The best walks and hikes in Cherokee National Forest

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on trails in the Cherokee National Forest, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. This is for the safety of your pet, other visitors, and the local wildlife. Always be sure to pack out any waste.

The forest offers many family-friendly options. For a very short walk with a big payoff, the Max Patch Mountain Loop is a 1.5-mile (2.5 km) trail that leads to a wide-open grassy summit with incredible 360-degree views, perfect for a picnic.

For a more strenuous outing, consider the hike to the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower. This is a demanding 9.5-mile (15.3 km) round trip that rewards hikers with panoramic views from the historic fire tower at the summit.

Absolutely. The forest is famous for its waterfalls. A great alternative is the hike to Laurel Falls via Hampton Blueline Trail. It's a moderately difficult 4.7-mile (7.5 km) route that follows a creek to a beautiful, cascading waterfall within the Pond Mountain Wilderness.

The Cherokee National Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife. While hiking, you might spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, and a wide variety of birds. Black bears also inhabit the forest, so it's important to be bear-aware, store food properly, and never feed wildlife.

There are over 60 curated hiking routes in the Cherokee National Forest available on komoot, covering more than 700 miles of trails. These range from 19 easy walks suitable for all ages to 18 difficult trails for experienced hikers.

The trails in Cherokee National Forest are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning waterfalls, the unique experience of hiking across high-elevation 'balds' with panoramic views, and the well-maintained sections of the Appalachian Trail.

The 'balds' are a unique feature of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. They are high-elevation grassy meadows, like mountain-top fields, that offer spectacular, unobstructed 360-degree views. Hikes in areas like the Roan Highlands or to summits like Grassy Ridge Bald are famous for this experience.

Yes, the forest has several scenic drives. The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that offers breathtaking mountain views from numerous overlooks. Another option is the drive to Buck Bald, which provides a stunning panorama of the mountains in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina from its summit.

For a day hike, you should carry plenty of water, snacks, a map, and a first-aid kit. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so wearing layers and packing a rain jacket is always a good idea. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential due to the varied and sometimes rocky terrain.

Yes, the Cherokee National Forest is home to the Ocoee River, which is one of America's most popular whitewater rafting destinations. It offers thrilling Class III and IV rapids and was the site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. The Hiwassee River also offers calmer rafting and canoeing opportunities.