Coalfield is a coal-country community on the Cumberland Plateau, and it wears its name honestly. Coal was discovered here in the late 19th century, and the town grew up around the mines. Today it's a quiet community with some of the best off-roading and outdoor access in Morgan County.
The town was named for the coal mines that drove its early economy, and that history is still everywhere in the hills around it. The old mine sites are long quiet, but the rolling hills and forests the miners lived among are now the playground: hiking, hunting, and off-roading in every direction.
The town's social hub. Coalfield has no brick-and-mortar restaurants, so the Coalfield Crossroads Food Truck Park on Knoxville Highway, between Windrock and Brushy, fills the gap with rotating food trucks every day. Coco Loco is a mainstay. There's cornhole, giant beer pong, and a family-friendly field. Check their page for the day's lineup.
About five miles east, Windrock Park is 73,000 acres with over 300 miles of trails. Mountain bikers and off-roaders come from across the country to ride here. Even if you don't ride, the overlooks are worth the drive up. Trail passes are required for OHV and mountain bike use.
Less than 10 miles north in Petros, the historic prison (opened 1896, closed 2009) is one of Tennessee's most popular day trips. Self-guided tours, a museum, concerts and events, the End of the Line distillery making Tennessee moonshine, and The Warden's Table for Southern BBQ. Check tourbrushy.com for seasonal hours.
The 24,000-acre state park is an easy drive from Coalfield, with 50-plus miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and the 360-degree observation deck atop the 3,324-foot summit. Free admission, open 8 a.m. to sunset. Home of the infamous Barkley Marathons.
The Emory is accessible from several points in the area for fishing and kayaking. Smallmouth, rock bass, and catfish keep anglers busy, and the quiet stretches are perfect for a slow paddle.
Every October, nearby Oliver Springs hosts the October Sky Festival at Arrowhead Park, celebrating the town's coal mining heritage (and the movie filmed about it). Vendors, crafts, live music, and small-town fall festival energy. Worth the short drive.
Coalfield has no grocery store and no sit-down restaurants, so plan around that. Food City in Oliver Springs is the closest full-service grocery. The food truck park is the local dining scene. Gas up before heading into the hills, and give yourself extra time on the plateau roads.
Coal was discovered in the area in the late 19th century, and the town was named for the coal mining industry that built it.
The Coalfield Crossroads Food Truck Park on Knoxville Highway has rotating food trucks daily, plus games and a family-friendly field. For sit-down dining, Oliver Springs and Harriman are a short drive.
About five miles east. It's one of the closest towns to the park, which is why you'll see so many trailers and toy haulers on the road.
An annual October festival in nearby Oliver Springs celebrating the area's coal mining heritage. It's held at Arrowhead Park with vendors, crafts, and live music.
Food City in Oliver Springs is the closest full-service grocery option for Coalfield residents.
Exploring Morgan County? See Morgan County homes for sale and the Wartburg town guide from Real Estate Concepts.