Cherokee National Forest
Cherokee National Forest is a moderate 100+ miles off-road trail near Tellico Plains, TN, best run April - November. The gear list marks All-terrain tires as required, and 4WD capability as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
No reports yet
Tennessee's only national forest spans the western slope of the Smoky Mountains with forest roads along tumbling mountain streams, past cascading waterfalls, and through some of the most biodiverse forest in North America.
Fun Facts
Cherokee National Forest is Tennessee's only national forest at 655,000 acres.
The Cherohala Skyway rivals the Blue Ridge Parkway for mountain scenery.
Bald River Falls is a 100-foot waterfall visible from the road.
🛞 Tires
⚙️ Drivetrain
Closest campgrounds to Cherokee National Forest:
- Lost Creek Campground · 17 mi (straight-line)
- Lost Corral Horse Camp · 17 mi (straight-line)
- Thunder Rock Campground · Old Fort · 22 mi (straight-line)
- Chilhowee Recreation Area · 23 mi (straight-line)
- Copper Basin Campground · Ducktown · 23 mi (straight-line)
- Parksville Lake RV Campground · Reliance · 23 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Tellico Plains, TN
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.