The Many Attractions in Tennessee's Benton and Polk Counties

Many people may think that Benton, Tennessee, is a small town with nothing to do. Many people who live in the city don't even take the time to find the things around town that are free to attend and very romantic in nature. Not only are there things to do during summer and no more are the romantic dates stuck picnicking or simply looking at the paint pallet of leaves during autumn. Benton has many attractions that can be fun and entertaining or quiet and serene. Benton has waterfalls, caves, hiking trails, national forest, and a lake. It also has most of the rafting companies for the Ocoee River.

Benton is mainly known for the bear attacks that happened back in the summer of 2006. Yes it is true that we have our wildlife, but this is not any different than things happening anywhere else in the world. The attack happened on the trails of Chilhowie and although tragic, things of this nature are rare here in the Cherokee National Forest. There is a variety of wildlife in the forest however brutal attacks do not happen regularly. Benton is located in the heart of Polk County and is just minutes from Cleveland, Tennessee.

The trails of Chilhowie have many destinations. You can circle the lake, go to Benton Falls, go around the mountain, or find a quiet place to picnic. My favorite place to go is Benton Falls. This waterfall is beautiful and romantic. The walk is strenuous if you're not accustomed to walking very much, but it is well worth it. When you reach the bottom you can see the falls towering above you. You can walk through the water and sit on a big rock near the bottom and feel the mist from the falls while you look at the wonderful smelling magnolia trees that surround you. The feeling is like one of a fairy tail. Such a place as this is the perfect and ideal place to propose to someone that is if you can convince them to take a long walk in the woods. The trails are also perfect for biking and hiking. Anytime you enter the national forest just be sure to abide by the rules and be smart if you do run into any animals.