The Cherokee National Forest is located in Eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 640,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee.  It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachian mountain range, one of the world's most diverse areas.

Current Events

Ocoee Whitewater Center and Other Recreation Sites Open

Benton, TN – December 2, 2009… The Ocoee Whitewater Center and Gift Shop will be open Friday-Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM during the winter season. The Tanasi Trail system is open daily during daylight hours. Portions of Thunder Rock Campground, Chilhowee Recreation Area and Parksville Campground are also open at this time...

May persons possessing handgun carry permits possess their handguns while in the Cherokee National Forest?

YES - Recent State legislative changes provide that individuals who possess a carry permit may possess their handgun while on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) wildlife management areas, public hunting areas, or refuges open to hunter access. Because the Cherokee National Forest is managed under an agreement with the Forest Service, USDA and TWRA as a Wildlife Management Area this legislative change applies to the Cherokee National Forest. The handgun may not be used for taking game unless specifically permitted by TWRA regulation. For more information regarding this legislative change and related TWRA information please contact the TWRA at 1-800-332-0900 or visit their web site.

FOREST SERVICE CLOSES CAVES AND MINES TO PROTECT BATS IN SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA – Most caves and mines on National Forests in the southeastern United States are being closed for one year in an effort to protect bats, according to Regional Forester Liz Agpaoa.
“We are working to stop the uncontrolled spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) among bat species,” she said. “The closures will allow scientists and land managers time to work together and study the fungus, learn how it spreads and how to best address it.”          Cherokee NF Info 5/21/2009      Briefing 5/15/2009

New Fire Prevention Website

This site is designed for homeowners, public land visitors, wildfire prevention professionals, volunteers, and others. It is filled with information on where the big fires are burning throughout the nation, what the wildfire severity level is in your state, rules and regulations for burning debris in your state, and how to protect your home against wildfire. It tells you about educational materials that are available in the arena of fire prevention, the Wildland Urban Interface, Smokey Bear, and Woodsy Owl.