Rhea county lies across the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau - part highland, part lowland. Driving from Crossville to Spring City, one passes through aptly named Grandview while descending off the mountain. Highway 27 runs through Rhea county between the plateau to the west and the Tennessee River on the east passing through the county seat, Dayton, on its way to Chattanooga. Dayton is known for the Scopes trial of "Inherit the Wind" fame.