THE GREENEVILLE SUN GREENE COUNTY GUIDEBOOK
GreenevilleSun.com
2021-2022 •
PAGE 129
Cherokee National Forest Is Greene County’s Backyard THE CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST Contact: 1-877-444-6777 Website: www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee; www.recreation.gov for reservations The Cherokee National Forest, stretching across southeastern Greene County to the North Carolina state line, provides many nature-oriented recreational opportunities. The forest covers roughly 656,000 acres in 10 East Tennessee counties — over 42,000 acres of the forest are in Greene County. The U.S. Forest Service’s Unaka Ranger District is located in the northern portion of the Cherokee National Forest. In this district, wildlife habitat, abundant plantlife, wilderness and the opportunity to appreciate natural beauty are conserved and protected. There are a number of recreation areas only a short drive away. In some cases, covered pavilions are available for large gatherings. Pavilion reservations can be made online (www.recreation.gov) or by phone (1-877444-6777). Visitors can find white-water boating and boat-launching sites at some nearby rivers and streams. Visitors can make reservations for Rock Creek Campground in Unicoi County online or by phone. Reservations are not available for any other U.S. Forest Service campground in the Unaka Ranger District. All other campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Most campgrounds will accommodate tents, trailers and RVs but do not include shower facilities, dump stations or electrical hookups. Unless otherwise noted, all areas have restrooms, and in some areas, drinking water is also available. The camping seasons vary, but generally range from mid-May to November. Trails are open year-round, unless marked otherwise; some trails are designed only for hiking, while others are designed for more than one type of use such as hiking, horses or bicycling. For adventure-seekers, dispersed camping is allowed outside of developed recreation areas in the general forest area. There is a 14-day stay limit in all areas. The following is a list of U.S. Forest Service developed recreation areas in the Unaka Ranger District. Opening and closing dates depend on weather and other factors. Dates listed are estimated. For specific dates contact the Unaka Ranger District office in Greeneville at 638-4109 or visit www.fs.fed.us. HORSE CREEK The recreation area is open mid-May to October. Horse Creek Recreation Area is at the base of Cold Spring Mountain off State Rt. 107 and provides camping, picnicking, hiking and trout fishing. There is a limit of
O.J. EARLY/THE GREENEVILLE SUN
Winter Takes Hold Ice clings to Squibb Creek, a body of water that meanders through the Sampson Mountain Wilderness in Greene County. The Squibb Creek trail is a relatively-unknown hiking spot tucked inside the county. The trail head starts not far from the Horse Creek Recreation Area.
two trout. The temperature in this area is generally cooler than in Greeneville. Horse Creek has 30 picnic sites, 12 campsites supplied with facilities including drinking water, flush toilets, showers, a picnic shelter, tables and grills. The camping fee is $10 per night; there is no charge for day-use. From Greeneville take Tennessee Rt. 107 (Erwin Highway) east 6 miles to Horse Creek Park Road and turn right. It is approximately 2 miles to the recreation area. HOUSTON VALLEY Houston Valley is usually open mid-May to October. Located at the eastern foot of Meadow Creek Mountain at Gum Springs, the Houston Valley Recreation Area has eight campsites, three group picnic units, one pavilion and a grassed volleyball court for campers. Facilities include a picnic shelter, flush toilets, picnic tables and grills. There is no potable water at this site. There is a $7 per night camping fee and a $30 fee to reserve the pavilion. For hikers, the “Gum Springs Trail” leads from Houston Valley to the Meadow Creek fire tower. From Greeneville take Tennessee Rt. 70 South (Asheville Highway) to its intersection with Tennessee Rt. 107. Turn right onto 107 and go 8 miles. Look for the campground on the left, just before Burnett Gap. OLD FORGE Old Forge campground is open May to mid-December. This small campground located along the banks of Jennings Creek offers a primitive tent camping experience. SEE FOREST, 130
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