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Home , Bald River, Benton MacKaye Trail, Big Frog Mountain, Cherohala Skyway, Cherokee Lake, Cherokee National Forest

ome explore the natural beauty of the National # Forest, located in the Southern of east . Take special note of the forest’s 15 recreation zones, each brimming with sites and activities that are as unique as the mountains or waters that define it. The is the perfect place for a scenic drive through the mountains, solitude on a backcountry , the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars or an opportunity to catch wild . Plan your visit by activities or locations using the recreation zones referenced throughout the Journal ... , Ocoee River, , Starr Mountain, Coker Creek, , Creek, Pigeon River, French , Bald Mountain, Unaka Mountain, Roan Mountain, , Iron Mountain and . Enjoy your visit. Please do your part to conserve these exceptional places.

Layers and layers of blue mountains, blending into 4HE#HEROKEE.ATIONAL&OREST the sky … Thundering cascades of water rushing over ancient boulders … Hoot of an owl on a starlit Is the second most visited tourist Has more than 500 miles of cold- attraction in Tennessee water night … Crunch of frost on a winter day … Twitter of a songbird, high in the treetops … Splendor of a Has more than 30 developed Lies along three large lakes managed campgrounds and 45 day use sites by the Tennessee Authority jewel-colored mountainside in autumn sunlight … Is the site of the world’s only (TVA) Heady aroma of evergreens, wafting through the air. Olympic whitewater venue on a Provides habitat for 43 species of natural river mammals, 154 species of fish, 55 These are a few of the wild sensations you can Contains a portion of one of the species of amphibians and 262 experience in the Cherokee National Forest. nation’s oldest travelways species of birds Home to 11 designated Has more than 600 miles of trail Wildernesses, totaling nearly including more than 150 miles of the 67,000 acres Appalachian National Scenic Trail Tennessee’s Cherokee National There is a falling cascade of water on almost every in the forest. A single cascade may be only Forest stretches from Chattanooga a few feet in height, but it might be combined in a series of drops that travel a distance of several to Bristol along the hundred feet. A waterfall, by comparison, flows freely in a vertical drop along a cliff face. The border. The 640,000-acre federal quantity of water in a fall or cascade depends on the amount of rainfall, which will vary from season forest is the largest tract of public to season and from year to year. land in Tennessee. National forests are lands of many The word “waterfall” inspires thoughts of beauty uses. Their original purpose was to and power. There are several waterfalls in the Cherokee protect water quality and provide a National Forest and visitors often inquire how to continuous supply of timber. Today, find them. Because exact locations of the cascades are national forests are managed to difficult to describe, the following directions are very provide outdoor recreation, wildlife general. When distances are noted, they refer to and fish habitat, wilderness, water, one-way travel. Most of the are linear, so double minerals, wood products and much the distance to include the return trip. You may want more. to take along a topographic or other map, available for The Forest Service, U.S. purchase at your nearest Forest Service office. Department of Agriculture, is Benton Falls: Take Forest Road 77 to Chilhowee Blue Hole Falls the federal agency that manages Recreation Area. Hike an easy 1.5 miles on our nation’s national forests and Benton Falls Trail #131 to a series of steps that lead to Pete’s Branch Falls: Take Forest Road 94 in grasslands. the base of the 65-foot cascade. (Ocoee River Zone) Horse Creek Recreation Area to Forest Road Because of the Cherokee’s majestic Turtletown Falls: Take TN 68 to County Road 94B to Pete’s Branch Trail #12. Walk 1.2 miles (or mountains, tumbling streams 2317 to Turtletown Falls Trail #185. The drive in 4WD, high-clearance vehicle) along forest and diverse vegetation; recreation 3.8-mile trail overlooks two major waterfalls and roads, then 0.6 mile on Pete’s Branch Trail. Hike opportunities are plentiful. Visitors Hiwassee River. 30-foot falls. (Hiwassee River Zone) requires four creek crossings. 45-foot fall; best during come to explore the 600 miles of wet seasons. (Bald Mountain Zone) trails, hundreds of miles of cold Sill Branch Falls: Take TN 107 to Clark water streams, seven whitewater Creek Road (Forest Road 25) to Sill Branch rivers, 30 developed campgrounds, Falls Trail # 115. The 0.5-mile trail ends at 20-foot 45 day-use sites and the abundant fall. (Bald Mountain Zone) populations of wildlife that live here. Coon Den Falls: Take County Road 50 to Coon Den Falls Trail #37. Begin a 0.5-mile steep, rocky hike. 15-foot cascade. (Watauga Lake Zone) Blue Hole Falls: Take TN 91 to Forest Road 56. Hike a short, steep 0.1-mile trail with steep stairs. 70-foot fall in two tiers. (Holston Coker Creek Falls Mountain Zone) Coker Creek Falls: Take TN 68 to County Road Gentry Creek Falls: Take TN 91 to Laurel 628 to County Road #2 to Forest Road 2138 to Bloomery; turn east on Gentry Creek Road; Coker Creek Falls Trail #183. Within 0.2 miles you’ll follow Forest Road 123 to Gentry Creek Trail #51. view two cascades, both spanning the breadth of the Hike 2.3 miles along an abandoned railroad grade creek, the first 8 feet high and the next 20 feet high. A with several creek crossings. 80-foot fall in two tiers. longer hike offers views of additional cascades, rapids (Iron Mountain Zone) and clear pools. (Coker Creek Zone) Backbone Falls: Take TN 133 near Damascus, Falls: View from Tellico River Road Va., to Backbone Rock Recreation Area. Use Sill Branch Falls (Forest Road 210) off . Backbone Falls Trail #198, a 0.4-mile loop that 90-foot fall. (Tellico River Zone) includes several long flights of steps with steep drop- offs. 45-foot fall. (Iron Mountain Zone) Wolf Creek Falls: Take County Road 107 to Forest Road 96 to Forest Road 96D. Hike 0.5 mile along an old roadbed. 25-foot fall. ( Zone) Kelly, Dudley and Ricker Falls: View from Some of the forest’s waterfalls Forest Road 41 along Paint Creek. Cascades: are hidden inside a Congressionally 15 feet each. (French Broad River Zone) designated Wilderness: Margarette Falls: Take Shelton Mission Road to • Falls Branch Falls in Citico trailhead on Forest Road 5099. Go 0.5 Creek Wilderness mile along closed road, then 0.7 mile on Margarette • Squibb Creek Falls in Sampson Falls Trail #189, a rough, boulder-filled trail with Mountain Wilderness several stream crossings. 50-foot fall. (Bald Mountain Zone) Bald River Falls • Rock Creek Falls in Unaka Mountain Wilderness • Laurel Fork Falls in Pond Mountain Wilderness • Never swim, wade or play in the water above a If you are seeking a primitive waterfall. recreation experience, check with Although beautiful to see, waterfalls and cascades the nearest Forest Service office for • View the falls looking up from the bottom or side can be very dangerous. Remember that wet, moss- rather than trying to look over brink of the falls. directions to these falls. Be familiar covered rocks are slick and hazardous, no matter which • Supervise children and keep pets leashed. with Wilderness regulations season of the year. It is also easy to underestimate the including group size limitations. strong flow of water. Use common sense. • Stay on the developed trails. : The first Cherohala Skyway: View some of the valley floor of Unicoi County to high-elevation designated national forest scenic byway best mountain scenery in the world from spruce forests and balds atop Unaka Mountain. in the nation includes 26 miles of US 64 and this 43-mile through the Rock Creek Recreation Area, with facilities for Forest Road 77. The two-lane route winds Cherokee and Nantahala national forests. Drive day and overnight use, and Limestone Cove past Parksville Lake, through the scenic rocky along the sparkling rush of the Tellico River, Picnic Area are along the way. High-clearance bluffs of Ocoee River Gorge and past the Ocoee stop at overlooks to take in expansive views of 4WD vehicles are recommended on Forest Road Whitewater Center. Take a side trip up the 7- the and waves of mountain 230, closed between mid-December to mid- mile Chilhowee Scenic Spur, Forest Road 77, to peaks, hike to high elevation mountain balds or March. (Unaka Mountain Zone) Chilhowee Recreation Area. Take in long-range nearby Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Stop for views of the Tennessee Valley, Cumberland a picnic at Indian Boundary Recreation Area. Mountains and into the mountains of . (Tellico River Zone) From several overlooks you can spread a picnic Take a long, scenic loop that connects or take a short hike. (Ocoee River Zone) Cherohala Skyway and Ocoee Scenic Byway. At Hiwassee River Road: Sun-dappled Tellico Plains, travel TN 68 north to County forests surround TN 30 and Forest Road Road 39 and County Road 310 to Etowah and 108 as they follow Hiwassee State Scenic River. US 411. A southern turn on US 411 leads to Leave TN 30 to cross the bridge to the historic US 64 (Ocoee Scenic Byway). Travel the byway community of Reliance and turn east to Forest to Ducktown, turn north onto TN 68 that leads Road 108. Climb the mountain toward Big you back to Tellico Plains. (This route travels Bend and Apalachia Powerhouse. Pack a picnic through most of the southern recreation zones.) and enjoy the views from Hood Mountain Enjoy views of the mountains and Shady Valley from TN 91 and TN 133. overlook and other spectacular sites along the corridor. From Reliance, TN 30 continues TN 143: This state scenic parkway climbs through the community of Greasy Creek to US through to 64, Ocoee Scenic Byway. (Hiwassee River Zone) Carvers Gap, with numerous long-distance mountain vistas, picnic spots, rhododendrons and spruce-fir forests. In the , check out the wildflowers at Twin Springs Picnic Area. (Roan Mountain Zone) US 321/TN 67: These state scenic parkways follow the shoreline of Watauga Meander along scenic Brush Creek on Forest Road 209. Lake, accessing several national forest recreation areas and providing scenic views of the lake Brush Creek Mountain Loop: Travel and forest lands on Iron Mountain. The along TN 107, Forest Road 209 and highways split east of the lake, where both US 25/70. Gravelled FR 209 meanders through individual routes pass through farmlands, a narrow canyon with rhododendron-covered rural communities and scenic mountain views sandstone bluffs. Stretch and enjoy the short, View shoals in the Hiwassee River from Hood Mountain Overlook. toward Boone, N.C. and Mountain City, Tenn. accessible trail at Allen Branch Pond. French (Watauga Lake/Iron Mountain Zones) Tellico River Road: Take TN 165 from Broad Boat Launch offers access to the river. Tellico Plains to Forest Road 210. The Stop for a picnic at Houston Valley Recreation TN 91: Wind along Stony Creek through route follows Tellico River past Bald River Falls, Area off TN 107. (French Broad River Zone) farmlands framed by Holston and Iron where you can pull off to view the magnificent Mountains to the top of Cross Mountain. Cross Paint Creek Corridor with Hot Springs’ falls. A few miles farther, stop to view pools of Mountain Trailhead offers area information, as Loops: Meander along 5-mile Paint Creek teeming trout at historic Pheasant Fields Fish well as parking for Appalachian National Scenic Corridor to historic Paint Rock. Stop for a Rearing Pools. Small campgrounds, picnic areas Trail #1 and the Osborne Farm. TN 91 drops picnic, check out scenic waterfalls or splash in and trailheads flank this scenic route. (Tellico spectacularly into Shady Valley, a rural farming the ripples along the way. Extend your trip by River Zone) community known for its extant cranberry travelling along French Broad River via River bogs. North of Shady Valley, TN 133 follows Road to the community of Hot Springs, North portions of an old rail line along Beaverdam Carolina. Two overmountain routes will bring Creek through the Shortest Tunnel in the you back to Paint Creek: World at Backbone Rock Recreation Area. (Iron • From Hot Springs, take US 25/70 west to TN Mountain Zone) 107 to Forest Road 54. Catch scenic mountain vistas along this winding gravel road that intersects Forest Road 41 near Paint Rock. • From Hot Springs, take US 25/70 east to Forest Road 467 and wind through to Hurricane Gap. Forest Road 31 brings you back to Paint Creek at Moses Turn trailhead. Take a side trip at Hurricane Gap to Pisgah National Forest’s Mountain Firetower or catch the Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1. (French Broad River Zone) Unaka Mountain Scenic Drive: From Erwin, this drive makes a circle connecting TN 395, gravelled Forest Road 230 and TN 107, a state scenic parkway, past A drive through Tellico River corridor provides interesting river views. Limestone Cove. The route winds from the Forest roads offer spectacular scenery throughout the year. isit any one of six lakes in the Cherokee National Forest for water recreation, fishing or just to enjoy the scenic shorelines. Parksville Lake: The oldest lake in the Cherokee National Forest was created by Tennessee Rural Electric Company in 1910-11. Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this lake is controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Scenic views of the 1,930-acre lake are highlights along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. The lake is popular for motor-boating against the backdrop of forested rolling hills; two public

o you like to fish for bass or bluegill Larry by Photo Mashburn in a warm-water pond in a wooded boat launches are located along US 64. Swim Ocoee #3 Lake setting? Or just like to relax near and picnic at Mac Point and Parksville Beach. water and watch damselflies and other aquatic Just below the dam is Sugarloaf Park, operated If you’re looking for a quieter experience, try wildlife? by the state of Tennessee, where visitors can one of the forest’s smaller lakes. Allen Branch Pond: Try your luck at picnic and view a scale model of the Olympic Ocoee #3 Lake: With just 24 miles of fishing for bass, bluegill and catfish from the and course. Scan the shoreline for shoreline, 360 acres of water surface and shoreline or from one of the fishing piers. the gleaming white heads of bald eagles. Camp few developed facilities, this small TVA lake Walk the accessible quarter-mile trail ringing nearby at Parksville Campground, just off US provides a rustic setting for fishing, nature the pond and enjoy the sights and sounds of a 64 on TN 30. (Ocoee River Zone) study or a quiet smooth-water canoe trek. warm-water ecosystem. Water from this Watauga Lake: In 1942, TVA impounded Ride your mountain bike or hike along Brush 2.5-acre pond is sometimes used to help put River, and to Creek and Boyd Gap trails for views to the lake. out wildfires. (French Broad River Zone) create this 6,430-acre lake. Nestled between Big Tumbling Creek Campground offers primitive Dillard Ponds: Grassy meadows and Laurel and Pond Mountain wildernesses, the camping facilities. (Ocoee River Zone) wooded hillsides surround a string of four deep blue waters and beautiful mountain vistas McKamy Lake: Visitors to Chilhowee small ponds, fed by the cold waters of Paint set the stage for fishing, boating and water Recreation Area are drawn to McKamy Lake for Creek. Just off Upper Paint Creek Road, this skiing. A network of developed sites including swimming, fishing picnicking, sunbathing area is a great place for the whole family to boat launches, picnic and . The seven- explore. (Bald Mountain Zone) areas and a campground acre lake was built in the Paint Creek Pond: Among the cattails are provided by the late 1930s to early 1940s by and other aquatic plants, watch for beavers Forest Service. Hike the the Civilian Conservation and listen for frog calls. In the early morning, Appalachian National Corps. Chilhowee Lake watch mist rise from the placid surface of the Scenic Trail #1 to follow Trail skirts the banks of the pond. The pond is an easy drive or bicycle the west and north sides lake and connects to picnic, ride from Paint Creek Campground. (French of the lake. In late spring, bathhouse and campground Broad River Zone) listen for yellow-throated facilities. (Ocoee River Scott-Booher Pond: On the site of an warblers and vireos at Rat Zone) Branch Boat Launch and historic homestead dating to the mid 1800s, Indian Boundary Lake: Watauga Point Picnic the Scott-Booher Pond was enlarged in 1991 This 96-acre lake provides Area. (Watauga Lake and is managed for bass and bluegill. Bring a scenic backdrop for Zone) a blanket for a picnic near the pond or in camping, fishing, picnicking the historic apple orchard. The Appalachian : and boating from the hub at National Scenic Trail is nearby. (Iron McKamy Lake, summer 1942 Indian Boundary Recreation Mountain Zone) Boat, kayak, water-ski and fish the meandering Area. The lake features a shoreline of this TVA lake. Launch your sandy swim beach, boat launch and accessible watercraft from Tennessee Wildlife Resources fishing pier. From the 3.1-mile lakeshore trail, Agency’s ramp on US 421 or from Little Oak you can watch beaver that inhabit a pond above Campground off Forest Road #87. You can the lake, identify several species of ducks and camp near the water at Little Oak and Jacobs other waterfowl or try your luck at catching Creek Campgrounds. bass, catfish and bluegill. (Tellico River Zone) Observation Knob at TVA’s is a great place to view the lake against the backdrop of Holston Mountain. Look for bald eagles, reintroduced in the 1990s. Loons, buffleheads, mallards and ring-billed gulls are among the area’s waterfowl species. (Holston Mountain Zone)

Paint Creek Pond South Holston Lake apture the splendor and excitement of canoeing, or whitewater rivers in the Cherokee Cherokee Indians The Tennessee National Forest. Each river has its own called the Ocoee Valley Authority personality, with diverse paddling challenges and River the place of releases the outstanding scenery. the people of the river’s flow on a • Ocoee River: Class III-IV rapids. This river river. In 1996 the scheduled basis. was home of the 1996 Olympic canoe and Ocoee hosted the With this rush kayak slalom events. Outfitters provide rafting world’s first Olympic of whitewater, services on both the upper and lower sections. whitewater event local outfitters (Ocoee River Zone) on a natural river. lead trips through • Hiwassee River: Class I-III rapids. Local Today the Ocoee the same giant outfitters rent rafts and tubes. (Hiwassee River Whitewater Center rocks and rapids Zone) offers something for that challenged everyone, continuing the Olympic • Tellico River: Class II-IV rapids, best paddled the tradition as the champions in the spring or times of the year when there is place of the people of during the 1996 canoe and kayak slalom adequate rainfall. (Tellico River Zone) the river. competition. • Pigeon River: Class I-IV rapids. Local • Explore a historic trail built by Cherokee The Trail System offers more than outfitters provide rafting services. (Pigeon Indians, where 19th century miners 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. Choose River Zone) transported copper ore by mules and leisurely walks or bike rides on shady • French Broad River: Class I-III rapids. A wagons. riverside trails or a blistering, high energy popular commercial section runs 13 miles • Stroll through native gardens honoring trek down the Thunder Rock Express. from Hot Springs, North Carolina, to Del Rio, Olympic athletes, Cherokee Indians and On-site naturalists lead conservation Tennessee, with local rafting services. (French others. education programs, with hands on Broad River Zone) • Study rock formations deposited more than opportunities for both youths and adults to 750 million years ago. interact with the environment. Throughout • : Class II-V rapids through the year, special events include national remote backcountry in the Pisgah and and international whitewater competitions, Cherokee national forests and Class I-II rapids championship mountain bike and between Erwin, Tennessee, and adventure races and regional festivals. Lake near Greeneville, Tenn. Commercial Nestled on a ledge just above the river, rafting is available on the challenging 8.5- the makes an mile section between Poplar, N.C. and Erwin. impressive architectural statement with (Unaka Mountain Zone, Bald Mountain massive beams, native rockwork and grand Zone) river views. The stage is set for private • Watauga River: Class I-II rapids between gatherings, weddings, conferences and and Elizabethton, Tenn. corporate retreats. For more information: Commercial rafting is available. (Watauga Lake (423) 496-0100; or (877) 692-6050 toll-free. Zone) For information about these rivers and their difficulty levels, see www.americanwhitewater.org. • Enjoy the views from the The water flow of some of these rivers is Fire Tower. controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority. • Spread a picnic under shade trees beside Check TVA’s water release schedules at www.tva. the river. gov. • Gather information about the Ocoee To make your trip more enjoyable and safe, Region’s Tennessee Overhill. remember these tips. If you are planning a • Browse through a selection of local artists’ creations, nature oriented souvenirs and guided trip or renting equipment, call ahead for outdoor wear in the gift shop. reservations. Heaviest recreation use occurs late spring through mid summer. On the day of your trip, let someone know your itinerary. Wear appropriate safety gear, including flotation device and helmet. If you are a novice, with experienced boaters or guides who know the river and are trained in whitewater safety. senses. connect you withaworldthatwillrock your has more than600 milesoftrailsready to mountain toreach horizons. new The forest streamwalk alongarushing orclimba Bike Trail Complex.(Ocoee River Zone) another daytotackleChilhowee Mountain advanced riders.Campnearby soyou have more than30milesoftrailsforbeginnersto based atOcoee Centeroffers Whitewater (Citico Creek Zone) Horse CampoffCiticoCreek Road #35-1. (Starr Mountain Zone) or Young Branch Corral Horse CampnearHiwassee River recreation zones. Set upabasecampatLost French Broad River andHolston Mountain roads intheStarr Mountain, CiticoCreek, series ofgrassybalds.(Roan Mountain Zone) world withincredible anda panoramicviews Gap andfindyourselfCarvers ontopofthe Roan Mountain: Hike lessthanamilefrom Zone) Holston andIron mountains.(Iron Mountain green pastures of andlong-distanceviews provides toenjoy anopportunity everyone Osborne Farm: This half-milesliceofA.T. mountains. (Tellico River Zone) you aroundofthe thesceniclakewithviews mile looptrailforhikingandbikingleads Zone) the worldfamousOcoee River. (Ocoee River one-way hikingandbikingtrailtravels along Trail #332. Bike orhikealongsidetheOcoee River onRhododendron Maine orsouthtoGeorgia. these trailsby following to theblazes north the entire Appalachian Mountain Chainon Looking forsomethingeven longer?Explore and National Park. districtsoftheforestsouthern andnorthern the other. Together thesetrailstraverse the Scenic Trail from oneendoftheforest to MacKaye Trail andAppalachian National Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1on Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1at Lake Indian Boundary Trail #129:A3.1- Tanasi Mountain Bike Trail Complex Want amountainbikeadventure? designated horsetrailsandbackcountry Got ahorse? Rhododendron Trail #332:A1.6-mile, Looking foraneasytrail? Follow thewhiteblazes ofBenton Want tohikeacross theforest? sound oftrafficfarbehind, Cherokee National Forest. Leave the xplore thenatural wondersofthe Ridenetworks of

Photo by Murray Lee (Roan Mountainscenic countryside. Zone) For historic route orfollow themotorroute through . Visitors ofthe canhikeportions the firstNational Historic Trail intheeastern NationalVictory Historic Trail wasdesignated years afterthedecisive battle,theOvermountain army atKingsMountain in1780. Two hundred militia astheytraveled southtodefeattheBritish Tennessee. The trailtracestheroute ofthepatriot at nearpresent-day Elizabethton, 1780, more than1,000citizen soldiersmustered America’s Revolutionary War. On September 25, successes oftheOvermountain Men during Trail: www.carolinamtnclub.com/. www.appalachiantrail.org; www.tehcc.org/; additional information,seewww.nps.gov/appa/; and North Carolina. (Northern Districts) For districtsalongthebordernorthern of Tennessee that traverse theCherokee National Forest’s and CanoeClub, maintainmore than150miles Mountain Cluband Tennessee EastmanHiking local trailmaintainingclubs. Two clubs,Carolina Park Appalachian Service, Trail and Conservancy cooperatively between theForest National Service, one of16National Millennium Trails. first National Scenic Trail. In 1999,itwasnamed System Act in1968,theA.T. became thenation’s Georgia. With thepassageofNational Trails footpath thatextends2,167milesfrom Maine to experiment inregional planning.” by planner-forester Benton McKaye as“an It beganasagrandvisionin1921,proposed National Forest’s five nationallydesignatedtrails. the A.T., thistrailisthemostfamousofCherokee ofadeveloping frontier.history regions andgive glimpsesintositessteepedinthe to walkonnarrow footpathsinremote mountain planners andnaturalists. They provide thechance commemorate thevisionsofforward-thinking designated trailsintheCherokee National Forest andculture. land, history The five nationally landscape, providing connectionsbetween people, Trails oftheAmerican have alwaysbeenapart Overmountain NationalVictory Historic This longdistancehikingtrailismanaged Today itisaninternationallyrenowned Appalachian National Scenic Trail: This trailcommemoratesthemilitary Known as dedicated localtrailclubs. and CanoeClub Tennessee Eastman Hiking Horsemen,Country Southern Appalachian Back Bicycling Association, International Mountain Carolina Mountain Club, Horsemen ofEast Tennessee, Association, Back Country Benton MacKaye Trail on nationalforests: theAppalachian Trail Conservancy, Get involved. Volunteer trails withgroups thatsupport sustainable recreation opportunities. together toprovide adiverse rangeofpopularand to develop apublictrailsystemwhere alltrailswork This visionincludesyou andtrailusersoftomorrow. The visionforCherokee National Forest trailsis www.tennesseeoverhill.com/. Creek Zone) For additionalinformation,see National Millennium Trails in1999.(Coker forests becameoneof16trailsdesignatedas historic route withsegmentsonfournational inOklahoma.eastern landstoreservations The , relocating from their turnpike becamethefirstlegof1,100-mile lands ineastern Tennessee. In thelate1830s, ontheCarolina coastandCherokeeseaports tradingroute betweenbecame animportant hunt, tradeandsettletheterritory, thetravelway thousand years. Used by Native Americansto Trail: Creek Zone, Tellico River Zone) Turnpike National Millennium Trail. (Coker interest inlinkingthishistoricroute withUnicoi the trailtoslipintoobscurity. However, there is the late1990sanddowned trees have caused were infestedby theSouthern Pine Beetle in Trail in 1979. Woodlands surrounding thetrail Trail was recognized asaNational Recreation documented thehistoricroute. Warriors Passage stateof andthenew Tennessee between the markingsurveyors theboundary andoccupyFortto construct Loudoun.In 1797, decades later, British soldierstraveled theroute Indian towns alongthetravelway in1730. Two George Hunter mappedlocationsofCherokee during the18thand19thcenturies.Surveyor used by British soldiersandCherokee Indians Trail: Recreation Trail in1979.(Hiwassee River Zone) and Farner, Tenn. It wasdesignatedasaNational Hiwassee State ScenicRiver between Reliance Hiwassee River. Most ofthe20-miletrailfollows thoughts abouttheUnaka Mountains and southeast Tennessee andlaterrecorded his Gulf ofMexico. In 1867,herambledthrough and onathousand-milewalktothe and naturalistwhotrampedthrough Tennessee trail isnamedafterthenotedconservationist www.nps.gov/ovvi. additional information,seewww.ovta.org or Unicoi Turnpike National Millennium Warriors Passage National Recreation John Muir National Recreation Trail: This trailhasexistedformore thana This trailoverlays ofanhistoricroute part This Wondering where to go in the forest? To plan your trip, check out the featured activities and unique settings in each of the 15 recreation zones described below and arranged geographically from south to north. Also check the maps on pages 8-10 for orientation.

Big Frog Mountain Zone: This the L&N railroad bridge, is designated as a Tellico River Zone: Nearly zone is known for solitude and quality trout fishing area. The 21-mile John 30,000 acres of remote backcountry adventure. Managed as a black Muir National Recreation Trail #152, a section backcountry surround three rivers and their bear reserve, Big Frog Mountain is a destination of the longer distance Benton MacKaye Trail, tributaries, where fishing for brown, rainbow for hiking and . Try snorkeling at meanders along the river. Camp at Quinn Springs and is excellent. Cherohala Skyway , renowned for remarkable fish Campground, located near the river on TN 30 or (TN 165/NC143), a 43-mile National Scenic viewing. Pitch a tent at Tumbling Creek and the nearby state campground at Gee Creek. Byway, winds between Tellico Plains, Tenn. and Sylco Campgrounds. Robbinsville, N.C. Tellico River Road (FR 210) Starr Mountain Zone: Along the offers intimate views of the river and 90-foot Ocoee River Zone: Local extensive system of backcountry roads Bald River Falls. Spend the night at the historic outfitters offer rafting and trails, view this zone’s scenic mountain Donley Cabin and check out CCC structures at excursions in Ocoee River’s world class streams and . Camp with Tellico Ranger Station and Dam Creek Picnic whitewater. Ocoee Whitewater Center is a your horse at Lost Corral Campground, located Area. Hike across the zone on Benton MacKaye hub for outdoor adventure and offers regional on the edge of the 30-mile horse-trail complex. Trail. Camp at sites along Tellico River or information, environmental education, trails Sight your firearm at Spring Creek Shooting in Indian Boundary Recreation Area just off and picnic sites. Bike the 30-mile Tanasi Trail Range. Cherohala Skyway. complex and trails at Chilhowee Recreation Area Coker Creek Zone: Looking for a or take a scenic drive along the Ocoee Scenic cultural heritage excursion? Pan Citico Creek Zone: With more Byway (US 64 and Forest Road 77). Camp at for gold in the community of Coker Creek. Hike than 20,000 acres of Wilderness Parksville and Thunder Rock Campgrounds and a portion of the Unicoi Turnpike, an ancient in Citico Creek and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Chilhowee Recreation Area. travel route once part of the Trail of Tears and areas, this zone provides ample opportunities Hiwassee River Zone: Forested now a nationally designated Flagship Millennium for solitude and backcountry experiences. Catch hillsides and pastoral river Trail. Visit the waterfalls in Coker Creek Scenic both native and stocked trout in Citico Creek bottoms complement the beauty of Hiwassee Area and drive along Hiwassee Scenic River on and its rugged tributaries, and fish for small- River Gorge. , rafting, canoeing and TN 68. Camp at Indian Boundary Recreation mouth bass and catfish in the creek’s lower hiking are popular activities. A three-mile Area located off Cherohala Skyway, TN 165/NC reaches. Young Branch Horse Camp is the hub section of the river, between Big Bend and 143. for Little Citico Horse Trail Complex.

Pigeon River Zone: Lying between Creek and Clark Creek. Most of the zone is Watauga rivers; several streams and seven the French Broad and Pigeon Rivers, remote backcountry; roads are limited, but more waterfalls. Highly developed recreation areas this zone is the setting for Catherine Marshall’s than 40 miles of trail access the forest interior. along Watauga Lake provide facilities for fishing, novel “Christy” and home to “.” Drive Horse Creek and Old Forge Recreation Areas picnicking, swimming, and boat launching. The along scenic to Great Smoky offer picnicking, water play, and camping. Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through Mountains National Park. Take a whitewater the zone’s backcountry. Camp on the lake shore Unaka Mountain Zone: rafting adventure with local outfitters or hike the at Cardens Bluff or in the backcountry along Hike the Appalachian Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.). The Laurel Fork Creek at Dennis Cove. National Scenic Trail, take a scenic drive, or raft nearest campgrounds are Round Mountain, a the Nolichucky River for intimate views of the Iron Mountain Zone: Rugged primitive, high elevation campground located on zone’s tall mountains, high elevation balds and mountain solitude is featured TN 107 near and Big Creek in the scenic waters. Look for Pinnacle Mountain fire throughout this zone. The Osborne Farm offers Great Smoky Mountains National Park. tower located on the crest of Buffalo Mountain. a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains French Broad River Zone: The zone is rich with Civilian Conservation from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Forest roads and the 40-mile Corps history: view their legacy at Laurels, (A.T.). From there, take a multi-day backpack Brush Creek Mountain/Meadow Creek Rock Creek and Unaka Mountain Road. Picnic trip along the A.T. and Iron Mountain Trail #54. Mountain horse trail complex link wooded at Laurels, Limestone Cove, Rock Creek and Try your hand at trout fishing in Beaverdam mountainsides and creek gorges and the Chestoa and camp at Rock Creek. and Laurel creeks. Camp at Backbone Rock namesake river winds boldly along the zone’s Recreation Area and explore what is known southern edge. Enjoy the scenery at Allen Branch Roan Mountain Zone: The zone’s locally as the shortest tunnel in the world. steep rugged mountainsides and and Paint Creek Ponds, Weaver’s Bend and along Holston Mountain Zone: The Brush Creek. Trek to Paint Creek for fishing, hollows are richly diverse, home to plants and animals not found anywhere else in the world. namesake mountain provides wading and picnicking. Camp at Paint Creek a scenic backdrop for South Holston Lake, venue Campground nestled in the bend of the creek. Look for rock outcrops, lush wildflower displays and high-elevation mountain balds and spruce- for boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing. Bald Mountain Zone: A fir forests. Hike for one day or several on the A horse trail complex winds for more than 30 study in contrasts, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The nearest miles along both sides of Holston Mountain. geography in this zone ranges from gently rolling campground is at Roan Mountain State Park. Look for scenic Blue Hole waterfall off TN 91. valleys to steep, rugged slopes and high elevation Camp on the lake shore at Jacobs Creek and balds. Look for wildflowers and waterfalls, Watauga Lake Zone: Water Little Oak recreation areas. including Margarette Falls and Sill Branch Falls. is abundant in this zone that Try fishing Nolichucky River, Horse Creek, Dry features Watauga Lake; the Doe, Elk and 83°15'0"W 83°0'0"W 82°45'0"W 82°30'0"W

58 SITE NUMBER AND NAME FACILITES AND ACTIVITIES 58 NORTHERN DISTRICTS - CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST River Jonesville River SITE NUMBER AND NAME FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES 17 Limestone Cove P}R*;NCreek Creek 1 Round Mountain River 18 Laurels Copper cPRZ+$ P}ëRZqGate City 2 French Broad Launch 19 Carvers Gap 421 23 +VR ^kÎÒ Clinch 58 421 58 3 Allen Branch Pond Wallen 20 Twin Springs Powell Pë}RMoccasin Gap *n;NW Clinch North 4 Weaver Bend 70 Fork 21 Dennis Cove \W+*Creek cPRZ*+$ 5 BubblingVA Springs Range North 22 Shook Branch BeachVA TN X$ TN sQPR$ 6 Houston Valley 23 Rat Branch Launch Blackwater P}ëcR$ Ñn*R$ KINGSPORT y 7 Paint Creek Corridor PR*NVUA+ 24 Cardens Bluff cwRBZ$ Reed Mount Carmel 25 Pond 8 Paint Creek c3RZ*$ X$ South

9 Dillard Place 26 Watauga Point Fork River PRsV$ 23 N Creek Fal 10 Round Knob 27 Little Milligan Launch11W Holston Clinch PëR ÑR$ 181 11 Old Forge wPR\+$ 28 Sink Mountain Launch Ñ

36°30'0"N River 12 Horse Creek c3PëRBZU*nq+$70 Stanley 29 Osborne Farm +V 13 Katy Branch Reservations required 30 Little Oak Creek ëRZ c2_RBZÑ*$ Cr R 93 Colonial 14 ChestoaWar ^ÒkÎPR*+ 31 Jacobs Creek c3_PRBZs*$Heights Big Holston 32 Jacobs Creek Range X$ 15 Rock Creek cw2_¤P}RB 33 Backbone Rock Creek ZsQqO+¿*$ Vc3P}ëRZ+*q$81 16 Sciota Range X$ Portions of many areas are wheelchair accessible, and many Kendrickfacilities are being Rogersville updatedBeech to become barrier-free. Call ranger stations for more information. 11W

SYMBOLS LEGEND Bean Station Amphitheater Cultural interest Horse accommodations Playground Snorkeling B O q 70 ¥ ¿ ü Q Beach _ Dump station ? Information Î Rafting s Swimming JOHNSON Creek Boat launching ramp Drinking water Kayaking Restrooms Trail, bicycle Ñ Z 66 k R b Camping, motor homes Electrical hookups Lookout tower River 93access Trail, equestrian Jonesborough 11 25E 2 ¤ μ ^ \ Camping, tent Fee required Nature study Scenic drive Trail, hiking c $ Creek N A + Creek Camping, units < 30 feet Fishing Picnicking Scenic viewing Trail, interpretive 81 3 * P V ; Creek Bull Gap Gap Lick w11 Camping, walk in sites n Fishing pier 81 } Picnicking, group X Shooting range U WadingLimestone Limestone 36°15'0"N Æ Camp store Ò Hand launch ë Picnic pavilion B Showers W Wildlife viewing Creek Big Little Bent 321 MORRISTOWN River 70 Tusculum 11 107 25E NORTHERN DISTRICTSCreek 11 107 NolichuckyClark 13 R CHEROKEE NATIONALLick FOREST Creek ive RECREATION ZONES 25 81 Greeneville

Cr Bald Mountain 25 Witt Little Chucky 321 2519 French Broad River 107 Holston Mountain 12 Nolichucky 70 Cr 331 SAMPSON Creek Nolichucky 23 KNOXVILLE Iron Mountain NOLICHUCKY/ UNAKA 351 2580 11 MOUNTAIN 19W Pigeon River River Camp Indian Camp Creek 88 Roan Mountain 10 BALD Davy Crockett 81 Ernestville Unaka Mountain Lake MOUNTAIN 23 Watauga Lake SCENIC South 98 NATIONAL 26 19W 1347 25E 352 French 9 Carmen Flag Pond 42 APPALACHIAN Cr 81 TN

36°0'0"N Creek 321 70 NC Cove Cr Laurel MEADOW 107 8 208 CREEK 142 41 40 Newport LOOKOUT 54 7 212 6 31 TRAIL 70 25 Broad 5 4 Paint River 209 Shelton 3 1304 Del Rio 467 209C French River Big 2 RICH MTN Laurel LOOKOUT Creek 70 321 107 25 702 FRENCH Hot Springs 19

Trail 23 Cr BROAD 70 PIGEON RIVER TN 26 NC 25 RIVER 209 701 107 TRAIL

TENNESSEE Walnut Pigeon WELCOME 1 Mars Hill Cosby 701 PISGAH Creek CENTER Fork

339 Fork Bluff MARTHA SUNDQUIST Paint 1177 213 Cosby STATE FOREST 40 Hartford FOOTHILLS Marshall PARKWAY 1182 SCENIC Broad Spring Creek 1175 32 Ivy

NATIONAL 197 GATLINBURG 321 NATIONAL Pigeon Barnardsv N HIA 148 AC AL PP TRAIL Trust A GREAT River 70 35°45'0"N 19 25 Cr 1397 63 23 SMOKY MOUNTAINS 1334 209 MACKAYE Creek Creek 40 FOREST TN NATIONAL PARK Reems NC BENTON Fines River 1338 Sandymush 26 WAYNESVILLE ASHEVILLE 8 83°15'0"W 83°0'0"W 82°45'0"W 82°30'0"W 82°15'0"W 82°0'0"W 81°45'0"W MARION

58 Abingdon River River AvramsVICINITY MAP JEFFERSON 65 24 NATIONAL FOREST Holston Creek 75 81 Holston Nashville 81 Johnson City TENNESSEE Knoxville 40 Fork Cove Creek 26 Fork NORTHERN DISTRICTS 75 40 40 Cr South 24 58 75 CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST 65 Cleveland Memphis 421 Damascus 58 SOUTHERN DISTRICTS Spring 757 Chattanooga 32 GALAX

TN WELCOME CENTER VA TN 33 VA TN TRAIL Cr NC 44 133 Laurel Bloomery Creek 11W BRISTOL 31 y 69 421 32 SCENIC 11E Beaverdam 32 IRON Cr 19 91 81 87 l Ruthton 421 MOUNTAIN Fal Creek 30 South Holston Shady Valley Lake NATIONAL 91 Big Beaver River

HOLSTON 421 36°30'0"N South Fork MOUNTAIN 29 1315 Laurel Holston 87 CROSS Mountain City 167 MTN 67 Cr R 91 iver RD Creek Bluff City 202 Creek 56

APPALACHIAN 167 19W 87 Sadie Doe

11E 67 421 19E Creek Stony Doeville Cr Watauga 91 167 26 Roan BLUE SPRINGS RD 298 BIG 23 WILBUR WATAUGA LAKE Elizabethton DAM RD 28 CHARITY LAUREL Watauga Lake oones SIAM HILL RD River B RD Wilbur BRANCH Dam 67 741 National forest land is intermixed with private holdings N CITY 19E RD Watauga 24 321 Dam 26 27 (not shown) whose owners may not allow use of their Gap property. Observe boundary markers and signs. Do not 321 23 321 SIAM enter private land without permission. E 359 Valley Forge 22 25 39 Hampton 321 POND Dry 321 Watauga Creek MOUNTAIN 19E 50 Elk Mills 421 Doe Elk 67 26 Creek 361 21 321 Laurel 50 23 18 TN NC 321 36°15'0"N UNAKA Fork 194 188 19W MOUNTAIN 421 Boone

WILKESBORO Cr River 421 221 1415 19E River 1355 Roan Dry PINNACLE 173 105 Mountain 50 River MOUNTAIN Unicoi Tiger ROAN LOOKOUT 16 MOUNTAIN 107 17 ROAN 221 Limestone Cove Creek North MOUNTAIN Cr STATE PARK 194 WATAUGA Indian Ripshin R 321 ive 81 107 Rock Lake r Elk Park 105 UNAKA NATIONAL 143 MOUNTAIN 395 15 184 Cr 230 Watauga 26 Erwin 19E PARKWAY Blowing Creek SCENIC 20 NATIONAL 221 Rock 14 HAMPTON CREEK 19 STATE NATURAL AREA APPALACHIAN 194 226 TRAIL 105 FOREST 321 PISGAH Newland Rock Nolichucky Crossnore

261 LENOIR e 197 Big Creek Linville Little Rock North 221 River North

226 Mulberry Bakersville Wilson Johns

River Toe Toe 36°0'0"N

80 RIDGE 197 Cree 19W 181 k River Creek 226

River Upper River Cane 221 19E

River

Linville Need more information? Burnsville Micaville Spruce Pine 19E BLUE Would you like to make comments? Visit, telephoneCreek or write us at the 19E Cherokee National Forest office nearest you: CHEROKEECane NATIONAL FOREST 2007 226 River River Nolichucky/Unaka Ranger Station 02.5 5 10 15Miles Johns Toe 4900 Asheville Highway (TN 70) 197

02.5 5 1080 15 Kilometers Catawba Greeneville, TN 37743 LENOIR (423) 638-4109 LEGEND 64

State Boundary Multi-lane Highway Fork Watauga RangerStation River Creek River 4400 Unicoi Drive, P.O. Box 400 Wilderness Area South U.S. Highway PARKWAY Unicoi, TN 37692 Armstrong Paved Road (423) 735-1500181 Other National Forest Improved Road, may be gravel221 (Exit 32 off I-26)

ville State Land Long Distance Hiking Trail North Forest Supervisor’s Office River National Park Scenic Byway 2800 Ocoee StreetMorganton North 70 Populated Area Interstate Cleveland,Catawba TN 37312 80 35°45'0"N Ranger Station (423) 476-9700 70 67 23 U.S. Highway HICKORY RIDGE 40 29 Recreation Site 67 352 State / County On the web at: BLUE 209 Forest Service 70 http://fs.usda.gov/cherokeewww.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/64 Interchange Marion 70 40

ASHEVILLE 82°15'0"W 82°0'0"W 81°45'0"W 9 84°30'0"W 84°15'0"W 84°0'0"W KNOXVILLE

Vonore 72 129 SOUTHERN DISTRICTS - CHEROKEE75 NATIONAL11 FOREST 360 Tellico GREAT Lake FOOTHILLSPARKWAY SMOKY 02.5 5 10 15 Miles 411 Chilhowee Lake MOUNTAINS NATIONAL 02.5 5 10 15 Kilometers TO SWEETWATER AND I-75 PARK 455 129 68 Madisonville 458 464 LEGEND - See Northern Districts map 455 Creek VICINITY MAP 1202 493 35-1 35°30'0"N 35°30'0"N

Ballplay 46 65 CITICO Calderwood 24 Notchy 30 75 360 Citico Lake Nashville 81 Johnson City 401 CREEK TENNESSEE Knoxville Creek 506 Creek 40 26 Creek TRAIL NORTHERN DISTRICTS 2659 Creek 40 40 24 45 75 CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST 509 504 65 ClevelandAthens Chestuee Tapoco ROBBINSVILLE Memphis Mouse Middle River SOUTHERN DISTRICTS Cr Chattanooga 39 Englewood Creek 2659 35-1 MACKAYE Spring 68 North 508 Indian 44 CITICO National forest land is intermixed with private holdings (not shown) whose owners Boundary Lake 360 may not allow use of their property. Observe boundary markers and signs. Do not Tellico 345 CREEK JOYCE KILMER - enter private land without permission. 39 284 CHEROHALA SKYWAY SLICKROCK VISITOR CENTER Creek 512 515 BENTON Tellico Plains 75 TELLICO 525 43 39 TN CHATTANOOGA SKYWAY SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 165 165 NC CHEROKEE NATIONAL FORESTCreek 30 TellicoCHEROHALA RECREATION ZONES 28 210 30 32 TELLICO 310 31 Etowah 384 ROBBINSVILLE 11 Big Frog Mountain 68 Oostanaula 76 29 River 217 Citico Creek 411 STARR 315 BALD 33 RIVER 143 Coker Creek Creek MOUNTAIN RIVER GORGE 34 35 Hiwassee River COKER CREEK 623 126 36 through 41 42 TRAIL210 Ocoee River 610 163 Coker Creek Starr Mountain GEE GEE 44 CREEK CREEK 637 632 Chestuee STATE MACKAYE Tellico River PARK Creek 628 Conasauga TN Creek 35°15'0"N 35°15'0"N River 20 22 NC Hiwassee 18 17 27 123 19 104 315 30 BENTON Shuler 22 22 311 411 108 27 2311 Hiwassee 1326 CONTACTS 26 Coker 68 1322 River Reliance TRAIL Benton 23 Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger Station 21 24 River 3171 Highway 64 Creek ANDREWS 23 Benton, TN 37307 Dog 77 103 25

Apalachia Lake (423) 338-3300 SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE SUPERVISOR'S CLEVELAND River 5 Greasy 314 2317 Parksville HIWASSEE Tellico Ranger StationHanging Valley Ocoee Lake 68 Cr 250 Ranger Station Road 64 Ocoee OCOEE / 77 MACKAYE HIWASSEE 7 30 Archville 23 Turtletown Tellico Plains, TN 37385 129 6 8 123 74 RIVER (423) 253-8400 4 OCOEE 294 1326 74 OCOEE 10 9 Ocoee RIVER NANTAHALA HiwasseeForest Supervisor's Office 19 2330 68 Riv 11 Lake2800 Ocoee Street North Murphy COOKSON 3 12 LITTLE TUSQUITEE CREEK ROAD 64 Cleveland, TN 37312 302 SCENIC FROG NATIONAL Cr 74 (423) 476-9700 411 55 MOUNTAIN Dogtown 64 BIG Creek BYWAY 1333 45 13 68 www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/http://fs.usda.gov/cherokee

Big

FROG FOREST FRANKLIN

Cr

MOUNTAIN 55 Sylco 334 67 221 Ducktown BENTON 16 PLAY 99 2 221 14 BIG BALLROAD Baker FROG 15 64 74 221 MOUNTAIN Ocoee No.3 19 Lake TN 60 221 62 A074 2326 129 Conasauga 1 Copperhill TN COHUTTA 65 NC NC 35°0'0"N

62 35°0'0"N GA Jacks 159 GA GA River 51 McCaysville CHATTAHOOCHEE CHATTAHOOCHEE River NATIONAL 22 FOREST 5 60sp NATIONAL FOREST 60

DALTON BLUE RIDGE BLAIRSVILLE 84°30'0"W 84°15'0"W 8°0'0"W

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS - CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST SITE NUMBER AND NAME FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES SITE NUMBER AND NAME FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES 24 Apalachia Powerhouse Launch ^ÒÄkÎ+R$ 1 Conasauga River Corridor ^Uü*+PR 25 Lost Creek c3R*+N 2 Sylco c3R 26 Coker Creek Falls +V 3 Kings Slough Launch ÑR$ 27 Buck Bald V 4 Parksville Beach sQPR$ 28 Oosterneck ^Òk* 29 Bald River Falls 5 Chilhowee c)w2_¤P}RB V+ ZsQb+N*V$ 30 Tellico River Corridor ^APRV*+Wq 6 Parksville Launches ÑR$ 31 McNabb Creek )R*+$ Reservations required 7 Mac Point Beach sQPR$ 32 North River c3R*$ 8 Parksville Lake c)2_¤RBZ+*$ 33 Sourwood c)R* 9 Big Creek Launch ^ÒkÎR 34 Spivey Cove c3R*q$ 10 Caney Creek Launch ^ÒkÎR 35 Pheasant Field & Fish Hatchery PR+Wq 11 Rogers Branch Launch ^ÒkÎ}R$ 36 Birch Branch c3R*$ 12 Thunder Rock c3RBZb+$ 37 Davis Branch c3R*$ 13 Ocoee Whitewater Center P}ëRZ+;bUWqN$ 38 Holder Cove c3R*$ 14 Upper Put-In ^ÒkÎR$ 39 Big Oak Cove c3R*$ 15 Tumbling Creek c3R* 40 Rough Ridge c)3R*$ 16 Ocoee Scenic Byway AV^Mskb+PcR 41 State Line c)3R*$ 17 Quinn Springs c3PëRBZ+$ 42 Holly Flats c3R*$ 18 Lost Corral c3RZ\¥+$ 43 Cherohala Skyway AVcPR+ 19 Hiwassee River PR* 44 Indian Boundary c2_¤ÆPRBZ 20 Spring Creek Range XR$ QsÑÄ*nb+$ 21 Reliance Launch (State) ^ÒkÎPR 45 Jake Best c3R*$ 22 Hiwassee River Gorge ^APR*+WV 46 Young Branch c3R\¥ Reservations required 23 Towee Creek Launch ^ÒkÎPR+$ 10 leep under the stars. Create memories Mountain Wilderness and Rock Creek Falls. that last a lifetime. Gather your friends (Unaka Mountain Zone) and family around a campfire, feast on Cardens Bluff Campground and Little Oak toasted marshmallows, gaze into a starlit sky, Recreation Area: Do you prefer a campsite be lulled to sleep by a babbling creek. You will near a large lake? Pitch a tent at Cardens Bluff never forget the experience of camping in the Campground on Watauga Lake (Watauga Cherokee National Forest. Lake Zone) or Little Oak Recreation Area on More than 30 developed campgrounds in the the banks of South Holston Lake (Holston Cherokee National Forest offer a wide range of Mountain Zone). Both campgrounds offer • At most campgrounds, sites are outdoor settings and site amenities. If you prefer developed lakeside campsites and bathhouse available on a first come, first served more amenities, try camping in one of the larger facilities. Boat ramps are located at Rat Branch basis. Reservations for Indian developed recreation areas. near Cardens Bluff and at Little Oak. Boundary Campground and others Chilhowee Recreation Area: This large are available at www.recreation.gov campground is located off Ocoee Scenic Byway, or by calling (877) 444-6777. 7 miles from US 64. The campground offers • You must occupy your campsite the more than 80 campsites, electric hook-ups, RV first night. sites, tent only sites, multiple bathhouses, a • Stays are limited to 14 days. 7-acre lake for swimming and fishing, a hiking • Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. trail to Benton Falls and miles of mountain bike and 6 a.m. Entrance gates to many trails. (Ocoee River Zone) campgrounds are locked during these hours. • Single campsites generally accommodate up to 5 people and 2 vehicles (including your camping unit). Campsites that accommodate more people are available in some Lost Corral and Young Branch campgrounds. Campgrounds: Try these two small • Pets must be leashed, under control campgrounds if you are looking for a place to and inside the designated campsite. camp with your horse. (Starr Mountain Zone, • Most campgrounds in the Cherokee Citico Creek Zone) National Forest follow a policy of no Paint Creek and Tellico River Indian Boundary Recreation Area: This alcoholic beverages. large campground is located off Cherohala Campgrounds: Want to start catching trout at Skyway. The campground offers more than 90 the crack of dawn? Set up camp at Paint Creek • Select a place to camp away from campsites; electric hook-ups; RV sites; multiple (French Broad River Zone) or one of the several overhanging branches. bathhouses; a seasonal camp store; a 96-acre lake developed campgrounds along the banks of • Keep it natural … leave natural for swimming, boating and fishing and a 3-mile Tellico River and its tributaries. (Tellico River areas the way you find them. Don’t lakeside trail for hiking and biking. Reservations Zone) carve, chop, cut or damage live are recommended. (Tellico River Zone) For visitors wanting to get away from it trees. Rock Creek Recreation Area: This all, dispersed camping outside of developed • Control your campfire and make campground is located near Erwin, Tenn., off campgrounds is allowed throughout Cherokee sure it is dead out when you leave. . The campground offers more than National Forest unless posted otherwise. • Leave your campsite a little cleaner 30 campsites, electric hook-ups, RV sites, double Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of than you found it. The next visitor sites, walk-in tent sites, multiple bathhouses, water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed will thank you. a creek-fed swimming pool, seasonal campfire recreation areas. Dispersed camping is free and programs and a rugged hiking trail into Unaka no permits are required.

• Scare the animal away with loud shouts, by • One hundred yards is a guideline. This banging pots and pans together or throwing recommended distance is more easily • Never leave food or coolers unattended. Store sticks or rocks at it. applied in open fields and forest than in food in your locked vehicle or hard-sided • If the bear is persistent, move away slowly, terrain with thick rhododendron cover. camper. Never store food or scented items in facing the bear. your tent. • Head for your vehicle or • Clean up cooking and eating areas as soon another secure area. as you have finished. Don’t leave food out or leave scraps around your site. While camping in the backcountry: • Don’t burn garbage or food scraps or pour cooking grease in the grill or fire ring. • Avoid camping near berry patches and animal trails. • Don’t let trash accumulate at your site. • Always separate your • Use the area’s trash cans or store trash in your sleeping area from food locked vehicle or hard-sided camper. preparation, storage and • Clean your site before you leave the picnic area eating areas. Maintain a or campground; wipe off your table, clean out clear view of food storage the fire ring and take away your trash. and preparation areas from your tent so you If a bear approaches your site: can monitor for bears • Pack up food and trash. attracted to your meals. Conasauga River Fish Viewing: For an unusual viewing experience, try viewing fish in the Conasauga River. Slip on a mask and snorkel and swim slowly in the still, deep pools or scan the shallows. You’ll find a variety of fish and maybe a turtle in their natural habitat along this stretch of Conasauga State Scenic River. Always wear a personal floatation device and snorkel with a partner. Conasauga Trail #61 parallels the river. (Big Frog Mountain Zone) Road 130 to Rhododendron Gardens in the Pisgah Hiwassee State Scenic River and John Muir National Forest. (Roan Mountain Zone) National Recreation Trail #152 (Benton McKaye Berry Fields: Interested in wildflowers and 6IEWING4IPS Trail #2): To view wading birds as they search butterflies or maybe a bog? Hike a mile on for food in pools along the river’s edge, float this Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1 south of • Dusk and dawn are usually good scenic river or hike the John Muir Trail. Look for US 421 near Shady Valley to Berry Fields. In late bets for wildlife viewing. hummingbirds feasting on jewelweed and other summer the area is filled with Queen Anne’s lace, • Wear natural colors and unscented summer-blooming flowers. (Hiwassee River Zone) milkweed, and ironweed, along with butterflies like lotions. Tellico Auto Loop: Climb from 1,000 to 5,000 Aphrodite fritillaries and Monarchs. All summer • Make yourself as small and feet on TN 165 (Cherohala Skyway) and forest roads you can catch glimpses of Indigo buntings and unassuming as possible, move slow 210 and 217 past Wilderness, managed forests and a goldfinches; other times you might view Chipping and steady, and avert your gaze. black bear sanctuary. Look for red-breasted nuthatch, and Field Sparrows, and grouse. The • Use binoculars or zoom lenses to rose-breasted grosbeak, Blackburnian warbler, half–acre bog is filled with large ferns. (Holston catch a close-up view. veery, winter wren and other birds. You may spot an Mountain Zone) • Make “mule” ears, cupping your occasional bear, boar, red squirrel, eastern chipmunk Fall Bird Banding Projects: Each September, hands around the backs of your ears or a red or . (Tellico River Zone) volunteers with the Tennessee Ornithological to amplify sounds. Roan’s Highlands: Wind-blown grassy balds, Society set up special nets on high mountain peaks • Look above and below you. misty forests and rhododendron gardens provide to examine birds travelling south to Mexico, the Animals occupy niches in all the unique high-elevation habitats for plants and Caribbean and Central and South America for the layers of a habitat. animals. Look for more than 150 species of birds winter. Banding projects are open to the public including chestnut sided warblers, saw-whet owls, at Roan Mountain (Roan Mountain Zone), Big pine siskins and alder flycatchers. Try to spot a Bald (Unaka Mountain Zone) and 3AFETY4IPS cottontail rabbit or Northern flying squirrel and (Tellico River Zone). For more information, contact listen for the red squirrel’s scolding trill. Hike on the Eastern Tennessee chapters of the Tennessee Personal Safety Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1 or take Forest Ornithological Society. • Always let someone know where you’re going. • Dress for changing weather conditions; dress in layers and bring rain gear. The rugged mountains, limited development and • Plan your route and take a map and diverse habitats along Tennessee’s eastern border compass. make an ideal home for a variety of wildlife. Wild • Bring drinking water and a snack. turkey, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, black bear, • Observe your surroundings and the , squirrel and can be found people you meet on the trail. throughout the Cherokee National Forest. As a Hazardous Trees Wildlife Management Area, cooperatively managed, • Beware of limbs and damaged trees the Forest Service is responsible for wildlife habitat that may fall at any time especially and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) when it’s windy. sets game and fish seasons, bag limits and license and • Select a place to picnic or rest away permit requirements. from overhanging branches. • A valid Tennessee hunting license is required; Stocked trout streams provide opportunities for other permits may be required depending on game anglers who catch and release as well as those who Woodland Hazards species. • Poison Ivy. Remember, “leaves of wish to harvest trout for consumption. • Most of the Cherokee National Forest is open for averaging 8 to 12 inches are stocked in many streams, three, let it be.” hunting within legal seasons. • Ticks. Wear light colors, long sleeve typically between March and September. The most • Bear reserves are closed to bear hunting and to popular stocked trout streams include Tellico River, shirt and pants tucked into your hunting wild boar with dogs. socks. Use insect repellent. Check for Citico Creek, Paint Creek and Beaverdam Creek. • Recreation areas and administrative sites are closed Wild trout, rainbow, brown and native brookies are ticks after every trip in the woods. to hunting. present in most of the mountain streams above 1000 • It is illegal to shoot any firearm across or from Bear Awareness feet in elevation. roads or vehicles. Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide provides • Travel during daylight hours and stay • Pay close attention to property boundaries. on the trail. complete information and details regarding seasons, Sight your firearm: limits, licenses and permits. These guides are available • Watch for bear signs, including claw • Spring Creek Shooting Range (Starr Mountain marks on trees, tracks and droppings. at TWRA offices, Forest Service offices and many Zone) sporting goods outlets. • Travel in a group, stay close together • Bubbling Springs Shooting Range (French Broad and keep children close at hand. River Zone) Contact TWRA: • Teach your children and other • Sciota Shooting Range (Unaka Mountain Zone) • Polk, McMinn and Monroe counties: Region III companions what to do if they • Pond Mountain Shooting Range (Watauga Lake in Crossville, (800) 262-6704 encounter a bear. Zone) • All other Cherokee National Forest counties: • Make your presence known – for • Jacobs Creek Shooting Range (Holston Mountain Region IV in Morristown, (800) 332-0900 example, call out – to avoid a surprise Zone) Report game violations: encounter. Anglers interested in boat fishing for bass, stripers • Polk, McMinn and Monroe counties: Region III, • Leave your pet at home or keep it on and other warm-water fish will find the many (800) 241-0767 a leash and under control. Pets can Tennessee Valley Authority excellent. Cold- • All other Cherokee National Forest counties: agitate bears and attract them to you. water trout fisheries are managed below many of the Region IV, (800) 831-1174 reservoirs. Up until the time of the Revolutionary War, most Winding through the mountains’ lowest gaps of the continent’s Euro-American population lived and passes, this travelway connected the principal within 100 miles of the Atlantic or Gulf coasts. The Cherokee settlements located between the Savannah Appalachian Mountains created a challenging barrier River Valley in and southeast that, for many years, delayed expansion into the Tennessee. This passageway was the main route used nation’s interior. Well before any European ever set by early explorers, beginning with the conquistadors foot on the North American continent, the primary led by De Soto in 1540. Later Spanish, French and path across the Southern Appalachians was the route English traders followed the same path to barter known today as the Unicoi Turnpike. with the Indians for deer and furs. Before the Revolutionary War, the Cherokee and colonists used this overmountain trail as a diplomatic and military link between Cherokee settlements and the British headquarters in Charleston, S.C. By 1775, settlers began to infiltrate the heartland of the Cherokee people. The first significant non- military settlements on the western side of the Appalachians were Sycamore Shoals and Carter’s gazebo, summer, 1942 Valley in northeast Tennessee. With the influx of people, territorial wars between the Cherokee and settlers began in earnest and continued throughout the Great Valley of Tennessee until the mid 1790s. The Cherokee’s lands began to shrink as they were pushed south down the Tennessee Valley. At the same time, the young United States government established “federal roads” for access into frontier settlements. The Civilian Conservation Corps Accompanying these settlements were protective (CCC) was created during the Great fortifications called blockhouses or stations. The Depression of the 1930s to restore blockhouse at the mouth of Paint Creek on the natural resources and improve public French Broad River protected settlers who took the lands while providing work for the Greeneville Road between Warm Springs (now Hot unemployed. Springs, North Carolina) and Greeneville, Tennessee. Sometimes called Roosevelt’s Tree The fortification also prevented settlers from fording Army, the CCC revitalized land the river into the lands of the Cherokee Nation. suffering from poor farming practices Another blockhouse, Camp Armistead, was located and overlogging. In Tennessee and on the Unicoi Turnpike near Coker Creek. It was many other states, the CCC built established in the early 1830s to keep gold-seekers the first state parks. In the Cherokee out of the Cherokee Nation. A few years later, it was National Forest, they built recreation used as a military base during the areas, fire roads, ranger stations and along the Trail of Tears. other facilities and assisted with fire Timberlake’s map of 1762 control. The CCC’s work is dispersed throughout the forest. Here are some places where you can view the products of their labors: • Backbone Rock picnic pavilions The year was 1861. Jack Donley was trying and trail rockwork (Iron Mountain to evade serving in the Confederate Army, so he Zone) constructed a small cabin deep in the mountains • The Laurels picnic pavilions and of southeast Tennessee. Like many Southern Rock Creek bathhouse and pool mountaineers during the 19th century, he squatted (Unaka Mountain Zone) on property that suited him, built a dwelling and • Horse Creek picnic pavilion (Bald grew corn and other crops. Mountain Zone) Sometime after the War, Donley moved to • Dam Creek picnic area (Tellico Montana where he met and married an Indian River Zone) woman. He later moved back to the upper Tellico • Tellico Ranger Station complex River area with his bride. Donley died in the 1940s, Looking for a unique place to stay? The Donley (Tellico River Zone) asking in his final days to “be carried back across cabin is still primitive, with no running water or • Chilhowee Mountain Gazebo, the river” to his old homestead. He is buried in the electricity. Visits from mice and other wildlife are Forest Road 77 on Ocoee Scenic Coppinger Cemetery in Tellico Plains. not uncommon. Inside there is a full size metal bed Byway (Ocoee River Zone) In 1916, 50,000 acres in the North, Bald and (with plywood as a base for visitor’s bedding), two Tellico River drainages were purchased by the bunk beds and kitchen table with chairs. Rocking Babcock Lumber Company and aggressively logged chairs on the front porch provide the perfect stage for several years. Seven years later, this entire acreage, to enjoy the secluded setting. The outhouse is just including Donley’s log cabin, was purchased by the steps away. Wood for the fireplace and outside grill Forest Service. During most of the 20th century, a can be gathered in the nearby forest. The parking family was permitted to use the cabin as a summer area is a quarter-mile walk from the cabin and residence and apiary for producing honey. includes a log foot bridge across North River. Donley’s classic double pen cabin uniquely Donley Cabin can be reserved for $35 per night combines English, Germanic and Swiss chalet-type through www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) architectural influences. These are types of log 444-6777. There is a six-person limit for up to construction found in the Southern Appalachians, three consecutive nights. The cabin is available but not often combined. The historic hand-hewn log year round, but fall months are the most popular. cabin was rehabilitated by the Forest Service in 1993. (Tellico River Zone) 1940s picnic site at Rock Creek What lives in the forest? What effect does forest management have on its inhabitants? To answer these questions, resource managers are The black bear is a symbol of constantly checking up on nature, inventorying and invaluable wild qualities in the monitoring the forest’s populations of fish, wildlife Southern Appalachian Mountains. and plants. About 1,500 black bears call the Botanists roam through the forests identifying Cherokee National Forest home. all the plants from the tiniest mosses to the tallest Numbers of bears have increased trees. Biologists and technicians work all sorts While inventorying plants and animals, resource dramatically over the past 30 years of odd hours combing the woods looking for managers also catalog the habitats where they are due to extensive management of critters. During the spring, they head out before found. These habitats include aspects of elevation, their habitat. At the same time, dawn to listen for the songs of breeding birds. In moisture, sunlight, and shelter like rocks and logs. forest visitations have increased to the summer, they set up nets in the dark of night These features, along with all the associated plants 2.5 million annually. With more to catch bats feeding in an area. They can be found and animals, make up communities. Identifying all bears and more people, the chances digging in leaves, turning over logs, looking for the species and communities, especially rare ones, of encountering a bear during your snails and . Occasionally they set live helps ensure that their viability is maintained when forest visit are increasing. traps to learn about rodents that scurry through forest management activities occur. By following these steps, you can the forest. They strap on waders or don masks Biologists and botanists return to some sites year promote bear conservation and help and snorkels to explore streams and rivers to get after year to monitor species’ populations, often ensure your safety. Tell others so up-close views of the underwater world, search for working with other agencies and universities. The they, too, can become bear aware. mussels and check for water quality. information gathered If you see a black bear: from these check-ups • Never approach, surround, corner helps them learn about or feed it. the forces that influence • Stay back; maintain a responsible those populations. distance. The on-site research, • Group together; keep children and checking up on pets close at hand. nature, helps to better • Pick up small children. manage and protect the forest’s species and If a black bear approaches or communities. follows you: • Try altering your route. • Do not run. Face and watch the animal and back away slowly. • If the animal continues to approach, stand your ground. • Try to scare the bear away by shouting and acting aggressively. • A place to find solitude and a primitive • Make yourself look as large as unconfined experience away from sight and possible. Raise your arms, hold sound of other humans equipment over your head or • A place to face the challenge of being entirely slowly move to higher ground. self-sufficient in a primitive environment • A place to rely on primitive transportation, In the very unlikely event that a generally foot travel black bear attacks: • A place where map and compass skills are • Fight back with anything necessary available, using everything in your power. The 1964 National Wilderness Preservation • “Playing dead” is not appropriate. Act designated portions of federally owned land as Wilderness. By law, these lands are affected In the Cherokee National Forest, an additional Promptly report primarily by the forces of nature, where natural 20,537 acres are managed to protect primitive bears that are biological and physical processes are allowed to wilderness characteristics. These Wilderness Study injured, appear proceed with little or no human intervention and Areas include additions to Big Frog (365 acres), unafraid of people, humans are considered “visitors.” Ten percent of Big Laurel Branch (5,589 acres), Joyce Kilmer/ feed on trash or the Cherokee National Forest’s land base – more Slickrock (1,425 acres), Little Frog (977 acres), cause property than 66,000 acres – is Congressionally designated Sampson Mountain (3,069 acres) and a free- damage to TWRA. Wilderness, including: standing portion called Upper Bald River (9,112 • In Polk, McMinn and Monroe Name Acres Recreation Zone acres). counties (generally, Southern Bald River Gorge 3,721 (Tellico River) No motorized equipment or wheeled vehicles Districts): Region III, Crossville, Big Frog 7,993 (Big Frog Mountain) except wheelchairs are allowed in Wilderness or call (800) 262-6704. Big Laurel Branch 6,332 (Iron Mountain) Wilderness Study Areas. Visiting a Wilderness • In all other Cherokee National Citico Creek 16,226 (Citico Creek) requires a high degree of self-reliance. Trails are Forest counties: Region IV, Cohutta* 1,709 (Big Frog Mountain) minimally maintained with a limited number of Morristown, call (800) 332-0900. Gee Creek 2,493 (Starr Mountain) signs, trail blazes and footbridges. Group sizes Joyce Kilmer- are limited – six or fewer is best for minimum Slickrock* 3,832 (Citico Creek) impact. Leave No Trace practices preserve an area’s Little Frog Mtn. 4,666 (Ocoee River) primitive character. (Read about Leave No Trace practices on page 16.) In the Cherokee National Be alert for bears, respect Pond Mountain 6,929 (Watauga Lake) Sampson Mountain 7,992 (Bald Mountain) Forest, horses are permitted on a limited number them and expect the Unaka Mountain 4,496 (Unaka Mountain) of designated trails in Unaka Mountain, Citico unexpected. *Cherokee section Creek, Gee Creek and Big Frog Wildernesses. ach year millions of people visit the Cherokee National Forest, Under the “multiple-use sustained-yield” Tree Hybrids: The Tennessee’s largest tract of public principle, national forests are managed for Forest Service is collaborating with The American land and only national forest. The 640,000- more than forest products. Along with timber Chestnut Foundation, University of Tennessee’s acre forest stretches from Chattanooga harvesting, this includes an emphasis on soil Tree Improvement Program and other partners to Bristol. It is bisected by Great Smoky conservation, water and air quality, wildlife to restore the American chestnut tree to Southern Mountains National Park and adjoins other and fish habitat and scenery values. Keeping forest ecosystems. American chestnut hybrids national forests in , North Carolina these elements in harmony requires balancing have been planted in three national forests in and Georgia. It lies in the heart of the environmental, social and economic needs and the Southeast. The condition and growth of the Southern Appalachian mountain range, one constantly adjusting for changing conditions. trees are being closely monitored. The plantings of the world’s most diverse areas. Forest ecosystem health is one of the primary represent a success story in the field of ecological Beginning in 1900 unregulated broad- components of sustainable forest management. restoration and reflect the power that partner- The most prevalent health concerns are due to: ships can have in bringing a “mighty giant” scale timber harvesting ravaged the • Threat of wildfires back to its native region. Southern Appalachians. In the 1920s • Invasion of exotic pests (HWA): This almost 65 percent of the nation’s timber • Interface between wild and urban lands tiny insect from Asia attacks Eastern and supply was harvested from these southern • Loss of biodiversity Carolina Hemlock by piercing new growth, mountains. The National Forest System • Changing ecological conditions robbing the tree of vital nutrients and was created in the early 1900s as a The innovative use of forest vegetation eventually killing it. You may witness these conservation organization to restore the management tools is essential to restore many evergreen trees fading from the forest as this devastated watersheds. Within a few years, forest ecosystems to healthy conditions. Some pest spreads throughout the Appalachian Congress passed two public acts, Weeks tools currently used in the Cherokee National Mountains. To combat the infestation, and Clarke-McNary, authorizing the federal Forest include: chemical pesticides are being used. The photo Thinning: Trees are selectively removed to below shows the injection of a pesticide into government to purchase “forested, cut- reduce environmental stress on targeted tree the soil around a hemlock tree. over or denuded land.” The Cherokee and species. This increases sunlight, nutrients and Unaka National Forests were chartered water to the remaining stand of trees. Increasing in 1920 from lands acquired as early as the vigor of these trees helps them combat 1911 through these acts. The two were insects, diseases and other environmental consolidated along state boundaries in 1936 stresses. forming the northern and southern districts Midstory Treatment: Many animals depend of Cherokee National Forest. on nut- and fruit-bearing trees for food. To Eight decades of sustainable forest promote oak, hickory, cherry and other trees management have resulted in healthy that produce wildlife food, small trees of other species are eliminated with herbicides, diverse forests. Today, the Cherokee prescribed fire and/or by cutting. This treatment National Forest provides outdoor increases sunlight to the forest floor to recreation, wildlife and fish habitat, rugged encourage the desirable food-bearing species. backcountry, clean water, minerals, wood The Cherokee National Forest has Regeneration: Harvesting all or most of an products and more. established conservation areas across the forest older portion of the forest enables a healthy The Forest Service motto, “caring for where small populations of hemlock will new generation of trees to grow in its place. be treated and protected. Biological control the land and serving people,” continues Sometimes a diseased or infected stand of trees methods (Asian predator beetles that feed on to require the dedication and hard work is salvaged using this management tool. Across on HWA) are being used experimentally but it of a diverse and highly-skilled workforce. the landscape, this tool is used to create a is too early to know whether this treatment is Cooperating agencies, partner groups, diversity of forest ages and wildlife habitats. effective. Pesticides, Biological Controls and communities and individuals all work with Oak Decline: Drought, insects, old age Herbicides: Chemicals and natural enemies can the Forest Service to ensure resources are and other factors lead to the slow decline and be used to help control or eliminate the spread managed so future generations can enjoy death of oaks. Individually these factors may of diseases and insects. Chemical herbicides are their national forests. not kill trees but together they are contributing used to control competing or unwanted plants to the decline of an important wildlife species. such as kudzu. Thinning, regenerating stands, midstory Prescribed Fire: Management ignited fire treatments and prescribed fire are effective is used to achieve many objectives. This tool is treatments to reduce understory competition sometimes used to “thin” the forest, providing and promote healthy oak trees. more sunlight, water and nutrients to remaining Southern Pine Beetle: A severe outbreak trees. It is used to reduce the quantity of fallen of these pests between 1997 and 2003 affected trees, leaves or other materials that may fuel 40,000 to 60,000 acres of the Cherokee wildfires. Some species such as Table Mountain National Forest. The impacts of this infestation Pine even depend on fire to reproduce. are still noticeable. Prescribed fire and tree planting helps regenerate pine and hardwood stands and improve the health of remaining mature pine stands. Invasive Plant and Animal Species: Invasives can spread at alarming rates, threatening the survival of native species. Invasives contribute to the decline of up to half of all endangered plants and animals and they are the single greatest cause of loss of biodiversity in the U.S. In the Cherokee National Forest, the gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, dogwood anthracnose, , kudzu, multiflora rose, autumn olive, tree-of- heaven and paulownia are major threats. Mission of the Forest Service Where can I get a hunting and fishing license? 2ECREATION&EESAND0ASSES Appropriate licenses and permits are required for More and more people recreate on national frequently throughout the year, this pass can save hunting and fishing in the Cherokee forests every year creating new challenges to provide you money and simplify fee payment. The pass National Forest. The Tennessee quality recreation opportunities, meet visitor needs entitles the holder to unlimited visits to day-use fee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and protect natural resources. To help address these areas and expires December 31 of each year. issues hunting, fishing, sportsmen’s issues, the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Golden Age and Golden Access Passports: and boat licenses. Licenses can be Act permits federal land management agencies to These passports are no longer issued, but will purchased from most sporting goods charge modest fees at developed recreation areas that continue to be honored for the lifetime of the pass stores, boat docks, bait and tackle meet specific criteria. holder. These have been replaced by the passes shops and convenience markets. In the Cherokee National Forest, fees are collected described below: Licenses can also be purchased at developed campgrounds, boat launches, swim America the Beautiful – The National Parks online at http://www.wildlifelicense. areas, shooting ranges and the Ocoee Whitewater and Federal Recreational Lands Pass and com/tn/. Contact TWRA at (800) Center. Through this program 95 percent of your Interagency Lifetime Passes (Senior or Access): fees remain at the Cherokee National Forest to help 332-0900 or (800) 262-6704. Like Golden Passports, these passes typically repair, maintain and enhance recreation facilities, provide a cardholder with a 50 percent discount for How do I get a permit to burn provide visitor services and conserve natural overnight and day-use fees. There are exceptions in outdoors on my property? resources. the Cherokee National Forest where the discount From October 15 through You can help determine how your fees are spent. does not apply. May 15, the state of Tennessee What improvements would you like to see in your Interagency Annual Pass: If you plan to recreate requires burning permits for all favorite area? Fill in the comment section of a fee in many different spots across the nation, this pass open burning on private land. envelope or notify the nearest Forest Service office. is worth considering. On the Cherokee National These permits are obtained from Several recreation passes are honored at the Forest, its use is limited to the Ocoee Whitewater local Tennessee Division of Forestry Cherokee National Forest, as authorized by the Center. offices at no cost to the landowner. Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Additional information is available and most Permits are usually valid for only Cherokee National Forest Annual Pass for passes are for sale at your nearest Forest Service one day. During times of high Day-Use Fee Areas: If you plan to visit these areas office. fire danger, permits are not issued and previously issued permits are temporarily suspended. U.S. Department of Agriculture How can I get a job with the Forest Service Forest Service? Southern Region Vacancies for all federal jobs are listed online at Cherokee National Forest Journal is produced www.usajobs.opm.gov by agency. In early 2002 concerned citizens came together to on an occasional basis. This edition was form a coalition to support the Cherokee National Jobs with the Forest Service produced with your recreation fees. Forest. This non-profit organization supports Coordinating Editors are listed under Department of the Forest Service’s efforts to promote resource Agriculture. The Forest Service management projects and activities that are designed Delce Dyer Cheryl Summers employs people with a variety of to benefit both the public and our natural resources. Contributors skills and professions, including Some of the exciting things the partners are Quentin Bass fire fighters, engineers, office involved with include conservation education, Sherry Hicks Bassett managers, biologists, foresters, visitor natural resource interpretation, resource Keith Lannom Sarah Belcher Laura Lewis information specialists, accountants, enhancement work and more. Doug Byerly The Partners of Cherokee National Forest mission Terry McDonald law enforcement officers, landscape Marcia Carter is four-fold: Scotty Myers architects and forestry technicians. Kim Coleman • To promote, conserve and enhance the ecological Duke Smith Why are some forest roads Tom Coppinger systems and the natural and cultural resources of Joe Stallings Delce Dyer gated? the Cherokee National Forest Jim Stelick Laura Edwards All forest roads are open for • To support educational, interpretive and research Cheryl Summers Gwen Hensley horses, bicycles and foot opportunities that increase public awareness and James Whitener Jim Herrig Monte Williams travel unless otherwise posted. appreciation of the Cherokee National Forest However, some forest roads are • To promote the mission of the Forest Service in caring for the land and serving people The U.S. Department of Agriculture gated seasonally or permanently (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its for resource protection. Seasonal • To assist the Forest Service in establishing and/or improving facilities and resources in the Cherokee programs and activities on the basis of race, closures usually occur during winter color, national origin, age, disability, and where months. Roads may be temporarily National Forest For more information about the partners, visit: applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, closed without advance notice due to www.partnersofthecherokee.org. parental status, religion, sexual orientation, prescribed burning or emergencies genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, such as floods, landslides or extreme or because all or part of an individual’s income fire danger. Some roads have been is derived from any public assistance program. closed and seeded to provide forage ,EAVE.O4RACE (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) and habitat for wildlife. Contact Persons with disabilities who require alternative your nearest Forest Service office for Enjoy your visit to the great outdoors, but travel means for communication of program specific road information. and camp with care. Practice these Leave No Trace information (Braille, large print, audiotape, ethics: Where can I get a map or etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center • Plan ahead and prepare. more information? at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To • Travel and camp on durable surfaces. file a complaint of discrimination, write to Maps, interpretive literature • Dispose of waste properly. USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 and nature-inspired items are • Leave what you find. Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC available at Forest Service offices. See • Minimize campfire impacts. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) pages 8-10 for office locations and • Respect wildlife. or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal • Be considerate of other visitors. contact information. opportunity provider and employer. For more on Leave No Trace, call (800) 332-4100 or visit the LNT website at www.lnt.org/.