Day Hiking

Take a day hike to one of the many scenic destinations in the Cherokee National Forest.  Some hikes are more challenging than others. 

Some easy walks include:

Rhododendron Trail #332.  A 1.6-mile, one-way hike/bike trail along the world famous Ocoee River connects Ocoee Whitewater Center and Thunder Rock Campground. (Ocoee River Zone)

Indian Boundary Lake Trail #129.  A 3.1-mile hike/bike loop trail leads you around scenic Indian Boundary Lake with views of surrounding mountains. (Tellico River Zone)

Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1 at Osborne Farm where Cross Mountain bridges Holston Mountain and Iron Mountain.  This easy, half-mile slice of A.T. provides everyone an opportunity to enjoy the pastoral mountain views of Shady Valley (Iron Mountain Zone)

Appalachian Trail #1 on Roan Mountain.  Hike less than a mile from Carvers Gap to find yourself on top of the world.  Round Bald with its incredible panoramic views is the first in a series of grassy balds.  Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge might beckon you to hike even further. (Roan Mountain Zone)

Day Hiking Areas

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Bald Mountains

  

  Most of the area is remote backcountry, including Bald Mountain Ridge Scenic Area and Sampson Mountain Wilderness.  Roads are limited, but forty-plus miles of trail access the forest.

  The area is known for its diverse populations of wildflowers and a number of waterfalls, including 60-foot fan-shaped Margarette Falls and Sill Branch Falls.  Try fishing Nolichucky River, Horse Creek, Dry Creek and Clark Creek.  Horse Creek and Old Forge Recreation areas offer picnicking, water play and camping.

  • Bald Mountains Map
  • Bald Mountains Guide
• Margarette Falls Hike
• Old Forge Recreation Area
• Round Knob Picnic Area
• Sill Branch Falls Hike
• Squibb Creek Falls and Pete's Branch Falls Hikes
• Big Frog Area

  

  This area is known for solitude and backcountry adventure, with Big Frog Wilderness being a destination for backpacking, day-hiking and hunting.

  The area offers about 35 miles of backcountry trails, some of which climb to over 4,000 feet. In addition to the backcountry hiking opportunities, the area is also managed as a Black Bear reserve.  Try snorkeling at Conasauga River, renowned for remarkable fish viewing. Pitch a tent at Tumbling Creek or Sylco Campgrounds.

  • Big Frog Area Map
  • Big Frog Area Guide
• Conasauga River Blue Hole
• Citico Creek Area

  

  This area provides opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences.  You will find ample opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking.

  With more than 20,000 acres of Wilderness in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, this area provides ample opportunities for solitude and backcountry experiences. Catch both native and stocked trout in Citico Creek and its rugged tributaries, and fish for small-mouth bass and catfish in the creek’s lower reaches.

  • Citico Creek Area Map
  • Citico Creek Area Guide
• Falls Branch Falls Hike
• Coker Creek Area

  

  Heritage and culture experiences are the primary emphasis in this area.  It is home to the nationally recognized Millennium Trail, The Unicoi Turnpike and gold panning opportunities.

  Looking for a cultural heritage excursion? Pan for gold in the community of Coker Creek. Hike a portion of the Unicoi Turnpike, an ancient travel route once part of the Trail of Tears and now a nationally designated Flagship Millennium Trail. Visit the waterfalls in Coker Creek Scenic Area and drive along Hiwassee Scenic River on TN 68.

  • Coker Creek Area Map
  • Coker Creek Area Guide
• Coker Creek Falls Hike
• Conasauga Falls Hike
• Hiwassee River Area

  

  Forested hillsides and pastoral river bottoms complement the beauty of Hiwassee River Gorge. Fishing, rafting, canoeing and hiking are popular activities.

  The 21-mile John Muir National Recreation Trail , a section of the longer distance Benton MacKaye Trail, meanders along the river. Camp at the nearby state campground at Gee Creek.

  Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Motorized boat, Fly; Boat Launch available

  • Hiwassee River Area Map
  • Hiwassee River Area Guide
• Turtletown Falls Hike
• Iron Mountains

  

  Rugged mountain solitude can be experienced throughout this area. Long distance backpacking, trout fishing and the shortest tunnel in the world are a few features you can find here.

  The Osborne Farm offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.). From there, take a multi-day backpack trip along the A.T. and Iron Mountain Trail.  Try your hand at trout fishing in Beaverdam and Laurel Creeks.  Camp at Backbone Rock Recreation Area and explore what is known locally as the shortest tunnel in the world.

  • Iron Mountains Map
  • Iron Mountains Guide
• Backbone Falls Hike
• Gentry Creek Falls Hike
• Ocoee River Area

  

  World class whitewater, mountain biking trail systems, environmental education programs, highly developed camping, and scenic byways are a few activities featured in the Ocoee River area.  

  Local outfitters offer rafting excursions in the Ocoee River’s world-class whitewater. The Ocoee Whitewater Center is a hub for outdoor adventure and offers regional information, environmental education, trails and picnic sites. Bike the 30-mile Tanasi Trail complex and trails at Chilhowee Recreation Area or take a scenic drive along the Ocoee Scenic Byway (US 64 and Forest Road 77). Popular camping areas include Parksville and Thunder Rock Campgrounds, as well as Chilhowee Recreation Area.

  • Ocoee River Area Map
  • Ocoee River Area Guide
• Benton Falls Hike
• Chilhowee Recreation Area

  

  Located in the Chilhowee Recreation Area, Chilhowee Campground offers more than 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV sites, tent-only sites and multiple bathhouses.The campground is usually open from early April to late October, with an overflow area and day use area open year-round. 7-acre McKamy Lake offers a swim area with a sand beach, and fishing from the bank. Boats are allowed, but gasoline motors are not. Also, within the recreation area are approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a scenic waterfall. On the drive up to the campground, stop at one of the many observation overlooks to see beautiful mountain settings. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly.

  Chilhowee Recreation Area Map and Guide

• Chilhowee Trail System

  Encompasing more than 20 miles of trails, the Chilhowee Trail System stretches from Parksville Campground at the bottom of the mountain to Chilhowee Recreation Area at the top. Because of the change in elevation (from about 600 feet to over 2000 feet) this trail system offers some challenges to both the mountain biker and the hiker. Many of the trails either cross or pass near Clear Creek which tumbles off the mountain in cascades and water falls all along its length. Trails in the Chilhowee Recreation Area offer more moderate hikes around a 7 acre lake or winding through the campground loops.

  Click HERE for a map of the Chilhowee Trail System.

• Ocoee Whitewater Center
• Parksville Lake Campground
• Rock Creek Gorge Waterfalls Hike
• Tanasi Trail System
• Starr Mountain Area

  

  Starr Mountain is a popular area of the national forest for horse riding & camping with nearly 20 miles of trails and a number of roads available for riding.  Lost Corral Campground & Trailhead provides the easiest access to the area.

  This zone also features Gee Creek Wilderness and the Gee Creek Trail #191 trail that only gets more challenging the further you hike.  Access is located off US Highway 411 near the Hiwassee River and state managed Gee Creek Campground.

  • Starr Mountain Area Map
  • Starr Mountain Area Guide
• Gee Creek Falls Hike
• Tellico River Area

  

  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.

  • Tellico River Area Map
  • Tellico River Area Guide
• Bald River Gorge Day Hike
• Indian Boundary Recreation Area

  

  If you are looking for a base camp to explore the vicinity or a destination campground with modern facilities and a family atmosphere, try Indian Boundary Recreation Area (IBRA), accessed off Cherohala Skyway.

  Over 87 campsites are equipped with firerings, 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 3.6 mile hike/bike trail around the lake. Did you forget something? Don't sweat it! The Indian Boundary General Store can meet your camping supply needs ranging from bread to firewood, as well as a souvenir for you to remember your trip to IBRA.

  Indian Boundary Recreation Area Map

  Indian Boundary Recreation Area Guide

• Unaka Mountains

  

  Backcountry trails, scenic driving and the Nolichucky River provide opportunities for outdoor adventure.  High elevation balds along the Unaka Mountain Range offer spectacular views.

  Look for Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower located on the crest of Buffalo Mountain.  The zone is rich with Civilian Conservation Corps history:  view their legacy at Laurels, Rock Creek and Unaka Mountain Road.  Enjoy picnicking at Laurels, Limestone Cove, Rock Creek and Chestoa or camp at Rock Creek Recreation Area.   

  • Unaka Mountains Map
  • Unaka Mountains Guide
• Chestoa Overlook
• Chestoa Recreation Area
• Pinnacle Tower Hike
• Rock Creek Falls Hike
• Rock Creek Recreation Area
• Watauga Lake Area

  

  Water recreation is abundant in this area, featuring Watauga Lake; the Doe, Elk and Watauga rivers;  several streams and seven waterfalls.

  Highly developed recreation areas along Watauga Lake provide facilities for fishing, picnicking, swimming and boat launching. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through the area's backcountry.  Camp on the lakeshore at Cardens Bluff or in the backcountry along Laurel Fork Creek at Dennis Cove.

  • Watuaga Lake Area Map
  • Watuaga Lake Area Guide
• Coon Den Falls Hike
• Dennis Cove Recreation Area
• Laurel Fork Falls Hike