Cherokee National Forest: 650,000 acres in your backyard

The Cherokee National Forest is 650,000 acres of mountains, rivers, and trails stretching across East Tennessee, and the Ocoee and Hiwassee districts are practically in Cleveland’s backyard.

What to do

• Hiking — hundreds of miles of trails, from easy riverside walks to serious backcountry. The Benton MacKaye Trail runs through the area.
• The Ocoee Scenic Byway — US-64 through the gorge is a National Forest Scenic Byway and one of the prettiest drives in the state, especially in fall.
• Waterfalls — dozens of them, most a short hike from a forest road. Fall Creek Falls gets the fame, but the Ocoee district has plenty of its own.
• Camping — developed campgrounds and dispersed camping throughout. Bear country, so store food properly.

How to do it right

It’s free to enter — some trailheads and campgrounds have small fees. Get a forest map (the National Forest Service office or any outfitter) before you go; cell service is spotty in the mountains. Fall color peaks late October into early November.

Local tips

• The Ocoee Whitewater Center (built for the ’96 Olympics) is a great base — trails, the river, picnic areas.
• Check for prescribed burns and road closures before heading into the backcountry.
• It’s black bear country. Make noise on the trail and hang your food.