Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Vacations

Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Active and Adventure Destinations In or Near Cherokee National Forest

Travel Guides In Cherokee National Forest

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Active and Adventure Travel Destinations
Rafting the Ocoee River in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee
The Ocoee River of Olympic fame flows through the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee (Ron Roman/courtesy, Nantahala Outdoor Center)

Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Highlights

By Travel Expert: Alistair Wearmouth
  • A 150-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail meanders through the Cherokee National Forest, carving its way through thickets of rhododendron, grassy balds, and lush forest. In total, there are some 650 miles of footpaths to explore in the forest.
  • Paddle the Ocoee River, a once-lazy stream that has been carefully modified into a channel to enhance its rapids. The Ocoee Whitewater Center burst onto the international scene during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when it hosted the slalom canoe and kayak events. Better still, it's not the only whitewater action in the forest—slip into the drink on the Nolichucky, French Broad, Tellico, Conasauga, and Hiwassee Rivers. Whitewater outfitters abound.
  • Snorkel in the Conasauga, a slow-moving, silt-free river that provides snorkelers with a unique window into a freshwater world. Keep your eyes open for turtles, redeye bass, sunfish, the federally listed blue shiner, the amber darter, and the Conasauga logperch. Also scan the shallows for Alabama hogsuckers, stonerollers, and male darters. The Conasauga Fish Viewing Trail is located in the Ocoee Ranger District.
  • Every year, officials stock the Hiwassee River with rainbow, brown, and brook trout in a 19-mile stretch downstream from the Appalachia Powerhouse. Anglers, spinners, and bait fishermen line up along the riverbanks in hopes of landing a 12-pound lunker. Although technique varies, expect to find big browns wallowing in the shoals and pools while prizefighting rainbows prefer the riffles and rapids.
  • Mountain bike the 2.4-mile Old Copper Road Historic Trail, a route once used to haul copper ore from historic Ducktown to the trailhead in Cleveland, Tenn. The trail snakes its way along the Ocoee River, so expect to hear the roar of rapids as you pedal. Mountain bikes are also permitted on the gravel portions of the Red Leaf Trail (#144), Azalea Trail (#141), and Benton Falls Trail (#131), but check with each ranger district for current conditions and regulations.
  • Cruise the Cherohala Skyway, a 40-mile scenic drive with the dubious distinction of being North Carolina's most expensive road. This two-laner traverses the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests—hence the name—and provides access to several trailheads along the way.

Hotels

from: $129 expert favorite hotel
Carnegie Hotel & Spa
1216 W. State of Franklin Rd.
Johnson City, TN
Hotel Class: 3 class stars
Distance: 48.3 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
Cherokee Adventures Riverside Campground
2000 Jonesborough Road
Erwin, TN 37650
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 38.2 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
Roan Mountain State Park Cabins & Campground
1015 Hwy 143
Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 55.5 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
All Cherokee National Forest Hotels
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Nolichucky River Gorge
Cherokee National Forest (TN) and Pisgah National Forest (NC)
Map
Distance: 36.9 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Nolichucky River Gorge stretches for 110 miles and offers Class I-IV whitewater. ... Read More
Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite attraction
Clingmans Dome
c/o Great Smoky Mountains National Park,107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 Map
Distance: 31.4 Miles (from destination center)
Description:

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest... Read More

Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite attraction
Tsali Recreation Area
Nantahala National Forest
c/o Cheoah Ranger District, Route 1, Box 16A
Robbinsville, North Carolina 28721 Map
Distance: 44.1 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Tsali Recreation Area has 41 campsites and... Read More
Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
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Feature Articles

More Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Feature Articles (59)
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