Cherokee National Forest

escape in the forest

The Cherokee National Forest is packed with actives, wildlife, camping, and more. There’s sure to be something for everyone here.

Contact

Cherokee National Forest
Elizabethton, TN 37312

Website

More Information

Cherokee National Forest is located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee. The 600-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The southern portion of the Cherokee National Forest forms the heart of the Tennessee Overhill. This vast playground is known for its rugged mountain beauty and swift rivers. It is becoming famous for other things, too. The Ocoee Whitewater Center, Tanasi Mountain Biking Trail System, Cherohala Skyway, Consauaga Snorkeling Hole, Unicoi Turnpike Trail System, and Benton-MacKaye Trail are just a few of the exciting experiences to be found in the forest.

Key Features

600 miles of trails, including hiking trails, horseback riding trails and mountain biking trails
150 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Hundreds of miles of cold water streams with trout fishing
7 whitewater rivers
Ocoee Whitewater Center
Swimming and fish snorkeling in streams and lakes
3 large lakes managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
11 designated Wilderness areas
30 developed campgrounds and 45 developed day-use sites
Abundant populations of wildlife with 43 species of mammals, 154 species of fish, 55 species of amphibians and 262 species of birds
Campgrounds and camp sites, both primitive and those with modern hook-ups

Most campsites are first-come, first-server, but Indian Boundary Campground and the Historic Donely Cabin require reservations at www.reserve.usa or 877-444-6777.

Recreation Zone Maps

Recreation Zone Maps

Big Frog Mountain Zone Map
Citico Creek Zone Map
Coker Creek Zone Map
Hiwassee River Zone Map
Ocoee River Zone Map
Starr Mountain Zone Map
Tellico River Zone Map

Tellico District Office

250 Ranger Station Rd.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385
423-253-8400

Ocoee/Hiwassee District Office

3171 Hwy. 64
Benton, TN 3737007
423-338-3300

Ocoee Whitewater Center

4400 Highway 64
Copperhill TN 37317
423-496-0100
877-692-6050

What People Are Saying

This was a very beautiful drive. It had a lot of overlooks and the trees were very beautiful. We also rode over to Joyce Kilmer Forest. This was a very nice hike and was amazing to see all the older trees. I would advise to take a bathroom break before the trip across the mountain.

Road trip

Linda, NC.

Incredible drive through the Cherokee National Forest. Lots of hiking, waterfalls and mountain streams. Areas of the skyway are rather curvy, so beware. Some like to speed through this area either in road rally’s or on motorcycle. Have seen several severe accidents.
A MUST visit for all the beauty!

Unbelievable beauty

dbauman, TN

We were surprised at how beautiful this route is. Sadly, our trip was cut short from annual undergrowth burning. We will definitely come back this way.

Gorgeous views

Mike, AL.

Nice smooth road that’s a lot of fun with beautiful sights. There’s plenty of pull offs for photos and small hikes and it makes a really nice scenic drive.

Awesome road and view

Illinois

We were in town to view the fall foliage. We hit it just right. This drive is magnificent. Several viewing sights along the way. Take advantage of all if possible.

Beautiful

Bruce, MS.

See For Yourself

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Places to stay near here

FIND COMFORT NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

The Tennessee Overhill region covers several areas that are full of wonderful places to stay. No matter where you end up, you can rest easy knowing days full of fun and adventure await!

ALL LODGING