Cherokee National Forest:

Ocoee Ridge is located at the doorstep of the Cherokee National Forest Land.  Less than a mile from out community you can experience the rugged wilderness of the Ocoee Region of this national forest.  Each year millions of people visit Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. It is a place of scenic beauty that provides opportunities for anyone interested in nature and history. The Tennessee Forest land stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 640,000-acre  land Cherokee National Forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee. It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachian mountains range, one of the world's most diverse areas. These mountains are home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals.

Since 1977 the Ocoee River has allowed people to enjoy the whitewater experience.  Rafting, kayaking and funyaking are some of the activities that interest many people. World class whitewater earned the Ocoee River international attention during the 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak competition. At the Ocoee Whitewater Center, you can stroll among the terraces of the colorful Native Garden, see the race course used for the 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak Slalom competition. This is also an excellent place for swimming on hot summer days in Tennessee within 5 miles of Ocoee Ridge, you will find several outfitters to accommodate your needs.

Just four miles from our community, you can connect to The Ocoee Scenic Byway which traverses the Cherokee National Forest from east to west along Highway 64. The Byway offers particularly beautiful scenery along a 4 mile stretch of Lake Ocoee and through the Ocoee River Gorge. The byway connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Ducktown, Tennessee, about 30 minutes away. Highway 64 will also take you to Cleveland, the nearest city approximately 15 minutes away.

Chilhowie Mountain:

Chilhowee campground loops are open from early April to late October. The day-use areas and 12 overflow tent sites are open year round. There are plenty of recreation opportunities at Chilhowee campground. From April to September campground hosts are available. Activities include a 7-acre lake for swimming, approximately 25 miles of hiking and Mountain biking trails, and a scenic waterfalls. Just 8 miles from our community, Forest Service Road 77 climbs the breathtaking route up Chilhowee Mountain to the Chilhowee Recreation Area where families can enjoy swimming in a mountain lake (with sandy beach), picnicking, hiking, mountain biking along numerous wood land trails. Many people enjoy the short hike back to Benton Falls which begins at Chilhowee Lake.

Cohutta Wilderness:

The Cohutta Wilderness covers 36,977 acres that spill over the Georgia/Tennessee border and lie within the 95,265-acre Cohutta Wildlife Management Area. It was designated as a wilderness land in 1975. Hemp Top was added in 1986, making this the third largest mountain wilderness area in the East. The wilderness land is home to a variety of wildlife. Deer and black bears make their home here, as do wild boar and a variety of smaller creatures such as bobcats and squirrels.

Fishing:

Cherokee land is well-known for its trout fishing, Rainbow, brown and brook trout all thrive in forest streams. Some streams are stocked by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and others are considered & "wild" streams. Wildlife is managed cooperatively by the USDA Forest Service and the TWRA. The nearby Hiwassee River offers world-class trout fishing. A specially established Trophy Section yields rainbow and brown trout in the 15" to 19" range while opportunities at 22" to 24" present themselves daily.