Russell Cave, carved by underground erosion through a layer of limestone, is considered the oldest rock shelter regularly inhabited in the eastern U.S., and has provided evidence of human use over thousands of years, beginning with Paleolithic spear points used for hunting mastodons, sloths, and bison.

Many visitors to the Hiwassee Refuge include a stop at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, which, in addition to the history-oriented features, provides a roofed overlook on a high bluff above the Tennessee River.