Baby Falls

  Baby Falls 15’ – FS road 210 (Tellico River Rd). Located right next to the road, this waterfall is a favorite for kayakers. Rocks are slippery. Several people have been seriously injured here so enjoy the beauty from a safe distance. From Cherohala Skyway (Hwy 165) take FS road 210. (GPS: 35.3267, -84.1765) Monroe County.

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Native Blooms

Native Blooms

Cherokee National Forest Early spring offers the first glimpse of wildflowers in the Cherokee National Forest and the Tennessee Overhill. That’s when trees begin to bud and wildflowers begin to peep up through the forest floor. In March and April the region erupts with bloodroot, fire pink, trillium, and crested dwarf iris while redbuds and dogwoods shed white and purple…

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Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park

Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park

The Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park straddles both sides of the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers.  The Hiwassee is great for canoeing, rafting, and fishing, while the Ocoee provides Class III and IV whitewater rapids.  For river-side camping, check out Gee Creek Campground. Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Brochure   | Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Map Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park 423-263-0050 or 888-867-2757 www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/hiwassee-ocoee

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Chilhowee Lake

Chilhowee Lake

Chilhowee Recreation Area Part of Chilhowee Recreation Area, the lake rests on top of Chilhowee Mountain. The Chilhowee Trail System beckons hikers and mountain bikers (novice to experienced) to more than 20 miles of trails. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly. Picnic, bathhouse, and campground facilities make this a perfect spot for…

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Indian Boundary Lake

Indian Boundary Lake

The 96-acre lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Picnic areas with grills and a picnic pavilion is provided. Three miles of hiking and biking trails around the lake. Visitors may enjoy watching beaver, ducks and other waterfowl, or try their luck at catching bass, sunfish and catfish. Eighty-seven site family-oriented campground equipped with picnic tables, electrical hookups, showers,…

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Parksville Lake

Parksville Lake

Ocoee Recreational Area The oldest man-made lake in the Cherokee National Forest, it was created in 1910-11 with the building of Ocoee Dam Number One (Parksville Dam). Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this 1,930-acre is popular for water skiing, pontoon boating, jet skiing, swimming, and picnicking. It has two public boat launches located along Hwy 64. Just below the dam…

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North River

North River

The North River, a nationally recognized trout stream, is a Tributary of the Tellico River. Its entire course is located in a very scenic, somewhat isolated area. For the vast majority of its length it is paralleled by Forest Road 217, also called North River Road. A series of small ledges delights kayakers with the biggest being about 5 feet…

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Tellico River, Blueway & Lake

Tellico River, Blueway & Lake

Tucked into the Cherokee National Forest, this scenic river is known for its swift waters and trout fishing. Photographers love it. Depending on the natural flow of waters, kayaking and canoeing are allowed. Annual Kid’s Fishing Day. Annual Trout Fishing Tournament. Located along the Tellico River arm of Tellico Lake, the Tellico Blueway is a dream come true for flatwater…

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Hiwassee Scenic River / Blueway

Hiwassee Scenic River / Blueway

Designated a Tennessee State Scenic River, the Hiwassee flows through the Cherokee National Forest and the pastoral community of Reliance. According to the legend, the name Hiwassee is taken from the Cherokee workd ayuwasi and means “savannah or place at the foot of the hills.  Native people began clearing the Hiwassee River Valley for agriculture around 3,000 years ago. A major…

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Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

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…

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