Why Monroe County Tennessee Land Attracts Buyers
Monroe County sits at the intersection of productive farmland and ecologically rare landscapes. Fertile bottomlands support traditional crops like corn and soybeans, while upland fields are used for cattle and poultry. The Cherokee National Forest provides a dramatic backdrop and gives landowners access to wilderness, trout creeks, and game-rich woodlands. There’s room here for both commercial farming and off-grid retreat living. Plus, buyers benefit from affordable land costs relative to surrounding East Tennessee counties.
Unlike areas overrun with subdivision sprawl, Monroe still has tracts over 100 acres available for pasture, timber, or mixed use. Tellico Plains and Madisonville offer local services, but the backroads between them are quiet and mostly agricultural. It’s also one of the few counties where conservation organizations have reintroduced endangered fish and restored habitats on private and public lands. That gives long-term landowners a connection to both market opportunity and environmental legacy. Whether you're after hay ground, wooded acreage, or a tract with creek access, Monroe County delivers a mix hard to find anywhere else in Tennessee.
Monroe County TN Natural Land Features Buyers Value
Tellico River & Citico Creek
These two clear, cold tributaries are known for wild trout populations and restored native fish habitats. Both are within reach of private land parcels.
Cherokee National Forest Edge
Thousands of acres of public land meet private tracts in Monroe County, offering views, game access, and seclusion. This borderland setting limits future development.
Karst Terrain & The Lost Sea
Unique geology defines parts of Monroe County. Cave systems and underground waterways offer recreational and paleontological interest, including the country’s largest underground lake.
Farming, Timber, and Poultry Land in Monroe County

Row Crop Ground
Soils in the Little Tennessee Valley support corn, soybeans, and wheat. Tracts with gentle slope and paved access are farmed intensively or leased to growers. Conservation practices like cover cropping are starting to show up on newer operations, especially those interested in long-term soil health.

Poultry Operations
Monroe County supports contract broiler and egg layer farms. Existing houses may come with integrator contracts, while new development opportunities exist near existing utility access. Buyers often seek 20–40 acre sites with good drainage and truck access to support new builds or expand older farms.

Timber & Hunting Tracts
Upland hardwoods—oak, hickory, and poplar—dominate the hills. Managed cuts and natural regrowth make these tracts viable for long-term timber harvest. Wildlife use is strong, and many buyers combine hunting use with timber investment to maximize land value over time.
Trout Streams and Rare Wildlife in Monroe County TN

Black Bear
Present in the forested highlands, especially near the Citico Wilderness area. Occasionally seen on private trail cams in bordering tracts.

Rainbow & Brook Trout
Citico Creek, North River, and Tellico River support wild and stocked trout. State and federal efforts have restored rare species in these same watersheds.

Ruffed Grouse
Still found in parts of the Cherokee Forest where elevation and older forest cuts create dense undergrowth. Mostly seen in winter months.

River Otter
Creek systems in Monroe County support small otter populations. Signs include latrine sites along gravel bars and occasional sightings in spring.
Cherokee Heritage, Wilderness, and Private Caves in Monroe County
Land for Sale in Counties Near Monroe County, TN
Loudon County
Loudon offers a mix of pasture and riverfront land with access to Knoxville markets. Farmland is productive and development pressure is increasing.
Polk County
Polk County borders the southern edge of the Cherokee Forest. Known for whitewater rivers and deep hollows, it's a top pick for hunting and seclusion.
McMinn County
This region features gently sloped farmland, creek tracts, and timberland. It also serves as a hub between Chattanooga and Knoxville buyers.