Cherokee National Forest

Spanning more than 650,000 acres in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the Cherokee National Forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee, stretching from Chattanooga to Bristol. The forest is divided into northern and southern sections by Great Smoky Mountains National Park and encompasses a remarkable diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, and recreational opportunities.

Visitors to the Cherokee National Forest can explore 15 distinct recreation areas, 30 developed campgrounds, and numerous picnic sites. More than 700 miles of trails provide access to scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich backcountry. Seven whitewater rivers carve through deep gorges and mountain valleys, offering renowned paddling opportunities, while two Forest Service scenic byways invite travelers to experience the forest’s beauty by road.

The forest is home to an extraordinary range of biodiversity, supporting more than 20,000 species of plants and animals. Originally established in 1920 as the Cherokee National Game Refuge, it was designated a national forest in 1929. From its earliest days, the forest has been managed to protect water resources and support a sustainable timber supply—an approach that has evolved into today’s multiple-use, sustained-yield management framework, balancing conservation, recreation, and responsible resource use.

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Department of Agriculture, the Cherokee National Forest supports clean water, healthy wildlife and fish habitat, sustainable wood products, outdoor recreation, and designated wilderness areas. Whether hiking a remote trail, fishing for wild trout, paddling whitewater, or camping beneath the stars, visitors can experience both solitude and adventure across this expansive public landscape.

The Cherokee National Forest remains a vital and enduring public resource—offering opportunities for recreation, conservation, and connection to the natural world across generations.