Cherokee National Forest

The Cherokee National Forest is your destination for outdoor recreation. Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains, the pursuit of wildlife, the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars, or solitude on a backcountry trail.

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

The Cherokee National Forest is located in Eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 650,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee. It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachian mountain range, one of the world's most diverse areas. These mountains are home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals. Each year millions of people visit Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. It is a place of scenic beauty that provides opportunities for anyone interested in nature and history.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Bald River Gorge Wilderness - Located in Tennessee, Bald River Gorge Wilderness offers various recreational opportunities including fishing for wild trout, hiking to Bald River Falls, and camping at several sheltered areas.

Big Frog Wilderness - The area offers about 35 miles of backcountry trails, some of which climb to over 4,000 feet. 

Big Laurel Branch Wilderness - The Appalachian National Scenic Trail follows the entire length (approximately 5.8 miles) of the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness crest.

Citico Creek Wilderness - This area provides opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. You will find ample opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking.

Cohutta Wilderness - Cohutta Wilderness is Georgia's second largest Wilderness with small portions falling into Tennessee.

Gee Creek Wilderness - Come for the isolation and experience the wildness of Tennessee!

Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness - This Wilderness contains some magnificent old-growth forest, where oaks, hemlocks, and tulip poplars have reached six feet in diameter.

Little Frog Mountain Wilderness - Abundant with wildlife, this Wilderness offers one trail for hikers.

Pond Mountain Wilderness - A rugged and steep Wilderness to explore in Tennessee.

Sampson Mountain Wilderness - With numerous trails, trout fishing, and wild blueberries to pick, this Wilderness provides you the opportunity to experience solitude in Tennessee.

Unaka Mountain Wilderness - Backcountry trails, scenic driving and the Nolichucky River provide opportunities for outdoor adventure.  High elevation balds along the Unaka Mountain Range offer spectacular views.

Upper Bald River Wilderness - Popular with hikers, anglers, and horseback riders, this Wilderness is beautiful and rugged.

Invasive Species