Hiking and Biking

Numerous Trails Offer Hikers, Bikers Ample Opportunity To Explore

Many miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are available in the nearby Cherokee National Forest.

More than 100 miles of trails are located in the Unaka Ranger District of the national forest. Many of the trails are located in Greene County.

Trails are divided into motorized, multiuse (including equestrian, mountain biking and hiking trails) and hiking-only trails.

They lead to picturesque mountain views, cool streams, colorful trees and waterfalls.

Mountain biking and horseback riding is allowed on certain forest trails, forest development roads and some areas behind forest service roads closed to motorized vehicles.

The following list was provided by the U.S. Forest Service’s Unaka Ranger District Offi ce at 4900 Asheville Highway, 5 miles south of the intersection of Tennessee Highway 70S and U.S. Highway 321.

Also available from the district ranger’s offi ce is the National Geographic Trails Map of the French Broad and Nolichucky rivers region in the Cherokee National Forest.

The offi ce is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information is available by calling the U.S. Forest Service at 638-4109.

Additional maps and written directions to most trails can be obtained at the ranger offi ce.

A variety of maps and other resources to plan recreational outings can be found at fs.usda.gov/activity/cherokee/ recreation/hiking.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL

A 288-mile section of the Appalachian Trail is in Tennessee or along the Tennessee and North Carolina border.

This section of the famous hiking trail is rated moderately diffi cult.

The local section begins at the Waterville exit, off of I-40 in Cocke County, and follows the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. There are approximately 24 miles of Appalachian Trail in Greene County.

The I-40 to Flint Gap section of the trail is about 66 miles, and hikers can see great views from: Snowbird Mountain, Max Patch, Lovers Leap, Camp Creek Bald Firetower, Blackstack Cliffs, Little Firescald Ridge and Cold Spring Mountain.

Non-potable (not for drinking) water is available from several streams, including springs at nearby shelters. Water should be boiled, treated or fi ltered before use.

Access is available from either Round Knob, Horse Creek, Asheville Highway at Allen Gap, Forest Service Road 31 at Hurricane Gap, Camp Creek Bald and Devil’s Fork Gap (from Flag Pond).

For more information, contact the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at 828254-3708.

Each of the following trails has a number. The map, available at the U.S. Forest Service Offi ce, will refer to the trail by the number rather than trail name.

OTHER HIKING TRAILS EASIEST

Pete’s Branch Trail (#12): This trail is 1.56 miles, 1-2 hours long. Parking is

SEE TRAILS, 136

Misty Key Exec. Director

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