Chilhowee Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chilhowee Mountain |
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Foothills Parkway approaching Look Rock, on the crest of Chilhowee Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,843 ft (867 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Blount County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Parent range | Great Smoky Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Kinzel Springs (TN) |
Chilhowee Mountain is actually two separate, low mountain ridges in Tennessee, USA. The northern part is on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains. It stretches from the Little Tennessee River in the west to the Little Pigeon River in the east.
The southern part of Chilhowee Mountain is in Polk County. It is found on the outer edge of the Unicoi Mountains. Even though the northern part isn't fully inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a road called the Foothills Parkway crosses its top.
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Exploring Chilhowee Mountain
The northern part of Chilhowee Mountain is about 35 miles (56 km) long. However, it is usually only 3 or 4 miles (5 or 6 km) wide. The Little River cuts right through the middle of this mountain. This creates a large gap near Walland, dividing it into two sections.
Western Section of Chilhowee
The highest point on the western part of the mountain is called Look Rock. It reaches a height of 2,650 feet (808 meters). This spot offers great views.
Eastern Section of Chilhowee
The eastern part has a high point known as "The Three Sisters." This area rises to 2,843 feet (866 meters). It is a very noticeable landmark. You can easily see it from nearby Maryville, Tennessee.
Southern Section of Chilhowee
The southern part of Chilhowee Mountain is about 15 miles (24 km) long. This entire section is located within the Cherokee National Forest. The Ocoee River flows along its southern base. To the north, the Hiwassee River separates it from Starr Mountain. The highest point on this southern section is Oswald Dome. It reaches an elevation of 3,022 feet (921 meters).
What's in a Name?
Chilhowee Mountain gets its name from a Cherokee village. This village was called Chilhowee in the 1700s. Before that, it might have been a Creek village named Chalahume. This name was used by an explorer named Juan Pardo.
The exact meaning of the name "Chilhowee" is not fully clear. There are different ideas about where it came from. It likely comes from either the Muskogean or Cherokee languages.
Images for kids
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Part of the eastern portion of Chilhowee Mountain where the Little River forms a gap separating the mountain into two halves
