Finding the Observatory

The Tamke-Allan Observatory can be found just off Caney Creek Road, in rural Roane County, Tennessee. With reference to the map below, the observatory can be approached from two directions.

Those traveling west on I-40, turn off at the Midtown exit, go west on Highway 70 (Kingston Pike) for 3.25 miles to Caney Creek Road (sandwiched between Caney Ford Baptist Church and the Roane County Park). Turn left on Caney Creek Road and go about 1/2 mile south, then turn right over the bridge (Watts Bar Lake). Continue straight ahead (on the blacktop by the curve). At the intersection of Caney Creek Road and Joiner Hollow Road, bear left and go 1000 ft south of the intersection. There, on the left, you will see TVA boat ramp sign and the Roane State Observatory sign (somewhat bent over). Turn left and follow that road up the hill to the classroom and observatory.

For those approaching the observatory from the west on I-40, use the Harriman exit (347) and turn toward the town of Rockwood (West) on State Route 27. Follow State Route 27 to State Route 382 (Roane State's main campus is one mile south). Turn left (South) on State Route 382, pass the main campus, and travel to the end of the road-this is State Route 70. Turn left on State Route 70 and travel 1.5 miles east. Caney Creek Road is between the Roane County park (on your right) and Caney Ford Baptist Church. Turn right on Caney Creek Road and follow the above directions to the observatory. .

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