Visit the Ocoee Region when Nature Puts on Her Finery and We Put on a Show!

Fall
Autumn has arrived in the Ocoee Region as the foothills of the Appalachians surrounding us turn from green to rich gold, orange and red. With it comes cooler weather, a carpet of leaves under your feet and the most beautiful blue sky you’ve ever seen. Autumn also brings a tide of events, so many in fact, that there’s almost one for every falling leaf you’ll see!

September
Black Bear Rampage
A 42-mile mountain bike race utilizing the best trails of the Tanasi Trail System in the Cherokee National Forest. Sponsored by Scott’s Bicycle Centre of Cleveland. (423) 472-9891.

October
Nillie Bipper Arts-and-Crafts Festival
This outdoor arts-and-crafts festival show features over 75 exhibits that consist of food booths, entertainment and handcrafted arts-and-crafts items. First full weekend in October. Tri-State Exhibition Center. (423)478-3114.

Mainstreet Cleveland Halloween Block Party
A safe alternative to trick-or-treating held in Downtown Cleveland on Halloween night. Various community organizations set up food vendor booths complemented by two stages of live music, candy and games for the kids…there’s even a costume contest! Last year’s crowd topped 20,000. Admission is free. Donations accepted. Begins at 5 p.m. Presented by Mainstreet Cleveland. (423) 479-1000.

November
The Craft Palette
Christmas crafts and items on display and for sale. Cleveland Creative Arts Guild. November 1- December 31. (423) 478-3114.

Lee University Homecoming
This occasion on the university campus features annual events such as a music festival, the Homecoming Basketball game, anniversary reunions for campus organizations, traditional class reunions, a fall drama production and much more. (423) 614-8000.

Cherokee Heritage Wildlife Weekend
View thousands of sandhill cranes as they migrate to the Hiwassee River Wildlife Refuge. Meigs County Tourism, (423) 334-3923.