Starr Mountain
Starr Mountain is a popular Region of the national forest for horse riding & camping with nearly 20 miles of trails and a number of roads available for riding. Lost Corral Campground & Trailhead provides the easiest access to the area.
This Region also features Gee Creek Wilderness and the Gee Creek Trail #191 trail that only gets more challenging the further you hike. Access is located off US Highway 411 near the Hiwassee River and state managed Gee Creek Campground.
General Information
Starr Mountain, at 2,500 feet in elevation, provides numerous trails and a scenic wooded backdrop near the town of Etowah, TN, just off US 411. Along the extensive system of backcountry roads and trails, view this Region’s spectacular scenery, including Hiwassee State Scenic River, remote waterfalls and mountain streams. Cherokee National Forest’s smallest wilderness, 2,500-acre Gee Creek Wilderness is located about one mile off US 411. The main routes into this Region are US 411, TN 30, TN 310 and TN 315. Nearby attractions include: Gee Creek State Park, Tennessee Overhill Heritage tourism sites, including an information station in Etowah, Historic Reliance, and downtown Etowah, TN.
Follow the Trail!
Take your horse to Starr Mountain where 20 miles of trails and a number of Forest Service roads provide short day trips or long overnight rides. Featured trails in the system include Starr Mountain Horse Trail # 120, across the crest of Starr Mountain, or Chestnut Mountain Horse Trail #63 and #104 that wind along the border of Gee Creek Wilderness Area.
Explore the Forest!
Study wildlife along Gee Creek Watchable Wildlife Trail #151. This 1/2 mile hiking trail begins at Forest Road 2013 and follows an old logging road. See if you can identify which animals have walked through the track pit, or watch for wildlife in the area’s nest boxes and special wildlife plantings. Rest a spell on benches along the trail. Nearby, Gee Creek Trail #191 offers hikers a glimpse of the 2,500-acre Gee Creek Wilderness. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant! You’ll cross the creek several times, so be prepared for wading.
Go Hunting!
Starr Mountain is a favorite spot for hunting deer, bear, boar and turkey. The extensive system of Forest Service roads provides excellent access. Spring Creek Shooting Range is located on Forest Road 27, about six miles east of US 411.
Sleep under the Stars!
Equestrians may opt for Lost Corral Horse Camp, located across the road from the Hiwassee River State Park office. Dispersed camping is allowed alongside Spring Creek Road or off one of the many horse trails on Starr Mountain. Camping is not allowed in Gee Creek Wilderness, but the campground at Hiwassee River State Park is nearby. Check-out time is 2:00PM, Check-in time is 3:00PM
Passes & Permits
Day Passes or Annual Forest Passes are needed at the following sites in this Region:
- Spring Creek Shooting Range
Overnight fees apply at the following sites in this Region:
- Lost Corral Campground
Recreation Sites
Gee Creek Falls Hike
Lost Corral Horse Camp
Spring Creek Shooting Range
