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
Elizabethton, TN 37312
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
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
Road trip
Linda, NC.
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.Unbelievable beauty
dbauman, TN
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!Gorgeous views
Mike, AL.
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.Awesome road and view
Illinois
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.
Beautiful
Bruce, MS.
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.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!
