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