Tellico River
This area provides outstanding opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and scenic driving. It is also home to the popular Indian Boundary Recreation Area and the Cherohala Skyway.
Nearly 30,000 acres of remote backcountry surround three rivers and their tributaries, where fishing for brown, rainbow and brook trout is excellent. Cherohala Skyway (TN 165/NC143), a 43-mile National Scenic Byway, winds between Tellico Plains, Tenn. and Robbinsville, N.C. Tellico River Road (FR 210) offers intimate views of the river and 90-foot Bald River Falls.
Spend the night at the historic Donley Cabin and check out CCC structures at Tellico Ranger Station and Dam Creek Picnic Area. Hike across the area on the Benton MacKaye Trail. Camp at sites along Tellico River or in Indian Boundary Recreation Area just off Cherohala Skyway.
General Information
Throughout the seasons, sightseeing, picnicking, fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, wildlife viewing, and water based activities bring visitors from near and far to the Tellico River Region. Nearly 30,000 acres of remote backcountry surround the Tellico and North River corridors. The Benton MacKaye Trail offers long-distance day hiking opportunities and multiple trails connect the Cherohala Skyway with Tellico River Road. Several Civilian Conservation Corps structures remain in this Region, including historic Tellico Ranger Station, Pheasant Fields fish rearing pools and the portal at Dam Creek Picnic Area. The nearest community is Tellico Plains, TN. Major highway routes are the Cherohala Skyway (TN 165/NC 143) and the winding Tellico River Road (Forest Road 210).
Go Sightseeing!
Drive Cherohala Skyway, TN 165/NC 143, through Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. This 43-mile National Scenic Byway climbs over 4,500 feet in elevation between Tellico Plains, TN and Robbinsville, NC. Travel along the winding, narrow Tellico River Road (Forest Road 210), for up-close views of the river, including Baby Falls. Stop to admire the area’s best known waterfall, 90-foot Bald River Falls, where these two rivers converge. Scenic graveled North River Road (Forest Road 217), makes a loop to the Cherohala Skyway near the state line at Stratton Meadows.
Go Fishing!
Tellico River is recognized as a premiere trout stream; over 12 miles are stocked with catchable-size trout. Bald River, North River, and their tributaries are wild trout streams with brown, rainbow and brook trout. For more accessible fishing, try stocked Green Cove Pond, managed by TWRA with some restrictions.
Follow the Trail!
Indian Boundary Recreation Area boasts trail #129, an easy and popular 3.2 mile hike/bike trail skirting the edge of the lake. For a longer hike, try the six-mile Sycamore Creek Trail #163, a section of the Benton MacKaye Trail. Access the trail at Pheasant Fields on Tellico River Road. There are several creek crossings and small waterfalls, so be prepared to get your feet wet!
Sleep under the Stars!
If you are looking for a destination campground with modern facilities, try Indian Boundary Recreation Area. Located off the Cherohala Skyway, it has over 90 campsites equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts and electrical hookups, with easy access to drinking water, showers, flush toilet facilities and an on-site dump station. Day use facilities include a 96-acre lake, swim beach, small boat launch, accessible fishing pier and 3.2 mile trail around the lake. For a more rustic experience, try one of the primitive campgrounds along Tellico River Road or North River Road, or ask about reserving the historic Donley Cabin, a sparsely furnished civil war era cabin.
Recreation Sites
Baby Falls Day Use Site
Bald River Falls
Bald River Gorge Day Hike
Big Oak Cove Campground
Birch Branch Campground
Dam Creek Picnic Area
Davis Branch Campground
Donley Cabin
Holder Cove Campground
Holly Flats