Maps & Publications

All Forest Visitor Maps

Visitor Maps for each national forest and grassland provide forest-wide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. These maps are available to purchase from individual forests and many retail outlets. The most comprehensive source for maps is the US Geological Survey. Forest Visitor Maps are also available on mobile technology through the Avenza Map Store. These maps DO NOT show all existing Forest Service roads. For a map that shows the most up to date road and motorized trail information see the information on obtaining a Motor Vehicle Use Maps.

Cherokee National Forest and Nationwide Online Interactive Maps

• Interactive Recreation Maps: Zoom, pan and explore recreation areas on the Cherokee National Forest. 
• Interactive Visitor Map: Easily browse and search for recreation sites and activities on the Cherokee National Forest and nationwide.

Cherokee National Forest Journal (Third Edition, August 2010)

• Cherokee Journal (PDF formatted for 17”x22” folded tabloid publication)
• Northern Districts Recreation Zone Map (PDF formatted for 17”x22” publication)
• Southern Districts Recreation Zone Map (PDF formatted for 11”x17” publication)

USFS Land Status and Emcumbrance Viewer

This is a web-based mapping tool allowing users to view the Forest Service Land Status Record System (LSFS) data.  The LSFS data published via this map service is considered to be the authoritative source for Forest Service ownership. 

• USFS Land Status and Encumbrance Viewer 

Recreation Zone Visitor Maps

Northern Districts Recreation Zone Map (PDF formatted for 17”x22” publication)

• Bald Mountain Zone Map
• French Broad Zone Map
• Iron Mountain Zon Map
• Pigeon River Zone Map
• Roan Mountain Zone Map
• Unaka Mountain Zone Map
• Watauga Lake Zone Mape

Southern Districts Recreation Zone Map (PDF formatted for 11”x17” publication)

• Big Frog Mountain Zone Map
• Citico Creek Zone Map
• Coker Creek Zone Map
• Hiwassee River Zone Map
• Ocoee River Zone Map
• Starr Mountain Zone Map
• Tellico River Zone Map

Recreation Zone Visitor Guides

(PDF formatted for 8-1/2”x11” publication)

• Bald Mountain Zone Guide
• Big Frog Zone Guide
• Citico Creek Zone Guide
• Coker Creek Zone Guide
• French Broad Zone Guide
• Hiwassee River Zone Guide
• Iron Mountain Zone Guide
• Ocoee River Zone Guide
• Pigeon River Zone Guide
• Roan Mountain Zone Guide
• Starr Mountain Zone Guide
• Tellico River Zone Guide
• Unaka Mountain Zone Guide
• Watauga Lake Zone Guide

Campgrounds & Recreation Area Maps & Guides

• Cardens Bluff Campground
• Chilhowee Recreation Area
• Indian Boundary Recreation Area
• Rock Creek Recreation Area
• Ocoee Whitewater Cente

Trail System Maps

• Big Frog Backcountry Trail System
• Chilhowee Mountain Bike Trail System
• Starr Mountain Horse Trail System
• Tanasi Mountain Bike Trail System

Recreation Residence Standards & Guidelines

• Revised Recreation Residence Standards and Guidelines

Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)

Motor Vehicle Use Maps show roads, trails, and other areas that are open to motorized vehicles. The motor vehicle use map for the Cherokee National Forest is available free of charge at USDA Forest Service offices in Cleveland, Greeneville, Benton, and Tellico Plains, and Unicoi, Tennessee.

The map is black and white that displays only the roads and trails open to motor vehicles. People looking for  recreational opportunities should use other national forest maps, such as the forest visitor map, wilderness maps, or the trail guide, that show motorized and non-motorized roads and trails (hiking, biking, horse) as well as recreation sites. These maps show a much greater range of information than shown on the motor vehicle maps.

Motor vehicle use, especially off-highway vehicle use, involves inherent risks that may cause property damage, serious injury, and possibly death to participants. Drive cautiously and anticipate rough surfaces and features, such as snow, mud, vegetation, and water crossings common to remote driving conditions. By your participation, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for these damages, risks, and dangers. Take care at all times to protect yourself and those under your responsibility.  

There are four, large (48x36 in), flat sheets.  Each sheet covers one of our four administrative districts.

Southern Part of Cherokee NF:  2024 Maps

• Ocoee Ranger District 2024_508
  • Ocoee MVUM Seasonal and Special Vehicle Designations
• Tellico Ranger District 2024_508
  • Tellico MVUM Seasonal and Special Vehicle Designations

Northern Part of Cherokee NF:  2024 Maps

• Unaka Ranger District 2024_508
  • Unaka MVUM Seasonal and Special Vehicle Designations
• Watauga Ranger District 2024_508
  • Watauga MVUM Seasonal and Special Vehicle Designations

In compliance with the November 2005 USDA Final Rule for Motorized Vehicle Recreation in National Forests and Grasslands, each national forest is required to identify and designate those roads, trails and areas that are open to motor vehicle use. Some national forests, including the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, have already established systems of roads and trails designated and managed for motorized use. The new rule does not require those units to change existing plans. However, all national forests are required to publish a motor vehicle use map and make it available to the public.

The map is legal documentation displaying the roads and trails that are open to public motor vehicle use. If a road or trail does not appear on the map it means that it is not open to public vehicular use. The map will be reviewed and updated annually.

MVUM Frequently Asked Questions

Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers Corridor Management Plan

• Corridor Management Plan
• Appendix A - Rules of Tennessee Department of Conservation Division of State Parks Chapter 0400-2-8 Management of Tennessee Natural Resource Areas
• Appendix B - Construction Drawings

• Appalachian Trail Maps
• Benton MacKaye Guide
• Benton MacKaye Data Book

USGS Quadrangle Maps