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.

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

2018 Cherokee NF Prescribed Fire Information

USDA Forest Service officials say prescribed (controlled) fire is a useful tool for managing national forest land.  Approximately 20,000 acres are scheduled for burning throughout the 650,000 acre Cherokee National Forest during 2018.  A significant portion of the prescribed burning is planned for early spring.

North Cherokee National Forest Seasonal Road Opening Schedule

UNICOI, TENN, March 1, 2018 – USDA Forest Service officials at the Cherokee National Forest recently announced the annual schedule for opening some roads that are closed seasonally.  These roads are located in the northern portion of the Cherokee National Forest (Cherokee Wildlife Management Area) in Cocke, Greene, Washington, Unicoi, Carter, Sullivan and Johnson counties.  Click here for DELAYED OPENING NOTICE!

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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