Cherokee National Forest

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.

Prescribed Burns Planned Mar. 18-24

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.

Features

2019 Cherokee NF Prescribed Fire Information

CLEVELAND, TENN - February 26, 2019--USDA Forest Service officials say prescribed (controlled) fire is a useful tool for managing national forest land. The Forest Service plans to prescribe burn over 20,000 acres throughout the 656,000 acre Cherokee National Forest during 2019. A significant portion of the prescribed burning is planned for early spring.

NOTICE: Cherokee National Forest Road Conditions

Many National Forest System Roads (NFSR) were heavily impacted by record breaking rainfall received this winter. Cherokee National Forest visitors should be prepared for poor driving conditions on some NFSR’s and use caution while using these roads due to changing road conditions because of weather.

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Spotlights

Cherokee Hotshots

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

Motor Vehicle Use Map

The Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the Cherokee NF are available free of charge at USDA Forest Service offices in Cleveland, Greeneville, Benton, and Tellico Plains, and Unicoi, TN