Cherokee National Forest

Bear Season

Be aware of bear season! Follow 'Food and Refuse Storage Requirements Closure Order' while camping:

• Keep a clean camp.

• Do not burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill.

• Do not store food, trash, clothes worn while cooking or toiletries in your tent.

• Store these items out of sight in a locked vehicle, hard-sided camping trailer, in approved bear resistant containers OR suspended in a tree.

• Secure trash can lids and dumpster doors properly after use.

Adventure Beckons...

From the scenic Appalachian Mountains to whitewater, discover your next destination on the Cherokee National Forest.

Special Places

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. The forest is home to 30 developed campgrounds and numerous picnic areas, over 700 miles of trails, seven whitewater rivers, two Forest Service scenic byways where you can 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.

Adventure beckons...

Features

Chats with JB - Smokey Story Pt. 2

Smokey Bear statue in International Falls, MN.

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

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Chats with JB - Rainy Season

Rainy and foggy day at the Chilhowee Overlook

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. 

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Alerts & Warnings

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Black bear wandering in the field. USDA photo by William Welch.

Be Bear Wise Link opens in a Pdf Document