Cherokee National Forest is a massive 650,000-acre piece of land in Tennessee that is a nature lover’s paradise. There is so much to explore and so much to take in; you could spend years adventuring and taking in all the natural beauty around this forest! With high mountain peaks, waterfalls, and glistening lakes, plus an abundance of hiking trails, Cherokee National Forest will keep you busy for a long time. As you explore this amazing wilderness, we have a few suggestions for you.
Blue Hole Falls is a short and easy hike down to a majestic blue pool and a waterfall.
Devon Sipes/ Alltrails This is a popular swimming hole in Tennessee – and the waterfall makes it all the more beautiful. The easy accessibility makes it a great spot to take a quick dip in the water or simply stop and marvel at the 25-foot waterfall. Blue Hole Falls, Elizabethton, TN 37643, USA
One of the best views in all of Tennessee can be found on Roan Mountain.
Curtesy of Sarah Dodge This ridge line has you hiking up with sweeping views of mountain ranges spanning far into Tennessee on one side and North Carolina on the other. The view is simply breathtaking. If you want to take in the sights with minimal effort, park at Carvers Gap and hike up the hill to the first bald. You will be greeted with incredible views all around you. Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
Margarette Falls is another place that is a must-see for anyone who loves waterfalls.
Curtesy of Sarah Dodge This 60-foot waterfall cascades down a slanted jagged rock edge, making it a unique and interesting find in the Cherokee National Forest. The hiking trail leading to the falls is filled with beauty as well. Following a tranquil creek and exploring a lush deep forest can be just as beautiful as Margarette Falls. Margarette Falls Trailhead Parking Area, 1362 Shelton Mission Rd, Greeneville, TN 37743, USA
Martin Creek Falls is a moderate, two-mile trail near Erwin that leads to a beautiful split waterfall.
Evan Haun/ Alltrails The water cascading down the rock in two streams makes this a unique and fun waterfall to view. The path is easy to follow, but the slope leading down to the falls can get very slippery at times. Take it slow and soon you arrive at an amazing waterfall!
Just like Roan Mountain, the Beauty Spot is a popular mountain top overlook into a vast mountain range.
Curtesy of Sarah Dodge Sitting on the North Carolina and Tennessee border you will be able to soak in the sights for miles and miles. Drive up a dirt road leading to a small parking area, and you will then will have a short walk up the hill to find The Beauty Spot. Beauty Spot, Unnamed Road, Unicoi, TN 37692, USA
Our last suggestion in the Cherokee National Forest is to take a trip to Watauga Lake.
Curtesy of Sarah Dodge This lake can be enjoyed in numerous ways: take to the waters for a boat ride, soak in the sun on the sandy shore, go swimming, or enjoy a picnic with your family. The lake itself is framed by the towering Cherokee Mountains and the glistening water dances in the sunlight. This spot is one of the most relaxing places in Tennessee. Watauga Lake, Tennessee, USA
If you are looking for hiking trails in Tennessee, chasing waterfalls, or want to sit by a peaceful lake, Cherokee National Forest has plenty to explore and offer. You can spend so much time adventuring in the mountains and taking in the views. It truly is filled with hidden gems and is a nature lover’s paradise.
Devon Sipes/ Alltrails
This is a popular swimming hole in Tennessee – and the waterfall makes it all the more beautiful. The easy accessibility makes it a great spot to take a quick dip in the water or simply stop and marvel at the 25-foot waterfall.
Blue Hole Falls, Elizabethton, TN 37643, USA
Curtesy of Sarah Dodge
This ridge line has you hiking up with sweeping views of mountain ranges spanning far into Tennessee on one side and North Carolina on the other. The view is simply breathtaking. If you want to take in the sights with minimal effort, park at Carvers Gap and hike up the hill to the first bald. You will be greeted with incredible views all around you.
Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
This 60-foot waterfall cascades down a slanted jagged rock edge, making it a unique and interesting find in the Cherokee National Forest. The hiking trail leading to the falls is filled with beauty as well. Following a tranquil creek and exploring a lush deep forest can be just as beautiful as Margarette Falls.
Margarette Falls Trailhead Parking Area, 1362 Shelton Mission Rd, Greeneville, TN 37743, USA
Evan Haun/ Alltrails
The water cascading down the rock in two streams makes this a unique and fun waterfall to view. The path is easy to follow, but the slope leading down to the falls can get very slippery at times. Take it slow and soon you arrive at an amazing waterfall!
Sitting on the North Carolina and Tennessee border you will be able to soak in the sights for miles and miles. Drive up a dirt road leading to a small parking area, and you will then will have a short walk up the hill to find The Beauty Spot.
Beauty Spot, Unnamed Road, Unicoi, TN 37692, USA
This lake can be enjoyed in numerous ways: take to the waters for a boat ride, soak in the sun on the sandy shore, go swimming, or enjoy a picnic with your family. The lake itself is framed by the towering Cherokee Mountains and the glistening water dances in the sunlight. This spot is one of the most relaxing places in Tennessee.
Watauga Lake, Tennessee, USA
If you want to take a break from hiking, check out this nearby Tennessee antique store that’s filled with hundreds of treasures.
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Address: Cherokee National Forest, Elizabethton, TN 37312, USA
