Tour of Soddy-Daisy (Dayton, Graysville, Gray: sale, houses, campgrounds)

[2kayaks]

We plan to visit Soddy Daisy this weekend during our initial visit to the area. Could you suggest a few roads / places that will best introduce us to the community. Where is the community boat launch? What is the best casual place to visit for lunch and meet folks? Is there a centralized shopping area / downtown? Do you know of a residential area with small ranches near the water or Cumberland Trail? Thanks much for sharing thoughts!

[jkmewright]

Would you consider the mountain or prefer to stay in the valley?

[SPLIT]

2K: That was sort of a easy letter request , anything , else .
..Yes , yes , YES , NO & Yes.
Rt #27 & Dayton Pike both run North /South only really roads in town .
Anderson road closer to water to see rural houses .
. Nicest boat launch FREE in county park CHESTER FROSY , in NOrth Hixon or called Dallas Hollow area . Food shopping plaza (HIXON PIKE) rds. Soddy free cove at south end of Armstrong bridge Tee.
Possum & SALe $3 / day or $30 /season, campgrounds , full hookups.
ALL PIKES run North & South . All FERRIES rdes run East & West .
Best Italian is New Cafe own ed by our church friends "TAste of Italy" Just North of the Post Office . HOme cooking south of Bi-Lo plaza is WIMPIES. Look for dozen pick-up trucks , Breakfast here a MUST.!
.. NO real central SIDEWALK town square area , as the History of these Two coal town from the 30's were merged, Name only. BIG plaza now being built across street from WAL-Mart , Zaxby chicken, Walgreens, etc, Animal Hospital.
YES, Two New ranches being built on my street , Shingles just went on today. Maybe $145 - 150 range . Most all building very slow with national economy . A FEW mega mc Mansions being built on water .
Wife has Dulcimer musinc class Sat if that excites ya . 70 degrees today , could almost put boat in water . Slowly being raised up from winter low level drain down .. Tour of Soddy cycle trails .???
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[2kayaks]

We are undecided about mountain or valley at this point. Most likely valley. We are avid kayakers and would like to be within walking distance of the water. But we also want to be in a place with low traffic to be able to road bike out the front door. If we have to flip a coin, the low traffic area for biking comes first and close to the water second. Usually roads are more risky coming up/down a mountain - so valley may be the best choice for both?

[MountainAire]

Don't forget to go to Tractor Supply

[jkmewright]

Man, this is gonna be a hard one I have traveled the Soddy/Graysville area since I was a small child and there are some wonderful areas to see. I will limit myself though For the best travel up and down the mtn, try Hwy 111. Gently curves but a steady incline. Once you are on the top you will see why they call it Flat Top. Run across the mountain top, L on Henson Gap (hangglider station there), to Poe Rd, R on Montlake and back down the mountain. That should give you a pretty good idea of what the mountain has to offer. Once you are at the bottom of the mountain, there is a creek that runs beside Montlake Rd that you may want to investigate as well as some great walking trails. For a true feel of Soddy Daisy proper, travel Dayton Pike instead of the new highway (corridor J/27N) This will take you through "town" and up to the lake where you will find a small community of homes and park area where I believe you can launch, you might want to double check though. Very cute and homey. If I was a water person this is also the area where I would settle. Close to a major road and close to town. Old Dayton Pike/27 is also going to be a decent road to bike on. You could travel all the way to Dayton if you wish When you view maps of the area you will see that water is not something we lack for so you shouldn't have any issues there.

[jkmewright]

Here's a Paint image of the loop I mentioned. See also indicators for the creek, park, and hanggliders. Excuse the pitiful skills Paint ain't my thing lol

Oh yeah, Split is right. If you want a yummy greasy spoon breakfast, Wimpy's is the place to go.