Discover Monteagle: Trails, History, and the Market

Monteagle offers several points of interest to consider when planning a trip: local history, the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly’s summer program, and the weekly Farmers’ Market. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can also plan your travel dates around these interests. For hiking, there is specific information about the Mountain Goat Trail, the Fiery Gizzard Trail, and the Grundy Forest natural area.

Local History and Cultural Sites

Monteagle was initially called Moffat Station. In 1870, John Moffat purchased 1,146 acres of forested land on the Cumberland Plateau. The history of the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly is also part of the town’s development: the Assembly has been in existence since 1882 and held its first session on July 17, 1883. The two dates mark different stages in its history.

The Assembly’s summer program includes tennis, pickleball, yoga, and hiking excursions. The program and participation requirements may vary by season. If you’re planning to take part in one of these activities, keep its seasonal nature in mind and check the participation requirements.

The Highlander Folk Library building in Monteagle was a meeting place for labor organizers, educators, civil rights leaders, and community activists. They gathered there to learn, exchange ideas, and develop strategies for change.

Thursday Market Visit

The Fresh Mess Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Harton Park in downtown Monteagle. It offers fresh produce, crafts, and other products from local artisans. Visitors can eat, barter, and use the playground at Harton Park. Operations, vendors, and available activities may vary seasonally, so check the current schedule and conditions before your visit.

Sam H. Werner Military Museum

The Sam H. Werner Military Museum’s collection includes objects from World War I to the present day. When planning a visit, distinguish between the static outdoor exhibits and group tours: the outdoor exhibits are accessible year-round, around the clock, seven days a week. Check the current conditions before your trip. Group tours are available by request; if you’re planning a tour, confirm the date in advance.

Trails and Natural Areas

The Mountain Goat Trail opened on September 5, 2026. For access to the trail, parking at Mountain Outfitters or Monteagle City Hall in Monteagle is recommended. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is a 12.5-mile, one-way hiking route connecting Grundy Forest with Foster Falls. When planning, account for the one-way route rather than treating it as a loop.

Grundy Forest is on the southwest side of Tracy City and is operated by Tennessee State Parks. The natural area offers parking, several miles of hiking trails, backcountry overnight stays, and a picnic shelter. The description of several trails in Grundy Forest differs from the specific length and one-way route of the Fiery Gizzard Trail.

Another activity is swimming: hikers can swim in Fiery Gizzard Creek in South Cumberland State Park. Conditions may vary seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Kimball.

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