Stretching across 656,394 acres along Tennessee’s rugged eastern border with North Carolina, Cherokee National Forest offers one of the most extensive wilderness experiences in the Southern Appalachians. Established in 1920, this forest encompasses dramatic river gorges, cascading waterfalls, and some of the oldest mountains on Earth.
The forest’s fast-flowing rivers are renowned for exceptional trout fishing, with rainbow trout stocked throughout numerous streams and native brook trout thriving in higher-elevation waters. Anglers find prime conditions from early spring through fall, though summer mornings often deliver the best action.
With 37 campgrounds scattered throughout the forest, visitors can choose their ideal basecamp. Backbone Rock Campground sits near the famous “shortest tunnel in the world,” while Cardens Bluff Campground along the Nolichucky River provides excellent whitewater access. Old Forge Campground offers a quieter, more secluded atmosphere for those seeking solitude.
Hiking trails wind through rhododendron thickets that explode with blooms in late May and June. The Appalachian Trail passes directly through the forest, offering day-hike opportunities or multi-day backpacking adventures. Winter brings cross-country skiing possibilities at higher elevations when snow conditions permit.
Access points are convenient from Elizabethton, Johnson City, and Newport, all within easy driving distance of major forest entrances. The forest headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee provides maps and current conditions information.
Peak visitation runs May through October, but autumn’s blazing foliage—typically mid-October—draws photographers and leaf-peepers from across the region. Spring wildflower season rivals fall for natural beauty with fewer crowds.
Explore Nearby
- Hill Forest State Natural Area — State Park in Tennessee
- William L. Davenport Refuge State Natural Area — State Park in Tennessee
- Harrisburg Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Tennessee
- Harris Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Oregon
- Newfound Gap Road Byway — Scenic Byway in Tennessee
