the only reason. Like any other city, there are several ways to get there. All of these are beautiful. The best way to find the town is to create an online map.

Travelers who are used to constant cell phone service need to be aware that mountains anywhere mean intermittent cell phone signals. Earlier this year I switched from Virgin Mobile cell phone service to Straight Talk which uses Verizon towers. There were still dead spots but I had noticeably fewer dead spots on the last trip than on any of the other times that I've been there. Visitors who are used to using their cell phones constantly should plan for limited service.

In addition to the beautiful scenery there is another reason to visit Sneedville. The Appalachian Quilt Trail that runs through Hancock County contains some of the best panels that this writer has seen so far. There are several quilt panels scattered throughout the county. These are painted panels that are displayed on public or private property. Each of these quality panels make their own special mark on the countryside.

The people of Hancock County are proud, smart and independent. They are highly self-sufficient and resilient. They work hard. Family is a priority. These are all lessons that parts of the rest of our country can learn from.

Some live in poverty but not everyone. Almost all of the people I've met through the years have taken pride in a life well lived. They believe in a job well done. Their quality workmanship is evident on the painting of these quilt panels and in the local products produced in Sneedville.

History is another of the reasons to visit Sneedville. According to the website of the Hancock County Historical and Genealogical Society the first settlement in the area may have been 1795 although there is some evidence that another group of people may have predated that settlement.

The 4th annual Jimmy Martin Memorial Bluegrass festival draws a crowd. The event lasts for two days. This website details the location, times and other information.

Travelers will find that the best times of year to visit are during the fall, spring and summer. During the autumn you can expect to see brilliant fall foliage. The mountains are also breathtaking in spring and during the summer.

Like with any trip, visitors will get more from this travel experience by researching and planning the stops for your visit. More information about Sneedville can be found here and here.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Overhome Sneedville
City-Data.com
Hancock County Historical and Genealogical Society