Cherokee National Forest

Hurricane Helene Closure Order Update for Unaka and Watauga Ranger Districts

The U.S. Forest Service restores more access to areas closed in the Cherokee National Forest in the wake of Hurricane Helene flooding. The public can now access all points of the Cherokee National Forest except for areas identified in the new modified Nov. 6 closure order.

Map of the current life and safety closure for Jackson Farm can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cherokee/maps-pubs.

All recreation sites, trails, campgrounds are open on the Ocoee and Tellico Ranger Districts (South Zone). 

Campgrounds and dayuse sites in the Unaka and Watauga Ranger Districts will remain closed for the remainder of this year. 

November 6 News Release. 

Adventure Beckons...

From the scenic Appalachian Mountains to whitewater, discover your next destination on the Cherokee National Forest.

Special Places/Lugares Especiales

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. The forest is home to 30 developed campgrounds and numerous picnic areas, over 700 miles of trails, seven whitewater rivers, two Forest Service scenic byways where you can 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.

Features

Ocoee-Hiwassee Ranger District Trail Crew Bulletin

Trail crew in front of Ocoee Ranger Station sign

We would like to take a moment to highlight our Ocoee Ranger District Trail Crew for their accomplishments in 2023. They worked tirelessly to make the district's trails and recreation areas beautiful and accessible to all our visitors. Are you wondering what kind of work they do? How does a trail crew benefit the district? Well, read on to find out the major projects they accomplished and more!

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Indian Youth Service Corps making a difference

UKB IYSC group at CNF summer 2023

This summer, individuals from the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) came together as part of the Indian Youth Service Corps crew to contribute their efforts to preserve and maintain the beauty of the Cherokee National Forest. Their mission? To engage in various projects aimed at connecting with their ancestral homeland.

Read on to learn more about what the UKB Crew did during summer 2023 and how they contributed to their culture and our forest.

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Alerts & Warnings

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