County Profile: Bledsoe
Bledsoe County
Grand Division: East Tennessee
County Seat: Pikeville
Population (2023 estimate): 15,060
Credit: Visit Pikeville
One of Tennessee’s greatest jewels lies partly in Bledsoe County: Fall Creek Falls State Park.
While the falls themselves lie in neighboring Van Buren County, the proximity to them is enough for the Pikeville tourism folks to dub the town “The Gateway to Fall Creek Falls State Park.” As majestic as those falls are, the gateway matches in natural beauty and small-town charm.
Credit: Visit Pikeville
Bledsoe County was founded in 1807, during the second term of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. Nature divided it into three distinct regions, according to the Tennessee Encyclopedia — the Sequatchie Valley, Cumberland Plateau, and the Walden Ridge. Named for Revolutionary War veteran Anthony Bledsoe, settlers were drawn to area on the promise of a fertile valley.
In 1816, Pikeville was established as the county seat. Its original 30 acres were sold to its commissioners at the time for $110.25. The town served as a supply and trade center for locals and as a stop along a stage route from Knoxville to Huntsville, Alabama.
Catch up on even more history in a geocaching tour (like a scavenger hunt with clues on your phone) on the Bledsoe GeoTour. Through its 41 locations, you’ll learn why the county has been called “Bloody Bledsoe,” fueled by years of national strife, moonshine wars, and family feuds. The tour will also take you to outdoor adventure, great food, charming communities, and spectacular views.
In Pikeville, a half-mile trail follows the same path the first European settlers of Tennessee and Native Americans walked to an overlook at Devilstep Hollow Cave. The Falcon Warrior Trail begins at the birthplace of the Sequatchie River and meanders gently to the cave. Devilstep Hollow Cave was an important ceremonial site and is home to some of the most archaeologically significant pictographs, petroglyphs, and mud glyphs in the southeastern United States.
If adventuring has you famished, head back to Pikeville proper. Stop at Scottie’s Restaurant for a diner feel and fan-favorite burgers and fries. Stop for pint at Bankwalker Brewing Co. Kids can find their favorites at Pizza King and Embers Ice Cream.
Don’t miss Pikeville this August. It lies on the route of The 127 Yard Sale, known as the world’s longest yard sale. It stretches across six states and covers a total of 690 miles of shopping fun. It’s the weekend of August 7th.
