Chilhowee Recreation Area 3171 U.S. 64, Benton, TN 37307

"Pretty great views but don't let Google maps fool you. If you are not going on the paved Oswald road, you will have a tough time. There are 3 entrances to chilhowee and the paved one is the best one to do for leisure by far."

"We stayed at the campground in F loop. Very quiet place. Loved our week here. Medium size campground, crazy road up here, but doable. We had warm weather in late September/Oct. Some bugs, but not awful. Not fall here yet, but it is 2000 ft elevation. Bunch of hiking trails, but nothing spectacular. Benton falls is over rated and was very congested on a Saturday afternoon. They run hounds in the woods on the weekend, lots of barking. Hosts were real nice, thanks! Oh and the campsites in F were well spaced and private ."

"Our visit to the Chilhowee Recreation Area was a perfect Sunday getaway. It offered a blend of scenic drives, serene lakeside moments, and the breathtaking beauty of Benton Waterfall. It's a place where nature's wonders can be fully appreciated, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a peaceful escape in the great outdoors."

"Dont be misled by some of the photos on other reviews. Many of those great shots are of areas nearby, not the Chilhowee Recreation Area itself. I parked here to hike the trail to Benton Falls. Day use costs $3. You will need a pen to fill out the parking pass. I didn't have one. The picnic areas are nice and plenty. There are good bathroom stations and several wash spigots near the sidewalk to get the sand and dirt off of you. I was not impressed with the little beach area or the pond. The water was murky, with logs and trash in it. I avoided it. There were no pamphlets or maps in the holders. I took a pic of the map on the pay station. Finding any trail head is a challenge. And once you do, focus on the color of your trail, painted on the trees, because the signs rarely reassure you that you are still on the right path. The trail to Benton Falls is quite a hike, but wide and easy, most of the way. It is not handicap accessible. Once there, you descend stone steps to the bottom where you navigate boulders to find a spot to chill."

"I lived in the area for past 13 years and had no idea about this wonderful area. Thanks to my colleagues I am aware now. Great weekend visit place. Awesome views and great infrastructure."