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Cherokee National Forest, Ocoee Ranger District, Hiwassee Ranger District, Tellico Ranger District
The Cherokee National Forest offers many trails for bicycle use in the park. There are about 700 miles of trails in the park, ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Cherokee offers both point-to-point trails and extensive loop trail networks. Bicycle traffic is permitted on closed (gated) roads unless otherwise signed. Chilhowee Mountain and the Clear Creek Trails are recommended.
In the Ocoee Ranger District, the following trails are open for mountain bikes: Arbutus Trail, 0.7 mile; Red Leaf Trail, 0.3 mile; Azalea Trail (part), 0.4 mile; Benton Falls Trail (part), 1.0 mile; and Clemmer Trail from Benton Falls south to Highway 64, 3.0 miles. All other hiking trails on the district are not designated for mountain bikes. All open public roads are available for bikes as are two ORV roads: Slyco Ridge Road # 302T (moderate to difficult) and Jake Branch Road # 101 (easy). Any gated road in the general forest area (gravel roads) are available for mountain bikes. Call (423) 338-5201 for more information. In addition, the Ocoee Whitewater Center offers access to a 10 mile biking and hiking trail system. The restored Old Copper Road Historic Trail meanders along the Ocoee River for 2.4 miles, where outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike the trail once used to haul copper ore from historic Ducktown to the trial head in Cleveland, Tennessee.
In the Hiwassee Ranger District there are no mountain bike trails designated. Cyclists may utilize open roads and those closed roads not restricted to 'Foot Traffic Only.' Cyclists may also share designated horse, jeep and motorcycle trails except where prohibited. Call (423) 263-5486 for more information.
In the Tellico Ranger District Indian Boundary Lake Trail No. 129 is the only designated bicycle trail. Bicycles may use ORV roads, motorcycle trails and gated gravel trails. No bicycling is allowed on grass roads. Call (423) 253-2520 for more information.
There are many trials within the Cherokee National Forest for a complete list contact:
Ocoee Ranger District
Route 1, Box 348 D
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 338-5201
Hiwassee Ranger District
Drawer D
Etowah, TN 37331
(423) 263-5486
Tellico Ranger District
250 Ranger Station Road
Tellico Plains, TN 37385-9371
(423) 253-2520
Chilhowee Rec. Area (USFS)
Route 1, Box 348 D (Hwy 64)
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 338-5201
RENTALS:
Coker Creek Village
(865) 261-2310
1-800-448-9580
High Country Adventures
(423) 261-2310
1-800-223-8594
Ocoee Adventure Center
(423) 496-4430
1-888-723-8622
Outdoor Store
(423) 507-9006
Outdoor Adventure Rafting
1-800-627-7636
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