Outdoor Recreation Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail is a 2,100 mile footpath from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Kithdinm, Maine. About 60 miles of the National Scenic Trail are in Carter County, ranging in elevation from 6,285 on Roan Mountain, to 1,750 feet along the shoreline of Watauga Lake. Fun in the Cherokee National Forest . Outdoor recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, watersports, hunting and fishing, abound.
Scenic drives provide panoramas of spectacular scenery any time of year.
A small day use fee is charged at recreational sites maintained by the USDA Forest Service. Camping and Picnicking. One of the most popular recreational activities is camping. Everything from fully developed areas with weekend campground programs to primitive sites are available. Dispersed camping is allowed except where otherwise designated.