Attractions and Places To See in Cherokee National Forest - Top 20

The Cherokee National Forest is rich in natural beauty, featuring numerous waterfalls, scenic rivers, and mountain summits. You can visit impressive waterfalls like Benton Falls, a 65-foot cascade, or the 100-foot, two-section Jones Falls. The forest also encompasses parts of the Roan Highlands, home to Round Bald, offering expansive views. Additionally, the forest boasts seven whitewater rivers, including the Ocoee and Hiwassee, and several lakes like Watauga and South Holston.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Benton Falls is accessible via the Clemmer Trail and is considered family-friendly. The initial section of the hike to Round Bald is also family-friendly, offering great views with minimal effort. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Indian Boundary Lake Trail or the Laurel Falls Trail, which are listed in the Easy hikes in Cherokee National Forest guide.

For panoramic views, head to Tip Top (Buffalo Mountain Highpoint), which offers vistas of Johnson City and the surrounding mountains. Round Bald in the Roan Highlands also provides expansive views, and if you continue towards Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge Bald, you can find more secluded spots. The Ocoee Scenic Byway also offers picturesque views for those driving through.

The forest holds significant historical importance. You can walk a portion of the ancient Unicoi Turnpike, which later became a segment of the Trail of Tears, particularly in the Coker Creek Zone. This area was also historically significant for gold panning during the country's first gold rush. Another notable landmark is the Backbone Rock Recreation Area, featuring 'The Shortest Tunnel in the World' drilled through solid rock.

Absolutely. The Ocoee River is world-renowned for whitewater rafting, having hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. The Hiwassee River Gorge is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, and trout fishing. For calmer water activities, Watauga Lake and South Holston Lake are popular for sailing and various water sports.

The Appalachian Trail runs for approximately 150 miles through the forest, offering abundant wildlife and high-elevation views. Specific routes include the Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald or Appalachian Trail: Shook Branch to Watauga Dam, which you can find in the Running Trails in Cherokee National Forest guide. For a waterfall hike, the trail to Benton Falls is a great option.

Yes, the forest offers several cycling routes. The Cherohala Skyway is a popular, challenging option. Other routes include the Watauga Dam and Watauga Dam Visitor Center loop or the Blue Springs loop. You can find more details and routes in the Cycling in Cherokee National Forest guide.

The forest offers diverse experiences throughout the year. Spring brings the blooming Rhododendron Gardens in the Roan Highlands. Summer is ideal for water activities on the rivers and lakes. Fall offers stunning foliage, and winter provides opportunities for solitude, though some areas may be less accessible due to weather.

Beyond the well-known waterfalls and summits, you can find unique features like the Bridge over Laurel Fork, which crosses a waterway that can get quite full. The forest also contains several designated wilderness areas like Citico Creek and Big Frog Wilderness, offering extensive trail systems and opportunities for solitude.

Visitors particularly appreciate the serene beauty and opportunities for peaceful exploration. For instance, Benton Falls is praised for being a beautiful waterfall away from crowds. The initial section of Round Bald is popular for its accessibility and expansive views, with tips suggesting further exploration for more solitude. The panoramic views from Tip Top (Buffalo Mountain Highpoint) are also highly regarded.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. The Indian Boundary Lake Trail and the Laurel Falls Trail are good options for those seeking a less strenuous experience. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes in Cherokee National Forest guide.

The Cherokee National Forest is home to abundant wildlife, especially along the Appalachian Trail and in its various wilderness areas. While specific sightings vary, the diverse ecosystems support a range of animals, making it a great place for wildlife viewing.