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.

Good Neighbor Master Agreement Signed

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

USDA Forest Service Proposes Recreation Fee Changes

CLEVELAND, TENN. April 22, 2019 - The USDA Forest Service is proposing fee changes to recreation sites across the Cherokee National Forest, and the public is invited to provide input from April 29 – June 3, 2019.

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 Natiional 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

Spring-Summer Outdoor Safety Tips

To ensure that your visit to the Cherokee National Forest great outdoors is enjoyable and memorable always put safety first!

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