Nestled along the calm, winding banks of the Hiwassee River, Calhoun, Tennessee, is a place that doesn’t rush to impress with high-rise buildings or modern attractions, but it leaves a lasting impression all the same. As the oldest town in McMinn County, Calhoun has quietly kept pace with the changing currents of river life, the shifts in local industry, and the steady spirit of small-town Southern living.

While it might be easy to bypass on the way to larger destinations, those who trek just three miles off I-75 North pause to find something refreshingly rare: a town where community still comes first, the porch swing still has a purpose, and the natural beauty of the region feels close enough to touch

And for those who take that detour, Calhoun offers something more lasting than a quick visit: a chance to walk through Tennessee history that still feels lived-in today.

Calhoun City Manager, Joe Bryan has this message for folks regarding the small town:

“Calhoun, being the oldest town in McMinn County, still retains its small-town charm. A rich Cherokee history, the scenic beauty of the Hiwassee River, and friendly people await all who visit here.”

Let’s explore what makes this area so special and why it deserves a spot on your must-visit list the next time you’re craving a deeper connection with nature.

A River Town With Deep Roots

Founded in the early 1800s and the oldest town in McMinn County, Calhoun carries the legacy of Tennessee’s early development. The first railroad bridge in Tennessee that crossed a river is in Calhoun and still has the original stone piers erected prior to 1850. Once a strategic stop on river trade routes and home to one of the state’s first textile mills, the town has managed to hold on to its historical roots while gently adapting to the times.

Strolling through Calhoun, visitors might pass historic churches, original storefronts, and well-kept homes that tell a quiet but proud story. For example, The Saulpaw Mansion, a large Victorian home dating back to the late 1800s, boasts character and charm directly off Church Street in Calhoun. Its grandeur showcases the home’s original character. The home is still maintained and has hosted many galas and events over the years, according to the Discover Calhoun.

Other historic attractions include the Saulpaw Mill Dam and two cemeteries that house the graves of a former Tennessee Governor and notable members of the Cherokee tribe.

For descendants of the Cherokee native families who once lived throughout the Hiwassee District, Calhoun remains more than a quiet riverside town; it is a return to ancestral ground. The surrounding area is seen as sacred, a living connection to those who came before, and a landscape that still holds the stories of loss, resilience, and belonging.

Calhoun’s story isn’t only found in its buildings and landmarks – it flows right through the center of town, carried by the waters of the Hiwassee River.

Where the River Leads

At the heart of Calhoun’s charm lies the Hiwassee River. The Hiwassee River Blueway is a 55-mile stretch of river that flows directly through Calhoun, where paddlers, kayakers, and water enthusiasts can often be seen enjoying the warmer months during spring and summer. The only public access point to the Hiwassee in McMinn County is in Calhoun, so the river is woven into the very identity of the town. In 2016, the City of Calhoun began a series of events known as “River Town Days” to promote tourism, education, and entertainment with the focus centering around the river.

That deep connection to the river has inspired both tradition and transformation. With help from a recent tourism enhancement grant, Calhoun is making thoughtful improvements that embrace its riverside charm while welcoming new visitors.

Thanks to a state-supported tourism enhancement grant, this cozy Tennessee town is setting the stage for even more riverside fun. The grant, designed to boost tourism infrastructure and local economies, is helping Calhoun roll out some delightful upgrades. Upgrades will include new fishing and swimming docks with kayak launching points, upgrades to the park, and trail development to the Hiwassee River overlook. Whether you’re eager to launch a kayak, try your luck with a fishing rod, or just kick back and enjoy the peaceful river views, Calhoun is making sure there’s a perfect spot waiting just for you.

To learn more about the Hiwassee River Blueway, visit hiwasseeblueway.com

Rolling on the River

These new additions set the perfect stage for Calhoun’s signature summer celebration: Rolling on the River.

Every July, Calhoun comes alive with the Rolling on the River festival, a celebration of the natural beauty of the riverfront. This annual event is family-friendly and will kick off with a duck race for charity, a cardboard boat regatta race at 10 a.m., excursions on the Hiwassee Queen until 3 p.m., canoe and kayak tours to Hidden Meadows and the Cherokee detention camp, and the day ends with “Glow with the Flow” tours to the Hidden Meadows.

Glow with the flow, a night-time kayak paddle event, caps off the evening with glowing kayaks and paddleboards lighting up the river. The festival draws locals and visitors alike, all eager to experience the charm and spirit of this riverside town.

Why Does Calhoun Deserve a Spot on Your Map?

Beyond one weekend a year, Calhoun offers a lasting kind of appeal—one that’s rooted in authenticity and a deep sense of place.

You won’t find big box stores or fast-paced attractions in Calhoun—and that’s exactly the point. What you’ll discover is a peaceful river ideal for paddling, a town rich in Tennessee heritage, and a community excited for its future. Tourism enhancement grants and other collaborative initiatives are helping to refortify the area as something more than just a quick stop off I-75.

Whether you’re launching a kayak at sunrise, exploring hidden corners of local history, or simply enjoying the quiet simplicity of river life, Calhoun invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

From riverbanks to historic backroads, Calhoun may not boast grand attractions, but what it offers is something harder to find: a genuine welcome and a place to slow down.

This isn’t a place trying to be anything it’s not. Calhoun is comfortable in its own skin, and after a visit, you might just feel the same.

General Information about Rollin on the River: The event takes place on July 26 at the Hiwassee River Access Point on Cherokee Crossing. Glow With the Flow takes place at 9 p.m. on both July 26-27. There is no charge for any of the events. Additional information and registration forms can be found at www.calhounrivertown.com on the festival page, or by calling City Hall at 423-336-2348.

Sources
Discover Calhoun. http://www.calhounrivertown.com/discover-calhoun.html
Hiwassee River Blueway. https://hiwasseeblueway.com