Sparta Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Cumberland Plateau, Sparta, Tennessee, is a charming city known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community. Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque lakes, Sparta offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the stunning Virgin Falls State Natural Area, which boasts cascading waterfalls, rugged trails, and diverse wildlife. For a more leisurely experience, they can take a scenic drive along the Upper Cumberland Quilt Trail, admiring the colorful barn quilts that dot the countryside.

History buffs will delight in the city's heritage, as Sparta is home to several historic sites and landmarks. The White County Courthouse, a grand neoclassical structure dating back to 1886, is a must-see for architecture aficionados. The nearby Rock House State Historic Site, built in the early 1800s, offers a glimpse into the region's pioneer past with its well-preserved log cabins and period furnishings. Additionally, the Liberty Square Antique Mall provides an opportunity to peruse a wide array of vintage treasures and unique collectibles.

Sparta's vibrant community is celebrated through its annual events and festivals, which showcase the city's culture and hospitality. The Liberty Square Celebration, held each July, features live music, local artisans, and a variety of delicious food vendors. Visitors can also experience the city's Southern charm by exploring its quaint downtown area, lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and friendly locals eager to share their favorite spots.

Alternative names: Founded: 1809 (215 years ago)Population: 5.1 thous.Area: 6.74 mi²Elevation: 915 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°56'49"N, 85°27'57"W

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TennesseeUnited States

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Sparta Top Attractions

Sparta Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sparta offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Burgess Falls, Scott's Gulf, White County Heritage Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

State park • Nature and wildlife • Waterfall
Burgess Falls
The Burgess Falls is a cascade waterfall on the Falling Water River located within the Burgess Falls State Park, in Putnam and White counties, Tennessee, in the United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Scott's Gulf
Scott's Gulf is a canyon situated along the Caney Fork River in White County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The canyon stretches for approximately 18 miles as the Caney Fork drops from the top of the Cumberland Plateau down to the eastern Highland Rim.
35°55'24"N • 85°27'53"W
White County Heritage Museum
Specialty museum • History museum • Museum

Day trips

Sparta – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sparta, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fall Creek Falls (Pikeville), Cane Creek Falls (Pikeville), Old Stone Fort (Manchester).

20 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville
Fall Creek Falls is a 256-foot tall sheer-drop waterfall located in Fall Creek Falls State Park near Spencer, Tennessee. It is the tallest waterfall of such kind east of the Mississippi River. A short trail leads from the parking lot atop the plateau down to the base of the gorge, giving access to the waterfall's plungepool.
21 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Cane Creek Falls, Pikeville
Cane Creek Falls is an 85-foot plunge waterfall located along Cane Creek near Spencer, Tennessee, above the creek's confluence with Rockhouse Creek and Fall Creek.
48 milesSW
Historical place, State park, Nature and wildlife
Old Stone Fort, Manchester
The Old Stone Fort is a prehistoric Native American structure located in Coffee County, Tennessee, in the Southeastern United States. The structure was most likely built between 80 and 550 AD during the Middle Woodland period.
21 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Cane Creek Cascades, Pikeville
Cane Creek Cascades is a 45 feet cascade located along Cane Creek, just above Cane Creek Falls. The falls are located near Spencer, Tennessee in Fall Creek Falls State Park.
40 milesSE
Historical place, History museum, Museum
Rhea County Courthouse, Dayton
The Rhea County Courthouse is a historic county courthouse in the center of Dayton, the county seat of Rhea County, Tennessee. Built in 1891, it is famous as the scene of the Scopes Trial of July 1925, in which teacher John T. Scopes faced charges for including Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in his public school lesson.