Best Camping In Cherokee National Forest

Opportunity To Harvest Hay In Oconaluftee Fieldsyour Browser Indicates If You’ve Visited This Link

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced an opportunity for interested parties to harvest hay though an agricultural Special Park Use permit in fields adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and along Newfound Gap Road near Smokemont Campground.

The Cherokee One Feather

Camping Near Cherokee National Forest Find A Free Campsite

Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we’ve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.

Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.

This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.

Please come back and let us know what you find!

We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.

Please come back and let us know what you find!

Appalachian Trail: Oliver Hollow Road To Watauga Dam Hampton Tennessee

Check for current alerts relating to the Appalachian trail by clicking here.

Will M, Alltrails Reviewer.

While not many of us are likely to ever tackle all 2,180 miles of the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine, there are plenty of entries and short sections to be explored.

A gorgeous five-mile stretch of the AT from Oliver Hollow Road to Watauga Dam has everything a human and pup could want to encounter. A large lake, intermittent water access, woody shaded sections, and a number of overlooks providing ample photo ops. In particular, from the mid-point across the dam, you have access to amazing views of the entire lake and terrific photo ops.

The area used to have a shelter for thru-hikers on the AT and was also open to overnight dispersed camping. Regrettably, due to increased bear activity, , the AT shelter is closed, and dispersed camping priveledges have been suspended for the entire Oliver Hollow Area. Over the last few years, the trail itself has been intermittently closed to anyone not hiking through on the AT.

It would be a good idea to check with the Watauga Ranger District before heading out to the trail. As always, keep your dog leashed, carry bear spray, and be sure to clean up after yourself and your pup.

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Appalachian Trail: Carver’s Gap To United States Highway 19 East

This trail is a section of the Appalachian Scenic Trail located inside Cherokee National Forest. The climb up and down ridges, across creeks, and through rocky terrain makes this section of the trail one of the most difficult along its entire length. Elevation changes rapidly as you climb and descend as much as 2,408 feet repeatedly along this heavily trafficked path.

Length: 16.7 Miles

Things to Do

Best Wildflower Hikes In The Smokies

Every year, just before the trees leaf and the shrubs turn to blankets of green, the Smoky Mountains put on some of the best wildflower shows around. You can drive on I-40 cutting through the mountains and catch a glimpse of the splendor, but the real beauty comes on those long, winding hikes that lead to open meadows full of wildflowers and color-filled trees.While the blooming season is well underway, the best part about spring and summer in the Smokies is that youre never really too late. Starting in late March the first glimpse of color speckles the hills and opens the door to more than 1,600 flowering species that

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Places For Epic Adventures In Cherokee National Forest In East Tennessee

These destinations will guarantee epic adventures when you visit Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here.

Stretching from Chattanooga to Bristol, Cherokee NationalForest is one of the most adventurous destinations in Tennessee. Whitewaterrafting and horseback riding are options, but so are peaceful drives on scenichighways and long picnics atop bald mountains. But where should you visit inthis sizeable national forest?

Ive been exploring Cherokee National Forests on road trips, weekend getaways, and media tours for nearly ten years. I havent come close to doing or seeing it all, and thats precisely what I love about this national forest. Its the only national forest in Tennessee, aside from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, so I tend to soak it up when I can.

Here are some places for epic adventures in CherokeeNational Forest. Leave me a comment below and tell me your experiences at anyof these awesome destinations.

No. 1

Enjoy The View Of Flora And Fauna

Cherokee National Forest has a huge collection of flora and fauna. There are more than 20000 spices of animals and plants. This forest is the home of 43 types of mammals like the black bears, white-tailed deer, otters, raccoons and more. There are more than 154 types of fish, more than 55 amphibian spices, 262 birds etc. A forest safari in the lush green forest is a lifetime experience that a visitor can get here. You can explore the wildlife here too.

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Turtletown Falls Trail Farner Tennessee

Rated moderate because of the length, some stairs, and the elevation gain that occurs primarily in the second half of the trail.

There are plenty of creek crossings for the pups to splash in when the weather warrants a cool off. Although, you should be cautious after heavy rains when the water in the creeks and falls can be quite forceful.

Turtletown treats hikers to not one, but two gorgeous waterfalls, plenty of shade in the summer, gorgeous views of the Hiwassee River before the trees fill out in the spring, and fantastic foliage in the fall. Undeniably one of the best hikes in CNF for fit folks and doggos!

Most Stunning Sunset Hikes Around Knoxville

What better way to reward a vigorous effort on the trailor up a summitthan by sitting back and soaking up the serenity of one of natures most beautiful shows? Fortunately, Knoxville has plenty of gorgeous sunset hikes right in its backyard. Whether youre sticking close to town or venturing further afield, Knoxville is the perfect launching point for your next memorable stroll in the woods. Here are seven recommended sunset hikes in and around Knoxville that are sure to take your breath away. 1. HIGH GROUND PARK This historical landmark in South Knoxville boasts excellent views of the city and is known for its picturesque sunsets. Once the site of

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S For Planning A Cherokee National Forest Camping Trip

• Smoky Mountain Camping

Whether youre a camping enthusiasts looking for a new adventure or youre ready to take your family camping for the very first time, you couldnt pick a better spot than Pigeon River Campground. We are perfectly situated right on the border of Cherokee National Forest, so you can expect to enjoy the perfect camping experience. To help you get started, we have put together six steps for planning an unforgettable Cherokee National Forest camping trip:

A Guide To Campfire Safety

After two months of exceptional drought in 2017, forests across the Southeast were like a tinderbox. When the leaves started falling, we had no rain to wet them down, said Tennessee State Park Ranger Stuart Carroll. If we get periodic rain, the leaves capture the water and help the soil stay moist. But, this year, the rain just seemed to shut off, and we had this incredible load of leaves, limbs and brush. Due to lighting strikes and blazes started by people, hundreds of forest fires ignited the heavy load in November, burning 119,000 acres from Alabama to Virginia. In Gatlinburg, Tenn., fires claimed the lives of 14 people (at

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Dennis Cove Recreation Area

Rustic and remote, Dennis Cove Recreation Area offers campers a true getaway.

Laurel Fork Creek borders the campground, which makes this an excellent spot for pups that like a cooling dip.

Sitting at 2650 feet above sea level and immersed in thick forest foliage, many folks like to escape the summer heat with a stay in Dennis Cove.

Reservations are highly recommended for this busy area during the dog days of summer.

Dennis Cove has all the amenities that make for a comfortable stay, including flush toilets, grills, fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, and bear-proof garbage receptacles.

Who Is Going To Love It

Fisherpeople who want to make a weekend out of their excursion will be happy campers at Lost Creek because of the easy access to excellent fishing at Big Lost Creek.

Campers who prefer solitude, but are looking for a more rustic campground, will be pleased with Lost Creek. Theres no need to hike through the backcountry to camp here, but you arent going to sacrifice any of that genuine feeling of being out in the wilderness, either.

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Developed And Primitive Campsites

With thirty developed campsites spread throughout the park, you have plenty of options. Most campsites have level ground for tents and some have showers. However, water availability varies by the campsite, so plan accordingly. If you want to get away from everything, the park does allow primitive camping but make sure to stay 100 feet from water, trails, and developed areas.

Awesome Places To See In Tennessee

Tennessee is home to some of the most amazing scenery in the nation. With the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains to the east, the vast open land to the west, and everything in between, you will never regret time spent in the Volunteer State. Here, we put together a list of 19 of the best places to climb, hike, and bike the next time you find yourself visiting Tennessee. 1. Sunset Rock Location: Chattanooga Why it Makes the List: Sunset Rock is located just a few miles from downtown Chattanooga, offering stunning panoramic views of the Tennessee River and Lookout Valley.Best Nearby Adventure: This spot is a popular hiking destination, but the trad

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Plan A Camping Trip To Cherokee National Forest

Covering over 655,000 acres in East Tennessee, and just 45 minutes away from Kingsport, the Cherokee National Forest is an outdoorsmans playground. However, the forests proximity to the UNESCO-listed Great Smoky Mountains often leaves it as an afterthought. That said, if it were located anywhere else in the South, it would be a definite hot spot. The next time youre in the mood to get outdoors and avoid the crowds, book your trip to Cherokee National Forest.

Awesome Places To Camp In Tennessee

Theres nothing quite like sleeping out in the great outdoors with a campfire crackling nearby and the stars twinkling in the sky. From the quiet beauty of the Tellico River to the incredible hiking opportunities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Volunteer State is full of waterfalls, mountains and forests to explore just outside your tent flap. Whether youre looking for modern cabin amenities on top of Mt. LeConte, a more rustic backpacking experience along the Appalachian Trail, or something in between, weve put together a list of 14 awesome places to check out the next time you’re planning a camping trip in Tennessee.

CAR CAMPING

1. Cades CoveWith tons of wildlife, access to trails and incredible views of the mountains, its no wonder that Cades Cove is one of the most popular camping destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located just off of the Cades Cove Loop, an 11-mile paved road that circles around the valley, the campground is super accessible and open year round. There are 160 sites at Cades Cove, with easy access to the Cades Cove Nature Trail. On the other side of the loop is the 5-mile round-trip trek to Abrams Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the park.

BACKPACKING

GLAMPING

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Slick Rock Trail Loop

If you want to go on a beautiful hike through the woods, then the Slick Rock Trail Loop is the right one for you. This trail is considered moderate and is 5.9 miles roundtrip. People also use this trail for mountain biking, and dogs are allowed on the trail on a leash. Youll pass by open fields where you might see some wildlife. In the spring, you will probably see rhododendron blooming all along the trail.

What Makes It Great

One of the best parts about this campground is the accessibility to outdoor activities within the forest, like the 300-mile Benton MacKaye Trail that runs right on the other side of the creek from the campground. Theres also biking and swimming in the forest, but those who like to toss a line into the water will be especially pleased. The trout fishing on Big Lost Creek is excellent, especially in the spring and summer. If you want to spend some time in the forest with nothing but your fishing pole and a good book, camping at Lost Creek might be exactly what youre looking for.

Lost Creek is simple, secluded, and beautifula wonderful home base for exploring the magnificent Cherokee National Forest.

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Unaka Ranger District Office

Hours of opening: Monday Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

One of the major attractions of the Tellico Ranger District is the Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic Byway linking CNF and Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. Every good doggie loves a car ride, and this one is extraordinary. Starting at an elevation of 900 feet, this 52-mile trek through some of Tennessees most stunning scenery crosses the highest bridge in the Southeast and climbs to more than 5000 feet. Scenic overlooks dot the byway allowing for plenty of photo ops and room to stretch your paws.

The Tellico Ranger District has eight developed campgrounds, 150 miles of hiking trails, and designated spots for dispersed camping.

Free Camping Near The Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the best things about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is that its surrounded by National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas on all sides so you dont need to spend a dime in order to stay the night for free.

West of the park is the Nantahala National Forest with tens of RV and tent camping sites. Many of these campsites come with amenities such as fire rings, and vault toilets. A few of the campgrounds located here cost just $20 per night and have showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups. Free campsites in the Nantahala National forest have quick access to the Appalachian Trail and are dog-friendly so you can bring your pet in areas you wouldnt be able to throughout the great smoky mountains.

East of the park youll find the Pisgah National Forest. Pisgah offers free dispersed camping, tent camping, and RV campsites. This is an excellent place to spend the night if you want to stay nearby Ashville, Tennessee or take a morning drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In the greater surrounding area, you can find free camping in the Cherokee National Forest, the Chattahoochee National Forest, and in the Harmen Den Wildlife Management Area.

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Backcountry Camping In The Great Smoky Mountains

Backpacking and backcountry campsites are abundant throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. With hundreds of sites available, this is the best way to get away from the crowds and sleep off the beaten path.

Permits are required for all backcountry camping. Fortunately, these are easy to obtain and cost just $4 per person. Reservations can be made up to 14 days prior to your trip. Shelters are provided and fires are permitted at designated campsites.

In the Smoky Mountains, there are over 800 miles of hiking trails including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. That means wildlife is abundantincluding bears! Youll need to pack in and pack out all of your equipment, leave no trace, and most importantlybearproof your campsite!

• You can find additional information about backpacking in the Great Smoky Mountains here.