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.

Chats with JB - Smokey Story Pt. 2

And here is the rest of the story about Smokey... Hope you enjoy learning more about Smokey Bear!

Chats with JB - Rainy Season

Rainy season is among us so that means that some trails and some Forest roads will become slippery. We are working to get some of our roads in better conditions, but until that happens, please be careful when you are outdoors recreating. 

Chats with JB - Seamous

In this article, I share a major event that occurred during my time off for the Fourth of July holiday. Not such a happy time for me and my husband but something I wanted to share in memory of my much-loved pet. I threw in a little info about protecting our bears as well… I hope this article touches your heart!

Chats with JB - Smokey Storey

Have you been wondering how Smokey Bear got his name and how he became such a huge icon representing fire safety within our forests? Read on to learn!

Chats with JB - Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July friends! Hopefully, each of you will take a few moments to ponder why we celebrate and the cost it has taken for us to enjoy this day. Read on to get a point of view of what Janice Brown-Keeble, our customer service representative, feels about this day as a Desert Storm Veteran. 

Chats with JB - Bear Sense

Hi everyone - JB here! Hope you’re doing well. Just thought we would have another little chat today. We had recently closed a campground because a bear got into a tent. He smelled food. Let’s talk about how to keep you safe and the bears too!

Chats with JB!

Well, hello there! Have you ever visited our Forest or maybe another? I certainly hope so. If not, consider this your invitation to enjoy our beautiful forest. Let me tell you a few things that you can do/enjoy on the Cherokee National Forest!

Don't Move Firewood

Your Help is Needed:   Here's one simple way to combine your desire to protect the environment with your plans to have a great time outdoors -- don't move firewood from ... see full article