East Tennessee
East Tennessee’s natural beauty draws visitors from around the world. Filled with rugged mountains, rolling farmlands, and deep, wild river gorges, the recreational possibilities are endless in this corner of Tennessee! Outdoor enthusiasts can explore national forests, recreation areas, state parks and scenic rivers by foot, horseback, mountain bike or watercraft. The area is well known for its world-class whitewater rivers and scenic overlooks. Adrenaline seekers can take on the Olympic Course and Class III-IV rapids with a guided rafting trip on the Ocoee River, zip through blue skies and green canopy on a guided tour, kayak/raft the Nantahala, or kayak/tube the Hiwassee. Mountain bike rentals and guided rides are available near the Ocoee whitewater center. Rough it by going backpacking on the Benton MacKaye Trail or find a quiet campsite at Harrison Bay or Chester Frost near Chattanooga or further out at Gee Creek or Chilhowee in the Cherokee National Forest.
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Bauxite Ridge
Southern Adventist University's newest trail addition in Fenton Forest on Bauxite Ridge provides mountain bikers an additional 10 miles of intermediate singletrack near the university separate from the Biology Trails. Bauxite Ridge offers mountain bikers a well-rounded experience. The trail system features a good mix of smooth, machine-built singletrack for beginner and intermediate riders along with some technical features on a few outlying trails for advanced riders.
Bauxite is more beginner friendly totaling 10 miles, while Biology trails are intermediate to difficult with 21 miles of trail. The parking area for Bauxite is located off College Dr. E near the Collegedale Memorial Gardens. The trailhead is across the street, between two houses. A large wooden fence marks the way. After a short climb up the ridge, riders can enjoy fast, flowing trails out and back. Bauxite is directional depending on the day and type of use (bikers vs pedestrians), so be sure to check signage before heading out. It's also a great location for night rides in the winter since the trails stay open until 10 PM daily.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to 10 PM
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Southern Adventist University 4881 Taylor Circle Collegedale, TN 37315 (800) 768-8437 or (423) 236-2747
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Benton MacKaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye Trail stretches nearly 300 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The lower 200 miles (closest to Chattanooga) follow the western crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The trail is named for Benton MacKaye, the forester, conservationist, and co-founder of the Wilderness Society who originally envisioned this route for the Appalachian Trail (AT). Passing through GA, TN, and NC, it forms a giant figure-8 loop with the AT, a total distance of over 500 miles.
Although there are many access points along the 290 miles of trail, the most convenient access point from Chattanooga is at Thunder Rock Campground, adjacent to TVA Powerhouse No. 3 (hydroelectric) on US HWY 64, a half-hour east of Cleveland, TN or a mile west of the Ocoee Whitewater Center.
Cherokee National Forest Map of Thunder Rock CampgroundDirections
Difficulty
Backpacking
Hiking
Running
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: 24/7
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
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Benton Sporting Clays
Located about an hour northeast of Chattanooga, near the Appalachian Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest is Benton Sporting Clays. The club features 15 shooting stations, a tournament grade clays tower, and a fully covered five-stand shooting station.
No appointments or memberships are required, though membership options are available.
Fees apply to all activities.Directions
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Varies based on activity
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
Benton Sporting Clays 5244 Upper River Rd. Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 338-6034
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White Oak Mountain Trails
Southern Adventist University's Biology Trails at White Oak Mountain span 25 miles, stretching from the lowest point of the valley to the top of the ridge overlooking the university. The singletrack trails offer hikers and mountain bikers a well-rounded experience. The trail system features a good mix of smooth, machine-built singletrack for beginner and intermediate riders along with some technical features and a dedicated downhill trail for advanced riders.
The technicality of the Biology Trails at White Oak range from easy to extremely difficult and are most appropriate for intermediate to strenuous and technical. It offers a stacked loop system, with the easiest trails closest to the parking lot and the hardest trails further away. Expect lots of roots, rocks, and pebbles offering poor traction on most trails. The trail system drains VERY well, which makes it a great option directly after a rain. The top of the ridge is the rockiest, most technical section, but it also offers incredible views into the Ooltewah valley. It's also a great location for night rides in the winter since the trails stay open until 10 PM daily.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to 10 PM
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
4881 Taylor Circle Collegedale, TN 37315 (800) 768-8437 or (423) 236-2747 http://www.southern.edu/
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Booker T. Washington State Park
The 353-acre Booker T. Washington State Park is the closest Tennessee State Park to downtown Chattanooga. Located on a hilly peninsula that juts into Chickamauga Lake, the scenic park is a perfect location for family outings. The park offers a swimming pool, pavilion picnic areas, a playground, multiple fishing piers, a boat ramp and 6-miles of hiking and biking trails.
Booker T’s 6-mile singletrack trail is a gnarly, twisty, rooty, challenging ride for intermediate level mountain bikers. Riders attempting the trail should have the skills to safely negotiate steep climbs, roots, and rocks. Hikers and trail runners can also use the trail and enjoy an off-road experience close to town.
Fish are abundant in Lake Chickamauga and Booker T offers one of the best fishing areas near Chattanooga. Primary species of sport fish include white crappie, bluegill, white bass, channel and blue catfish, largemouth bass, and sauger. Anglers can use one of the multiple fishing piers at the park or utilize the motorized boat ramp to get out on the lake.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Booker T. Washington State Park 5801 Champion Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37416 423-894-4955
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Cherokee National Forest
The Ocoee/Tellico district of the Cherokee National Forest is located in Polk and Monroe Counties, east and northeast of Chattanooga in the Appalachian Mountains. Hiking, biking, paddling, running, camping, horseback riding, and hunting are all popular activities in the area.
Biking
The Tanasi trail system provides the intermediate to expert level mountain biker over 35 miles of single-track trail to explore on two wheels near the Ocoee Whitewater Center. There's an additional 20 miles of trail at the Chilhowee Recreation area for both hikers and bikers to explore. Note, there is a $3 day-use parking fee at both areas.Camping
Overnight accommodations are provided at more than 30 developed campgrounds in the Cherokee National Forest. Visitors can stay at developed campgrounds with large, level campsites, tables, fire rings, electricity, and bathhouses or primitive campgrounds with minimal site amenities. Most campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis. However, reservation services are now available for several popular campgrounds in the Cherokee National Forest including Parksville Lake Campground, Indian Boundary, and Chilhowee Recreation Area, along with others. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.Hiking
Over 600 miles of non-motorized trails traverse Cherokee National Forest including nearly 150 miles the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) Take a day hike or hike several days on the national forest trails system.Horseback Riding
The Little Citco Horse Trail system offers more than 15 miles of backcountry trails in the Citico Creek Wilderness section of the Cherokee National Forest. The Trailhead is located at the Young Branch Campground, near Vonore, Tennessee, about 2 hours northeast of Chattanooga. The campground accommodates up to 25 horses and 35 people in 7 campsites. Sites can be reserved.Hunting
Covering a combined 298,456 acres, the South Cherokee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Region III is open for hunting small and large game, including wild hog, black bear, whitetail deer, turkey, and grouse. All hunting areas are managed in cooperation with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and all hunters are subject to TWRA rules and regulations.Paddling
Cherokee National Forest is home to both the Hiwassee and Ocoee rivers. Each has diverse paddling options like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and playboating on moderate to difficult rapids as well as flatwater sections and lakes suitable for calm kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and paddleboarding.
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Free, unless posted otherwise. Some areas require a $3 day-use fee, which can be purchased on-site with cash or in advance online. Camping fees vary based on location and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Tellico Ranger District
250 Ranger Station Rd.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385
423-253-8400Cherokee National Forest—Ocoee Ranger District
3171 Highway 64
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-3300 -
Chilhowee Recreation Area
Located in the Cherokee National Forest, the Chilhowee Recreation Area is an excellent hub for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping and wildlife viewing. The 7-acre McKamy Lake offers a swimming area with a sandy beach, fishing from the bank and flatwater paddling opportunities. There are 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the easy 1.5-mile trail to Benton Falls. Wildlife is abundant in the recreation area and scenic overlooks on the drive up the mountain provide great sunset views of Parksville Lake, so have your camera ready and tread lightly.
Chilhowee Campground offers more than 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV sites, tent only sites, and multiple bathhouses with warm showers. The Campground is open from early April to late October, with an overflow area and day use area open year-round. The recreation area is in close proximity to Parksville Lake (Ocoee Lake), the Ocoee River, Big Frog Wilderness, the Tanasi trail system at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, and the Hiwassee River.
Reservations can be made for Chilhowee Group Camp and individual sites at Loops A, B, E, and F. To make a reservation, please call 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Early April-Late October, Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Day-use fee: $3/vehicle. Pay cash on site or Purchase Day-Use fee online.
Camping varies based on site amenities and length of stay.
Make a ReservationPet Friendly
Yes, on a leash. However, pets not allowed on the beach.
Contact
Ocoee Ranger District 3171 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307 423-338-330
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Gee Creek Campground
The Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park’s Gee Creek Campground is located along the Hiwassee River at the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest. The primitive campground has 47 individual campsites and eight group campsites all with tables, fire rings, and grills. Public water and a bathhouse containing sinks, commodes, and hot showers are located near the center of the campground. The bathhouse is available to campers at no additional charge. Also available are horseshoe pits, a playground and an amphitheater with electricity. Additional campgrounds within the Cherokee National Forest are available on the Ocoee River and are operated by the U.S. Forest Service.
Tent camping is permitted along most of the John Muir Trail above the Appalachia Powerhouse. Hiking and rock climbing available nearby at Starr Mountain. Paddling and fishing available on the Hiwassee River, Ocoee River and Parksville Lake nearby.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Day use is free. Camping varies based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park 404 Spring Creek Rd. Delano, TN 37325 423-263-0050
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Harrison Bay State Park
Designated Tennessee’s first state park in 1937, Harrison Bay State Park is a 1,200-acre park located off Hwy 58, just 25 minutes from Chattanooga. This beautiful wooded park is a haven for campers, golfers, boaters, and anglers, as well as picnickers and other day-use visitors. With almost 40 miles of shoreline on Chickamauga Lake, it has one of the most complete marina facilities available on any of the TVA lakes and all types of boats and watercraft are allowed at the park.
The park has a 4.5-mile loop trail that is perfect for trail running, family hikes or as an introduction to singletrack mountain biking. The twisty singletrack runs around a peninsula offering views of Chickamauga Lake. Hybrid and kids bikes can readily handle the terrain on this trail.
There are 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups and a limited number that can accommodate RV’s up to 65 ft. There is one centralized dumping station. Bathhouses are located in each of the 4 camping areas as well as a playground.
Rusty's Kayak and Paddleboards offers rentals throughout the year near the park entrance. There are fishing piers, a swimming pool, self-guided star-walk and a wildlife exhibit at the park. And the scenic Bear Trace Golf Course is nearby.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free for day use. Camping rates vary based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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Hiwassee Outfitters
Hiwassee Outfitters is located in Reliance, TN on the Hiwassee River. They specialize in rafting, kayaking and tubing rentals and shuttle services on the Hiwassee River. They also have a campground, cabin rentals, restaurant, and retail store. Hiwassee Outfitters large wooded campground offers 40 individual camping sites. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and some sites have electrical hookups that can accommodate motor homes. Many sites are located directly on the Hiwassee River with some located on Ellis Creek. All sites have direct access to the river for swimming and fishing. In addition, we offer a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets.
Advanced reservations are recommended. Fees apply to all activities.Directions
Hours and Cost
Hours of operation vary based on time of year and water release schedule.
Cost: Varies based on activity
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
Hiwassee Outfitters 155 Ellis Creek Rd. Reliance, TN 37369 (423) 338-8115
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Hiwassee River
The Hiwassee River Blueway offers 55 miles of adventure in Southeast Tennessee. Extending from the Appalachia Dam near the border of North Carolina to the Tennessee River at Blythe's Ferry in Birchwood, the wide river is well known for its water-based recreational opportunities including tubing, kayaking, rafting, and fishing.
The upper section of the Hiwassee River is the most popular section of the river, offering an easy to moderate whitewater experience on Class I and II rapids, with the occasional Class III. This section winds through the mountains of the Cherokee National Forest and is designated as a Tennessee State Scenic River. There are a number of outfitters near the river that offer raft, funyak and tube rentals between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. The middle section consists of swift flatwater between the Highway 411 bridge and Charleston, offering slow, peaceful floats and fishing for trout, bass, bluegill, and crappie. During most summers, striped bass make their way up this stretch of the river, as well. Motorboats can generally navigate to the Patty Bridge access area. The lower section is slow-moving flatwater between North Mouse Creek to Blythe Ferry boat ramp near the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and the Tennessee River. All types of boats can navigate this stretch of the waterway, moving between many inlets and islands. Fishing is abundant in the main channel, inlets, and creeks along the way. Agriculture and industry line of the banks of this section of the river, with a few marinas to provide food, drinks, and fuel. CAUTION: The Hiwassee River water release schedule is controlled by Tennessee Valley Authority's Apalachia Dam. Water release schedules can change suddenly and without notice due to changes in weather conditions and power system requirements. The depth and swiftness of the river can change rapidly in the upper section of the river. Your safety depends on obeying all posted safety regulations and warnings. Two generators are required for adequate water levels on the upper section for recreational boaters. TVA releases two generators on weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day. This release typically begins at 11 a.m. and boaters can generally get on the river by NOON below the Appalachia Powerhouse. Be sure to double-check TVA - Apalachia Water Release Schedule before you go.Difficulty
Kayaking
Tubing
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free. Guiding services vary
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Ocoee Ranger District 3171 Highway 64
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-3300
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Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
The Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is located on 6,000 acres of land encircling the confluence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee Rivers about one hour north of Chattanooga near the town of Birchwood.
In the summer months, the public can access all lands and waters within the refuge to observe resident and migrating birds and seasonal wildflower blooms, including great swaths of water hyacinths in Hiwassee Island’s inlets. During the winter, migrating waterfowl, including 50,000 Sandhill Cranes and some endangered Whooping Cranes, stop over at the refuge on their way south.
The Hiwassee Refuge is also steeped in Native American history, lying near the center of Cherokee Nation’s ancestral lands, which once stretched into Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Blythe Ferry, one of the debarkation points for the Cherokee Forced Removal (Trail of Tears), is now home to the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park.
Hunting
The Tennessee and Hiwassee River watersheds provide hunting opportunities for a variety of big and small game, including waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes. Drawings are held each October for seasonal blind/spots, located to the north and east of Chattanooga. Waterfowl hunting is permitted Thursday – Sunday, and the first and last day of duck season.
Waterfowl hunting permits and WMA seasons are managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Region III
464 Industrial Blvd.
Crossville, TN 38555
931-484-9571
1-800-262-6704
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Johnston Woods
Situated on 375 wooded acres in McDonald, TN, 30 minutes from Chattanooga, the Johnston Woods Retreat Center is a serene base camp for outdoor adventures. They specialize in hosting retreats, weddings, and camps, offering a variety of lodge and cabin rentals for large groups. The property contains a small lake, a disc golf course, and a multi-use singletrack trail system for mountain biking, trail running and hiking. There are two separate loop trails off the main parking area totaling 4.2-miles. The lower 1.3-mile loop trail is Easy, the upper 2.9-mile loop trail is Moderate, both are well-marked and a nice (re)treat for all skill levels.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Johnston Woods 298 Brymer Creek Rd. McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-5586 Info@JohnstonWoods.org
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Lower Ocoee River
The Ocoee is well-known for its whitewater, but the lower Ocoee is the perfect venue for lazy afternoon flatwater paddling or tubing trips. The lower Ocoee spills out below Parksville lake, rolling quietly through the pasturelands of the Appalachian foothills. OAR outfitters provide tubes for flatwater tubing trips on this section of the river. For those with their own tubes, canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards, there are several options to take out below the Sugarloaf Recreation Area (Ocoee Dam #1) at public and private launches and campgrounds.
NOTE: The Ocoee River is dam controlled. Be sure to check the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Ocoee Dam #1 recreational release schedule before scheduling your lower Ocoee tubing trip. No release = no water.Difficulty
Upper and Middle Ocoee
Lower Ocoee
Guides
Hours and Cost
Check TVA Water Release Schedule for Ocoee Dam #1
Cost: Free for individuals with their own equipment.
OAR tubing rentals are $14 per person with advanced reservations.
Pet Friendly
No
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Ocoee Ranger District 3171 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307 423-338-3300
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Nantahala River
The Nantahala River runs through the Western North Carolina mountains in a shaded gorge, giving it the distinction of being the coldest whitewater stream in the Southeast. Averaging only 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, the water temperature averages a bone-chilling 45 degrees.
The classic class II-III run begins from the Nantahala River Launch Site, near Beechertown, N.C., and ends 8 miles downriver at Nantahala Falls. A shorter run starts 3 miles downstream at Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area.
The river is pushy, rocky, and Nantahala Falls is a challenge for all developing paddlers. It is highly recommended to do your first run with an experienced guide.
NOTE
The Nantahala is dam controlled and generally runs 7 days per week, except for November. In drought years, releases can be cut back more. Check Duke Energy Nantahala Dam Release Info before going, or call 866-332-5253.Difficulty
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: $1 per person for a daily pass and $5 per person for an annual pass. Guiding services vary.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash along the banks and in the Nantahala National Forest.
Contact
Nantahala National Forest 90 Sloan Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 828-524-6441 Email: nantahalard@fs.fed.us
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Ocoee River
The Ocoee is Southeast Tennessee's iconic whitewater river and provides recreational opportunities for paddlers of all skill levels. The river is dam controlled at 3 levels creating 3 sections - the upper, middle and lower, each offering very different paddling options. The Ocoee begins as a Class III-IV whitewater river, providing an exhilarating adrenaline rush for rafters and skilled kayakers. As it travels toward Parksville lake, the river calms and becomes the perfect venue for lazy afternoon flatwater paddling or tubing trips. There are 22 commercial rafting outfitters serving an average of 250,000 annual visitors brave enough to take on the Class III-IV rapids of the middle and upper sections of the Ocoee. Are you one of them?
Upper Ocoee The Upper Ocoee River provides 5 miles of challenging whitewater in a spectacular mountain setting. Considered by many to be the birthplace of freestyle kayaking, the Ocoee was world famous before it hosted the 1996 Olympics’ whitewater events. The Upper Ocoee includes the Class IV Olympic course, and should only be attempted by the most experienced paddlers or with a commercial rafting outfitter. Middle Ocoee The Middle Ocoee is the most popular section of the river and run of choice for thousands of rafters and kayakers each year. This section boasts 5 miles of nearly continuous Class III-IV whitewater including several surf-worthy hydraulics and kayak play spots like Washing Machine, Double Suck, Flipper and Hell’s Hole. Lower Ocoee After the whitewater spills into Parksville Lake, the river calms, rolling quietly through the pasturelands of the Appalachian foothills. Several Ocoee rafting outfitters provide tubes for flatwater tubing trips on this section of the river. For those with their own tubes, canoes, kayaks or paddle boards, there are several options to take out below the Sugarloaf Recreation Area (Ocoee Dam #1) at public and private launches and campgrounds. NOTE: The Ocoee River is dam controlled. Be sure to check the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Ocoee Dam #1 recreational release schedule before scheduling your lower Ocoee tubing trip. No release = no water.Difficulty
Upper and Middle Ocoee
Lower Ocoee
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free for individual/private boaters. Guiding services vary-contact companies directly for costs.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Ocoee Ranger District
3171 Highway 64
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-3300
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Parksville Lake
Created by Tennessee Rural Electric Company in 1910-11, Parksville Lake is the oldest lake in the Cherokee National Forest. Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this lake is controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Scenic views of the 1,930-acre lake are highlights along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. The lake is popular for motor-boating, paddling, fishing, and swimming.
Fishing
Parksville Lake has bass, trout, bluegill, catfish, yellow perch and crappie. Campsites are dispersed along the lakeshore.Swimming
Parksville Beach and Mac Point are two popular swimming areas on the lake. Note, there is a $3 day-use parking fee at both areas.Paddling
East Parksville Boat Launch provides access to the northeastern portion of Parksville Lake. It is a longer ramp, suitable for larger craft. A vault toilet, boat trailer parking, and a dock are provided.Kings Slough Boat Launch is a fairly shallow boat launch providing access to the western side of Parksville Lake. It has ample parking for boat trailers and individual vehicles, a vault toilet, and a boating dock. Campsites are dispersed along the lakeshore.
Parksville Boat Launch provides access to the northeastern portion of Parksville Lake. The launch has two ramps - the west ramp is suitable for boats, while the east ramp is shallow and only suitable for small craft like jet-skis or canoes. A vault toilet and parking are available.
Nearby: The Cherokee National Forest is home to both the Hiwassee and Ocoee rivers. Each has diverse paddling options from whitewater rafting, kayaking to calm water canoeing, tubing, and paddle boarding.
Camping
Parksville Lake Campground is located off Hwy 30. The popular campground offers developed RV and tent/group campsites with tables, fire rings, electricity, and bathhouses. All sites require advanced reservations through www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Chilhowee Campground is nearby and there are a few dispersed campsites along the lakeshore that are first-come, first-served.Hiking
Hiking trails are available nearby at the Chilhowee Recreation Area.
Directions
Difficulty
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Most areas require a $3 day-use fee. Camping fees vary based on location and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Ocoee Ranger District
3171 Highway 64
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-3300
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John A. Patten Island
John A. Patten Island is a primitive, wooded retreat located in Harrison Bay State Park. The 100-acre island and its sister islands are all that remain of the town of Harrison, which was flooded by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) when Chickamauga Lake was formed in 1940.
In addition to seeing a wide range of wildlife on the island, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, eagle and osprey, adventurers can also see remnants of the old town, especially when road beds and house foundations are exposed by low lake levels in winter.
The island can be accessed by canoe, kayak, and SUP from launches at Harrison Bay State Park to the east and north.
WARNING: There are no trails on John A. Patten Island, so a compass is highly recommended.Difficulty
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
1-800-882-5263
Harrison Bay State Park 8411 Harrison Bay Rd. Harrison, TN 37341 423-344-6214
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Pinhoti Trail
The Pinhoti Trail (Pin-hoe-tee) is a 335-mile backcountry trail that runs northeast from the Talladega National Forest in Alabama to Springer Mountain in Georgia, where it joins the Benton MacKaye and Appalachian Trails. With 164 miles of trail contained in Georgia and the other 171 miles in Alabama, the Pinhoti Trail is maintained by trail clubs and associations in both states. The closest trailhead to Chattanooga is in Fort Mountain State Park, near Dalton, GA. Through hikers will find designated campsites and shelters. Day hikers can access multiple loops through lush native forests and rocky southern terrain. The Pinhoti Trail in Northwest Georgia is a mountain biker's paradise offering hours and days of two-wheeled trail riding. Mulberry Gap, a Mountain Bike Getaway, offers a ride in/out options with cabins, tent camping, hot showers, home-cooked meals, and shuttles. Other sections of the long-distance trail in Georgia are designated for horseback riding. There is no horseback riding allowed on the trail in Alabama.
More than 25 miles of horse trails offer loop rides varying from 3 to 16 miles. Riders must bring their own horses and register at the Fort Mountain Park stables, or visitors can take guided trail rides. The trail contains several ecosystems and includes canopied hardwood forests, endangered eastern hemlock, brooks, lakes, rocky trails, country roads and segments of highways. The north terminus is approximately 70 miles west of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, near the Benton MacKaye Trail. The trail's southern terminus is on Flagg Mountain, near Weogufka, AL.Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Hours and Cost
Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Talladega National Forest 45 Highway 281 Heflin, AL 36264 (256) 463-2272
Fort Mountain State Park 181 Fort Mountain Park Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 Park 706-422-1932 Reservations 800-864-7275
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Starr Mountain
Starr Mountain is a popular area of the Cherokee National Forest for horse riding and camping with nearly 20 miles of trails and a number of service roads available for riding. Trail options can take riders over the ridge of Starr Mountain and through the bottomlands along Bullet Creek.
The Lost Corral Horse Camp and Trailhead provides the easiest access to the area and is located across Spring Creek Rd. from Gee Creek Campground within Hiwassee-Ocoee Scenic Rivers State Park.
Starr Mountain is also a favorite spot for hunting deer, bear, boar, and turkey. The extensive system of Forest Service roads provides excellent access. Spring Creek Shooting Range is located on Forest Road 27, about six miles east of US 411.
Horses are not allowed in the Gee Creek Wilderness area, but there is a 2.6 miles roundtrip moderately strenuous hike to Gee Creek Falls.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Starr Mountain Area 3171 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307 423-338-3300
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The Lost Sea
The Lost Sea is a registered National Landmark and the world’s second largest underground lake after Dragon’s Breath Cave in Namibia, Africa. The lake has a visible surface area of approximately 4.5 acres and a total of 12 acres has been mapped under water.
It is part of a vast cave system called Craighead Caverns that extends underneath a mountain in Sweetwater, TN. The cave contains fossils from the Pleistocene epoch and large volume of crystal clusters.
This family attraction offers guided walking and boating tours through the cave every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving. Wild cave tours are available for groups by appointment only and includes a regular cavern tour as well as an exciting tour into the undeveloped cave rooms where one crawls through cracks, crevices, nooks, and crannies. Contact the Lost Seas directly to learn more.Directions
Difficulty
Caving
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Cost: $11.95 child, $20.95 adult
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
The Lost Sea 140 Lost Sea Rd. Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-6616
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Tinsley Park
Tinsley Park, located in Cleveland, TN, is a 44-acre park packed with recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy. It includes 4 softball fields, a playground, skate park, dog park, walking trail, and Olympic size swimming pool. Tinsley's newest addition is the Tony Cavett Tennis Center that features 7 tennis courts, restrooms, a pavilion, and 7 pickleball courts.
The 5,000 sq ft skate park is a fenced-in concrete slab with steel features situated in the back of the park near the playground and walking path. It's a great location for beginner riders. Skating is also allowed on the 7.5 mile Greenway that passes through the park, extending from Inman Rd past Paul Huff Pkwy.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Skating
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: 10 AM - 10 PM
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, there's a dog park here. Dogs must be on leash on the walking trial/Greenway.
Contact
Cleveland Parks and Rec
160 2nd St. NE
Cleveland, TN 37311
423-479-4129 -
Webb Brothers
Webb Brothers Float Service, located in Reliance, TN is the oldest outfitter on the Hiwassee River. They offer inflatable rafts, kayak and tubing rentals, and shuttle services. Whether a novice or experienced paddler, young or old, the 5-mile float down the Hiwassee River is a perfect way to spend a sunny summer afternoon. The Hiwassee River winds through the spectacular gorges of the Cherokee National Forest and the pastoral setting of the Reliance Historic District. Based on the International Scale of River Difficulty, the Hiwassee is primarily a Class II river, with certain sections considered to be Class III.
Advanced reservations are recommended. Fees apply to all activities.Directions
Hours and Cost
Hours of operation vary based on time of year and water release schedule.
Cost: Varies based on activity
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
Webb Brothers 3708 TN-30 Reliance, TN 37369 (423) 338-2373
