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.

Seasonal Road Closure Reminder

Cherokee Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee members needed

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.

Recent News

• National Forest Seasonal Road Closure Reminder 12/5/2019

  Release Date: Dec 5, 2019  

Features

Fireworks Prohibited in Cherokee National Forest

Remember that fireworks are not allowed on national forest land at any time.  Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited (possessing or discharging) on all natiional grasslands and national forest lands year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays.

Cherokee National Forest Road Conditions - April 22, 2019

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