Hiking
Over 700 miles of non-motorized trails traverse Cherokee National Forest including nearly 150 miles the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) Take a day hike or hike several days on the national forest trails system.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Stretching over 14 states and crossing more than 60 federal, state, and local parks and forests, more than 150 miles of The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverse the Cherokee National Forest…
Backbone Falls Hike
A short loop hike following a developed trail with rock steps and walkways that provides multiple viewpoints of the 45-foot Backbone Falls.
Bald River Gorge Day Hike
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
The Benton Falls Trail is an easy 1.5 mile (each way) hike to the 65 foot high waterfall.
Big Bend
Site Open
Big Bend offers plentiful parking for those who are looking to fish the Hiwassee River.
Chestoa Overlook
This is a 1.8 mile hike (one-way) along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to vista points overlooking the Nolichucky River Gorge.
Chestoa Recreation Area
Site Closed
Chestoa Recreation Area is an accessible day-use area on the banks of the Nolichucky River south of Erwin.It is a take-out for whitewater rafters who ride the river from Poplar, North Carolina…
Childers Creek Trailhead
Site Open
Childers Creek is a parking area for those to access the Hiwassee River and the John Muir Trail.
Chilhowee Recreation Area
Site Open
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…
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…