Visit the McCloud Restaurant and Lodge

It's our first time at McCloud Restaurant in LaFollette, Tennessee.  We had no idea that you have to make a reservation.  You cannot drive the road going to the mountain  unless you have reservations at the restaurant or to their lodge.  From the public highway it is a two plus mile drive on a paved two lane private road.  At first I was apprehensive about going to eat somewhere that requires a reservation. My assumption was that it would be high society, minimum dress code required, with a menu I can’t pronounce and prices I couldn’t afford. Turns out that I was completely wrong. The food is average, but the view is what really makes this place. 

There is a gate guard at the bottom of the mountain. The process is -- you call the restaurant phone number to make reservation. They will ask your name, telephone number, and how many in your party. They will alert the guard that you are coming and when.  But in our case since it was a last minute plan we ask if there is an available spot for us.  Luckily there is, since the restaurant wasn't too busy that day they let us check  in without any reservation.

This restaurant has an elevation of about 2700 feet above the sea level.  If you look at the view map on the table,  you will be able to locate the Clinch Mountain which is the part of Appalachian, the Great Smoky Mountain, several peeks of Norris Lake and other cities.   The food is not out of this world, but it's not bad either.  It's a bit expensive for what it is, but you really don't go for the food. The view takes your breath away.  And you can sit in the restaurant and look out all the big windows at the view.  It's really hard to even concentrate.

We would most likely return a different time of the year for a different view.

The Lodge with a view!

They have huge decks that you can go out and sit down and look. I think everyone needs to experience this for themselves.  This photo don't even do it justice. 

With soaring cliffs and majestic arches, Mt. Cloud Mountain is an awe-inspiring place to visit. One of the most beautiful landscape in Tennessee with sights!

Views alone were to die for.  The trip up the mountain is full of curves and is a bit intimidating as you look over the grandeur but breathtaking. 

A Few Words of Advice…
Make reservations early and be flexible with the time you want to go. You’ll get a better chance of a table with an optimal view if you go on off hours. Similar strategies  for parking, go early in case you can’t find a spot immediately.

Overall I recommend the restaurant for this reason. Located at:  1220 McClouds Trail, Duff, TN 37729-3344.

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37 comments Duff, Mountain, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Places to Eat and Shop, Tennessee, United States