Cherokee National Forest

Official Site Two main things of interest for Cherokee National Forest, camping and hunting.

Camping

Several campgrounds exist through the forest. Of particular interest for hikers and backpackers is that dispersed camping permitted in the forest. Dispersed camping is described by Cherokee National Forest as such.

For visitors wanting to get away from it all, dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds is allowed throughout Cherokee National Forest unless posted otherwise. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed recreation areas. Dispersed camping is free and no permits are required.

Hunting

Cherokee National Forest is considered a Wildlife Management Area (WMA). As public land, it is open to hunting largely following statewide seasons and restrictions. Details can be found online for the state and specific forest.

On the Cherokee WMA, hunting or discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a developed recreation area, campsite, residence, building, occupied area, across or on a National Forest system road. Contact the appropriate U.S. Forest Service office for more information.

Trails

• Carver's Gap to US19E
• Coon Den Falls
• Dennis Cove Rd to Wilbur Dam Rd
• Gentry Creek Falls
• Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
• Iron Mountain Gap to Carver's Gap
• Iron Mountain Trail - South
• Laurel Fork Gorge
• Laurel Fork Trail
• Longarm Branch
• Margarette Falls
• Nolichucky River to Indian Grave Gap
• Old Dug Trail
• Rattlesnake Ridge
• Rock Creek Falls
• Rogers Ridge Horse Trail
• Sill Branch
• Sill Branch South
• Spivey Gap to Nolichucky River
• Squibb Creek Falls
• TN91 to US421
• US19E to Dennis Cove Rd
• US421 to Damascus
• Wilbur Dam Rd to TN91

Parks

• Clarks Creek
• Horse Creek Recreation Area
• Little Oak Recreation Area
• Rock Creek Recreation Area