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Cherokee National Forest
Notice
You are invited to a January 30, public meeting to learn more about the next steps for the Ocoee Whitewater Center.
The meeting will be held at the Polk County High School Cafeteria, at 7200 US Hwy 411, Benton, TN 37307. Presentations will begin on Jan. 30 at 6pm, with opportunities to meet the design team and give feedback until 8pm.
StudioOutside, along with S2O Design and Engineering and Lake|Flato, will be presenting potential use scenarios for the Ocoee Whitewater Center site. These scenarios are the next step in developing a master plan for the recreation site.
Working in collaboration with the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee State Parks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Polk County; and informed by the extensive public outreach done by the University of Georgia Institute of Government, these site scenarios depict ways the site can be redeveloped to provide a better experience for all.
Adenture Beckons...
From the scenic Appalachian Mountains to whitewater, discover your next destination on the Cherokee National Forest.
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.
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Be Bear Wise
Knowing how to act in the presence of a black bear, and how to keep them away is crucial to your safety, and that of the bears.
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Know Before You Go
Features
Ocoee-Hiwassee Ranger District Trail Crew Bulletin
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!
Indian Youth Service Corps making a difference
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.
