Cherokee National Forest | Johnson City

The Cherokee National Forest is a vast, biodiverse, and mountainous expanse in eastern Tennessee, encompassing over 650,000 acres along the Appalachian Mountains. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it stretches from Chattanooga in the south to the Virginia border in the north, paralleling the western edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and forming Tennessee’s portion of the larger Appalachian wilderness. The forest is split into northern and southern sections by the park itself.

This forest is a premier destination for those seeking immersive experiences in Appalachian nature, wildlife, and traditional forest-based recreation, and it plays a key role in preserving regional ecology, watershed health, and cultural heritage.

1. Geographic Overview

Location: Encompasses parts of 10 East Tennessee counties, from the Georgia state line to Bristol, TN.

Divisions: Split into two ranger districts:

Unaka District (North): Includes areas near Johnson City, Elizabethton, and the Watauga and Nolichucky Rivers.

Ocoee-Hiwassee District (South): Located near Benton, Tellico Plains, and Ducktown.

Elevation Range: From around 800 feet to over 5,500 feet above sea level.

Landscape Features:

Rugged mountain ridges, deep river gorges, hardwood forests, old-growth patches, waterfalls, and highland balds.

Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina.

2. Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Cherokee National Forest is part of the Appalachian temperate rainforest ecosystem and includes:

Flora: Ancient deciduous forests, rhododendron thickets, highland meadows, and spruce-fir zones at higher elevations.

Fauna:

Large mammals like black bears, bobcats, and white-tailed deer.

Over 260 species of birds, including raptors and migratory songbirds.

Abundant aquatic life, including native brook trout and endangered mussel species in clean rivers like the Hiwassee, Tellico, and Watauga.

Protected Areas:

11 designated wilderness areas, including Bald River Gorge, Big Frog, Citico Creek, and Cohutta.

Over 600 miles of trout streams and multiple wild and scenic river corridors.

3. Outdoor Recreation

Cherokee National Forest is one of the most versatile natural recreation areas in the southeastern U.S., offering both developed facilities and remote backcountry terrain:

A. Hiking and Backpacking

Appalachian Trail (AT): About 150 miles of the AT runs through the forest, from the Georgia border to the Virginia state line.

Other Notable Trails:

Benton MacKaye Trail

John Muir Trail (Tennessee version near the Hiwassee River)

Bald River Falls Trail

Margarette Falls, Sill Branch, and Unaka Mountain trails

Many trails offer connections to balds with panoramic views (e.g., Unaka Mountain Bald, Big Bald, Oswald Dome).

B. Camping

Multiple developed campgrounds, such as Indian Boundary, Parksville Lake, Horse Creek, and Rock Creek.

Dispersed camping allowed throughout most of the forest.

Primitive camping in wilderness areas for backcountry enthusiasts.

C. Water Activities

Whitewater Rafting: Especially on the Ocoee River, which hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events and remains a popular Class III-IV whitewater destination.

Kayaking and Canoeing: On the Hiwassee, Tellico, and Nolichucky Rivers.

Fishing: World-class trout fishing in rivers and streams; warm-water species in lakes like Watauga Lake, Parksville Lake, and Cherokee Lake.

D. Scenic Drives

Cherohala Skyway: A 43-mile National Scenic Byway connecting Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, NC, with sweeping mountain views.

Unaka Mountain Road, River Road (Hiwassee Scenic River State Park), and Holston Mountain Drive offer wildlife viewing and pull-offs.

E. Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding

Designated multi-use trails and forest roads.

Tanasi Trail System near the Ocoee Whitewater Center is well-developed for biking.

4. Notable Natural Attractions

Bald River Falls: A stunning 90-foot waterfall near Tellico Plains; easily accessible and highly photographed.

Watauga Lake: A pristine, undeveloped lake surrounded by forested mountains, ideal for paddling and fishing.

Unaka Mountain Overlook: Panoramic views from grassy balds and hardwood ridges.

Citico Creek Wilderness: Remote and heavily forested with old-growth sections and deep hollows.

Big Frog Mountain: One of the highest peaks in southern Cherokee National Forest, in the Big Frog Wilderness.

5. Cultural and Historical Significance

Historically inhabited by the Cherokee people, with remnants of their settlements and trails still traceable in some areas.

The Trail of Tears crosses portions of the forest.

Contains remnants of early settler homesteads, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects, and logging-era infrastructure.

The area remains central to Appalachian heritage, with traditional land uses such as ginseng harvesting, hunting, and foraging.

6. Conservation and Management

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service under a multiple-use mandate balancing recreation, conservation, wildlife protection, and limited logging or grazing.

Ongoing efforts include invasive species control, watershed restoration, trail maintenance, and protection of endangered flora and fauna.

Fire management includes controlled burns to maintain forest health and reduce wildfire risk.

7. Accessibility and Nearby Communities

Easily accessible from cities like Knoxville, Johnson City, Cleveland, Chattanooga, and Bristol.

Gateway towns include:

Tellico Plains

Elizabethton

Ducktown

Erwin

Greeneville

These towns provide access to trailheads, supplies, lodging, and interpretive visitor centers.

Summary

The Cherokee National Forest is a crown jewel of Tennessee's natural heritage-a vast, mountainous sanctuary that embodies the rugged beauty and ecological richness of the Southern Appalachians. Whether for solitude, adventure, wildlife, or history, it offers an authentic and accessible wilderness experience. Visitors can hike to bald summits, fish wild streams, raft Olympic-class rivers, or simply breathe the cool, green air beneath ancient trees. The forest is not only a place of recreation, but also one of cultural memory, natural resilience, and Appalachian identity.