Welcome to the 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. 

Begin planning your visit by selecting "Recreation" in the left menu. 

Cherokee National Forest Vicinity Map

Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee, the Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The 650,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. 

Vicinity map of Cherokee National Forest with legend.

Cherokee National ForestGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkCherokee National ForestFrancis Marion-Sumter National ForestChattahoochee-Oconee National ForestNantahala National ForestPisgah National ForestDanial Boone National ForestGeorge Washington-Jefferson National Forest

 Visitors come to explore the more than 600 miles of trails including 150 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, hundreds of miles of cold water streams, 7 whitewater rivers, 3 large lakes managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, 11 congressionally designated Wilderness areas, 30 developed campgrounds, 45 developed day-use sites and the abundant populations of wildlife.  The national forest provides habitat for 43 species of mammals, 154 species of fish, 55 species of amphibians and 262 species of birds. 

Enjoy your visit.  Please do your part to conserve these exceptional places.

Recent News


Features

New Watauga District Ranger

Keith Kelley - Watauga District Ranger

Cleveland, Tenn. --- March 15, 2013 …Cherokee National Forest Supervisor, JaSal Morris, recently announced the arrival of Keith Kelley as the new Watauga District Ranger. The Watauga Ranger District Office is located in Unicoi, Tennessee.  Mr. Kelley transferred from the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri where he served as a Zone Fire Management Officer on the Eleven Point Ranger District.


North Cherokee National Forest Seasonal Road Opening Schedule

Unicoi, Tenn. – March 11, 2013 ...  U.S. Forest Service officials at the Cherokee National Forest recently announced the annual schedule for opening some roads that are closed seasonally.  These roads are located.... more


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Spotlights

Snorkeling in the Cherokee National Forest - Photo Album

Snood and snorkel

Guided snorkeling programs are designed for organized groups of 12-20 people, ages 12+.  More...

Volunteer Opportunities

40 Years Later, 2.5 Million Volunteers and 100 Million Service Hours Valued at $1.2 Billion

 




Cherokee Hotshots

Enhanced Cherokee Hotshot Logo

The Cherokee Hotshots are a highly trained Type One Wildland Fire Suppression crew that is hosted by the Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee.