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Recreation

Trails webpages and information will not be available until May 2025. Thank you for your patience while we work through getting the most updated, accurate information for you during this time.

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 126 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…

Baby Falls Day Use Site

Site Closed
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.  

Big Bend

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
Big Bend offers plentiful parking for those who are looking to fish the Hiwassee River. 

Big Oak Cove Campground

Site Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Looking to camp where you can wake at the crack of dawn and start fishing? The cool waters of the Tellico River just feet away will ease you to sleep each night. This is one of several small…