Visitor Maps and Guides
There are several recreation related maps and publications that can be viewed and printed directly from this website.
Forest Closure Orders
Wilderness Group
Restricted Area - Tellico River Road
Donley Cabin
Citico Creek
Cherohala Skyway
Gold Collecting
14 - Day Camping Restrictions
Hurricane Helene Life and Safety Closure Maps
As of Oct. 29, 2024
As of Nov. 6, 2024
No Hurricane Helene related closures for Tellico and Ocoee Ranger Districts.
All Forest Visitor Maps
Visitor Maps for each national forest and grassland provide forest-wide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. These maps are available to purchase from individual forests and many retail outlets. The most comprehensive source for maps is the US Geological Survey. Forest Visitor Maps are also available on mobile technology through the Avenza Map Store. These maps DO NOT show all existing Forest Service roads. For a map that shows the most up to date road and motorized trail information see the information on obtaining a Motor Vehicle Use Maps.
Cherokee National Forest and Nationwide Online Interactive Maps
- Interactive Recreation Maps: Zoom, pan and explore recreation areas on the Cherokee National Forest.
- Interactive Visitor Map: Easily browse and search for recreation sites and activities on the Cherokee National Forest and nationwide.
USFS Land Status and Encumbrance Viewer
This is a web-based mapping tool allowing users to view the Forest Service Land Status Record System (LSFS) data. The LSFS data published via this map service is considered to be the authoritative source for Forest Service ownership.
Campgrounds & Recreation Area Maps & Guides
Trail System Maps
Recreation Residence Standards & Guidelines
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)
Motor Vehicle Use Maps show roads, trails, and other areas that are open to motorized vehicles. The motor vehicle use map for the Cherokee National Forest is available free of charge at USDA Forest Service offices in Cleveland, Greeneville, Benton, and Tellico Plains, and Unicoi, Tennessee.
The map is black and white that displays only the roads and trails open to motor vehicles. People looking for recreational opportunities should use other national forest maps, such as the forest visitor map, wilderness maps, or the trail guide, that show motorized and non-motorized roads and trails (hiking, biking, horse) as well as recreation sites. These maps show a much greater range of information than shown on the motor vehicle maps.
Motor vehicle use, especially off-highway vehicle use, involves inherent risks that may cause property damage, serious injury, and possibly death to participants. Drive cautiously and anticipate rough surfaces and features, such as snow, mud, vegetation, and water crossings common to remote driving conditions. By your participation, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for these damages, risks, and dangers. Take care at all times to protect yourself and those under your responsibility.
There are four, large (48x36 in), flat sheets. Each sheet covers one of our four administrative districts.
Southern Part of Cherokee NF: 2024 Maps
Northern Part of Cherokee NF: 2024 Maps
In compliance with the November 2005 USDA Final Rule for Motorized Vehicle Recreation in National Forests and Grasslands, each national forest is required to identify and designate those roads, trails and areas that are open to motor vehicle use. Some national forests, including the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, have already established systems of roads and trails designated and managed for motorized use. The new rule does not require those units to change existing plans. However, all national forests are required to publish a motor vehicle use map and make it available to the public.
The map is legal documentation displaying the roads and trails that are open to public motor vehicle use. If a road or trail does not appear on the map it means that it is not open to public vehicular use. The map will be reviewed and updated annually.