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Spring Creek Shooting Range is the only designated shooting range located in the Southern Districts of the Cherokee National Forest. There are several smaller shooting ranges located in the Northern Districts.
This area’s wooded mountainsides and creek gorges are linked by an extensive road and trail system. Activities include fishing, hiking, horseback riding, creek play and camping.
At Paint Creek, camping, fishing, swimming and picnicking are popular activities. Other water-based opportunities include driving along scenic Brush Creek or exploring warm-water Allen Branch or Paint Creek ponds. Enjoy the scenery from horseback on 35 miles of multi-use trails, also open to mountain bikers and hikers. The Appalachian Scenic Trail lies along the eastern edge of this area.
Holston Mountain provides a scenic backdrop for South Holston Lake and is a venue for boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing and horseback riding.
A horse trail complex winds for more than 30 miles along both sides of Holston Mountain. Visit the scenic Blue Hole waterfall located off TN Highway 91.
Camp on the lakeshore at Jacob’s Creek and Little Oak Recreation Areas.
Starr Mountain is a popular area of the national forest for horse riding & camping with nearly 20 miles of trails and a number of roads available for riding. Lost Corral Campground & Trailhead provides the easiest access to the area.
This zone also features Gee Creek Wilderness and the Gee Creek Trail #191 trail that only gets more challenging the further you hike. Access is located off US Highway 411 near the Hiwassee River and state managed Gee Creek Campground.
Backcountry trails, scenic driving and the Nolichucky River provide opportunities for outdoor adventure. High elevation balds along the Unaka Mountain Range offer spectacular views.
Look for Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower located on the crest of Buffalo Mountain. The zone is rich with Civilian Conservation Corps history: view their legacy at Laurels, Rock Creek and Unaka Mountain Road. Enjoy picnicking at Laurels, Limestone Cove, Rock Creek and Chestoa or camp at Rock Creek Recreation Area.
Water recreation is abundant in this area, featuring Watauga Lake; the Doe, Elk and Watauga rivers; several streams and seven waterfalls.
Highly developed recreation areas along Watauga Lake provide facilities for fishing, picnicking, swimming and boat launching. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through the area's backcountry. Camp on the lakeshore at Cardens Bluff or in the backcountry along Laurel Fork Creek at Dennis Cove.
