The Cherokee National Forest is located in Eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 640,000-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.

Current Events

Kids Fishing Days Scheduled for April & May

BENTON , TN – April 6, 2009… The Forest Service, USDA and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recently announced that in April and May they will be will conducting two “Kids Fishing Day” events in Cherokee National Forest’s Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District. Anglers 15 years and under are invited to try their luck.

Date Extended for National Forest Resource Advisory Committee Applications

CLEVELAND , TN – April 1, 2009 … The Forest Service, USDA has extended the due date for National Forest Resource Advisory Committee applications from March 31 to April 30, 2009. The Forest Service, in conjunction with Cocke and Monroe counties is seeking individuals to serve on a Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) for the Cherokee National Forest under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2008. ... RAC application RAC Page SRS Act 2000

New Fire Prevention Website

This site is designed for homeowners, public land visitors, wildfire prevention professionals, volunteers, and others. It is filled with information on where the big fires are burning throughout the nation, what the wildfire severity level is in your state, rules and regulations for burning debris in your state, and how to protect your home against wildfire. It tells you about educational materials that are available in the arena of fire prevention, the Wildland Urban Interface, Smokey Bear, and Woodsy Owl.

Spring Wild Turkey Season: Thunder in the Woods

CLEVELAND , TN – March 4, 2009… What's that sound, was it thunder? To many outdoor enthusiasts the call of the male wild turkey may sound like rolling thunder. What many consider the "King of American Game Birds", the wild turkey is quite vocal during the spring breeding season. The call (gobble) of the wild turkey in the mountains of east Tennessee is an unforgettable sound.

Management By Fire

CLEVELAND , TN – March 03, 2009 -- Forest Service, USDA Officials say prescribed fire is a useful tool for managing National Forest lands. Approximately 20,000 acres are scheduled for burning throughout the 650,000 acre Cherokee National Forest during 2009. A significant portion of the prescribed burning is planned for the month of March.

Tellico River Cleanup Day

Tellico Plains, TN, February 4, 2009… The Cherokee National Forest’s Annual Tellico River Clean Up Day is set for Saturday, March 14, 2009. Volunteers will...