Find the best hikes in the Smokies + Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, located in Georgia and North Carolina and Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest are home to thousands of pristine acres of untouched nature protected by Federal Law. Top 10 things to do in Cherokee National Forest. In these areas both agencies strive for maximum protection of natural landscapes. It is the largest tract of public land in the State. Although many visitors are not aware of it, national parks and national forests have very different purposes; together they provide us all with a wide spectrum of uses. Cherokee National Forest stretches from Bristol to Chattanooga over parts of 10 east Tennessee counties. Our trails range from simple and short to long and technical, welcoming riders of … Great Smoky Mountains National Park Straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over one-half million acres, making it the largest national park in the East. The range is sometimes called the Smoky Mountains and the name is commonly shortened to the Smokies. Both sections of the CNF provide excellent and exciting opportunities for recreation and adventure in the Southern Appalachians. The forest is separated into two parts by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit the US Forest Service website to learn more about National Forests. 37738. Both agencies have designated wilderness. Check out our Tennessee State Parks and Cherokee National Forest Service Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains Camping in the Cherokee National Forest . Essentially, the only part of the eastern-most part of Tennessee that is not in the Cherokee National Forest is the part that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cherokee National Forest. There are eight full hookups, as well as plenty of areas to park and camp with access to water and electric nearby. America’s most beloved park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its magnificent diversity of plant and animal life. Because they have different purposes, adjoining national parks and national forests may need to have very different rules. There are no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper travel. State Parks & National Forests Besides the National Park, there are many state and federally run recreation centers around the Smokies. The forest is separated into two parts by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Both halves follow the state border that Tennessee shares with North Carolina. Tennessee's only National Forest, the Cherokee, covers nearly 630,000 acres in ten East Tennessee counties. Just above Cherokee Mountain Cabins, the beautiful Nantahala Lake is the second highest lake east of the Mississippi. Your email address will not be published. Your online resource for the Smoky Mountains. National forests, on the other hand, emphasize not only resource preservation, but other kinds of use as well. This world-famous ride has tight turns as you travel on U.S. 129 bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. With the resources and encouragement of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to thrive, this beautiful ecosystem is a great habitat for many species of wildlife! Printable State • Town • City • County • Guide. Go explore the Cherokee National Forest, and some of the towns that are contained in this great recreational area. When you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, use the free map to see where you are and which rules apply, or ask a park ranger. Motor Vehicle Use Maps show roads, trails, and other areas that are open to motorized vehicles. Pisgah National Forest, 107 Park Headquarters Road Required fields are marked *. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The northern half of the CNF extends to the Virginia line to the border of the GSMNP. Containing more than 650,000 acres, the Cherokee National Forest is separated by the GSMNP into two halves. Because Great Smoky Mountains National Park is next to Cherokee, Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, visitors need to pay attention to where they are. The national forests are managed by forest rangers with the US Forest Service (USFS) under the Department of Agriculture. It has more species of plants, animals, and other areas that are open to motorized.... 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