Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Travel Guide

Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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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)
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Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Travel Tips

  • 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.

Cherokee National Forest Overview

The long swath of Cherokee National Forest follows the ancient ridges of the southern Appalachian Mountains along the border of eastern Tennessee, interrupted only by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though the Smokies get the lion's share of attention, the Cherokee's latticework of wicked whitewater, misty waterfalls, and winding footpaths has a charm that makes it arguably an equal of its more famous, national-park neighbor. Read More

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Hotels

from: $119

Carnegie Hotel & Spa

1216 W. State of Franklin Rd.
Johnson City, TN Map

Distance: 48.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0

Cataloochee Ranch

119 Ranch Drive
Maggie Valley, TN 28751 Map

Distance: 22.5 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
3.0

Tsali Recreation Area Campground

c/o Cheoah Ranger District, Route 1, Box 16-A
Robbinsville, NC 28721 Map

Distance: 57.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
4.0
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Attractions

Nolichucky River Gorge

expert favorite attraction
Cherokee National Forest (TN) and Pisgah National Forest (NC)


Distance: 36.9 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Nolichucky River Gorge stretches for 110 miles and offers Class I-IV whitewater. ... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0

Clingmans Dome

expert favorite attraction
c/o Great Smoky Mountains National Park,107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738

Distance: 31.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0

Cades Cove

expert favorite attraction
c/o Cades Cove Visitor Center, Cades Cove Loop
Townsend, Tennessee 37882

Distance: 50.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Cades Cove is a lush valley surrounded by mountains and IS one of the most popular destinations... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Cherokee National Forest

Distance (mi.)
Charlotte Douglas Airport 124.1 map
Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 171.5 map
Greensboro Piedmont Triad International Airport 172.3 map

Other Smaller Airports near Cherokee National Forest

Distance (mi.)
Asheville Regional/Hendersonville Airport 38.3 map
Knoxville Mc Ghee Tyson Airport 55.2 map
Bristol/Johnson City/Kingsport Tri-Cities Regional Airport 56.1 map

Flight Deals to Cherokee National Forest

Originating From
Baltimore (BWI) to Charlotte (CLT) $104
Orlando (ORL) to Charlotte (CLT) $143
New York City (NYC) to Charlotte (CLT) $144
Philadelphia (PHL) to Charlotte (CLT) $157
Buffalo (BUF) to Charlotte (CLT) $158

Feature Articles

More Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Feature Articles (2) »
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Trip Ideas

Cherokee National Forest Active and Adventure Travel Guides

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