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Recreation

The Cherokee National Forest is divided into 15 different Recreation Regions. Each one offers a variety of nature-based recreation opportunities and settings to enjoy. You can use the drop-down menus labeled Recreation Regions or Opportunities to find places to visit or things to do. Both menus will take you to helpful information for planning your trip!

Showing: 1 - 10 of 133 results

Allen Branch Pond

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
 Try your luck at fishing for bass, bluegill and catfish from the shoreline or one of the fishing piers on this 2.5 acre pond.Enjoy a walk around the accessible quarter-mile…

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Hiking
Stretching over 14 states and crossing more than 60 federal, state, and local parks and forests, more than 150 miles of The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverse the Cherokee National Forest…

Baby Falls Day Use Site

Site Open
Picnicking
 The Baby Falls Day Use Site, offers picnicking and water play nearby the popular Bald River Falls. 

Backbone Falls Hike

Hiking
 A short loop hike following a developed trail with rock steps and walkways that provides multiple viewpoints of the 45-foot Backbone Falls.

Backbone Rock Recreation Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
Backbone Rock Recreation Area is located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County. Backbone Rock gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that abruptly ends at a bend in Beaverdam…

Bald River Falls

Outdoor Science and Learning
 The 90 foot high Bald River Falls is recognized as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region.  It is easily accessed from Tellico River Road (NFRS 210), and provides outstanding…

Bald River Gorge Day Hike

Hiking
Trail #88, Bald River is approximately 5.6-miles one way.  It generally follows Bald River through the gorge from a parking area at Bald River Falls located on Forest Road 210 (Tellico River Road)…

Benton Falls Hike

Site Open
Hiking Biking
The Benton Falls Trail is an easy 1.5 mile (each way) hike to the 65 foot high waterfall.  

Benton Mackaye Trail in Tennessee

The Benton MacKaye Trail, named after the Massachusetts forester and regional planner who originally envisioned the continuous trail along the crest of the Appalachian Mountain chain (A.K.A. The…