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*Forest Service*
Caring For the Land and Serving People

Cherokee National Forest
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# Cherokee National Forest

## Adventure Beckons...

From the scenic Appalachian Mountains to whitewater, discover your next destination on the Cherokee National Forest.

Special Places

The Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The 650,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. The forest is home to 30 developed campgrounds and numerous picnic areas, over 700 miles of trails, seven whitewater rivers, two Forest Service scenic byways where you can enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains, the pursuit of wildlife, the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars, or solitude on a backcountry trail.

Adventure beckons...
                    -  ...To Get Outdoors
Recreation Information

Frequently Asked Questions

A look back into the historic Ocoee Whitewater Center
Camping 
                    -  ...To Prepare
Maps and Publications

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Contact a Cherokee NF Office

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Forest Service Handbooks/Manuals

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Rules & Regs 
                    -  Fire InformationTN Burn Permit Required Oct. 15 to May 15 - Online or Phone
National Weather Service Forecasts

Prescribed (Rx) Fire

Rx Fire Interactive Map
Fire Information 
                    -  Be Bear Wise
Ever heard of bear country? Bear country is any area where bears can be encountered and the forest is a main place to come into contact with them, especially at camp sites. Knowing how to act in the presence of a black bear, and how to keep them away is crucial.
Outdoor Safety Tips 
                    -  Know Before You Go
 
Frequently Asked Questions 
                    -  News & Events
 
Read More 

## Recent News

Copy RSS URL to ClipboardHow to use RSS feeds
                      -  **Scioto Rifle Range closed for repairs**  Release Date: Apr 16, 2024   

View All Releases

## Features

### Ocoee-Hiwassee Ranger District Trail Crew Bulletin

We would like to take a moment to highlight our Ocoee Ranger District Trail Crew for their accomplishments in 2023. They worked tirelessly to make the district's trails and recreation areas beautiful and accessible to all our visitors. Are you wondering what kind of work they do? How does a trail crew benefit the district? Well, read on to find out the major projects they accomplished and more!

            View Feature        

### Indian Youth Service Corps making a difference

This summer, individuals from the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) came together as part of the Indian Youth Service Corps crew to contribute their efforts to preserve and maintain the beauty of the Cherokee National Forest. Their mission? To engage in various projects aimed at connecting with their ancestral homeland.

Read on to learn more about what the UKB Crew did during summer 2023 and how they contributed to their culture and our forest.

            View Feature        

View All Features

## Spotlights

Cherokee Hotshots
The Cherokee Hotshots are a highly trained Type One Wildland Fire Suppression crew that is hosted by the Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee.
Motor Vehicle Use Map
The Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the Cherokee NF are available free of charge at USDA Forest Service offices in Cleveland, Greeneville, Benton, and Tellico Plains, and Unicoi, TN

## Alerts & Warnings

                        - Access disrupted on forest service roads on the Ocoee Ranger District 
                        - Road to Beauty Spot Scenic Overlook (aka Indian Grave Gap) closed 
                        - *UPDATE* Watauga Ranger District Office closed for renovations 
                        - Bald River Falls Bridge replacement project 

						View All Alerts   

## Quick Links

                        - Official Facebook page of the Cherokee National Forest.
                        - Fireworks illegal on Cherokee National Forest
                        - Food and Refuse Food Requirements to Protect Bears
                        -   Recreation Site Schedule									   
                        -   National Forest Seasonal Road Management Schedule - North Zone									   
                        -   Gold Collecting - Tellico RD									   

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**Forest Supervisor's Office (9 a.m. - 11 a.m.; 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. M - F)**

**Closed on federal holidays.**

2800 Ocoee Street NCleveland, TN 37312(423) 476-9700(423) 476-9721 (Fax)

**PLEASE NOTE:**  This is an information and administrative office located in Cleveland, TN and is not actually in the forest.

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Ranger Districts

Please contact local offices by phone or email to find the current status and how to get the services and information you need.

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### In an emergency, call 911

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