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CHEROKEE VACATION RENTALS, NORTH CAROLINA |
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Outdoor Recreation in Cherokee |
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| There is a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities available for you to enjoy while in Cherokee. The area is especially known for its excellent trout fishing, as well as for sport fishing for the various types of bass, walleye, catfish, brim, bluegill, crappie and fresh water salmon available in the area.
For all outdoor activities in the Cherokee area, a word of caution: Black bears live in the Cherokee area. While most black bears are nocturnal and are not about during the day, visitors should always be aware of the possible danger and do what they can to avoid direct contact with the bears. |
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Cherokee Reservation Fishing
Hiwassee River Fishing
Lakes and Reservoir Fishing
Water Tubing, Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing and Kayaking
Hiking and Horseback Riding Trails
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| Cherokee Reservation Fishing |
| The Cherokee Reservation is home to some of the finest fishing for brook, rainbow and brown trout found anywhere. Trout season opens the last Saturday of March and continues through February of the following year. Fishing is permitted from ½ hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Although no other state license is needed or accepted on the reservation, anglers age 12 and above must obtain the required $5.00 Tribal Fishing Permit. Children under 12 years are allowed to fish with a permitted adult. Permits are available for 2, 3 and 5 day periods. The permit is available at many local Cherokee businesses. The daily creel limit is 10 per permit holder.
Due to the weekly fish-stocking program, certain sections of the rivers, streams and the ponds are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. There are also areas of tribal waters that are reserved for tribal members and not open to the public. Exact areas are listed in the Fish and Game Management brochure available at all locations where permits are sold and at the Cherokee Visitor Center. |
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| Hiwassee River Fishing |
| The Hiawassee River, part of the Hiwasse/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, also has a 3-mile stretch designated as a Trophy Trout Stream. A popular fishing stream, you can catch large-mouth bass, yellow perch, catfish, brown trout and rainbow trout. The trout are restocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. There is no park fee for fishing on the Hiwassee, but state fishing rules apply. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required. A public access ramp for canoes is available. Commercial guide services are available. |
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| Lakes and Reservoir Fishing |
Hiwassee Reservoir, in the midst of the Nantahala National Forest, has over 160 miles of shoreline. Marinas at the Tennessee Valley Authority managed reservoir provide boat rentals, fishing supplies and launching ramps. Cherokee Reservoir is also managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. With 54 miles of shoreline, it is filled with white, smallmouth, striped and largemouth bass. It also has crappie and walleye. Marinas at the reservoir also provide boat rentals, fishing supplies and launching ramps.
Appalachia Reservoir is a small lake created by a dam that was built to generate hydropower. The reservoir is adjacent to the Nantahala National Forest and has almost no shoreline development or commercial recreation facilities. Few anglers use the reservoir, although sport fish in the lake include smallmouth bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish and white bass. Special permits are required for fishing in nearby Gatlinburg and in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Regulations for fishing in those areas differ from those on the Cherokee Reservation. In general, be aware that Tennessee requires residents and non-residents age 13 and older to have a valid fishing license. Residents age 65 and older may obtain a special license from the state. North Carolina requires residents and non-residents age 16 and older to purchase a fishing license. Residents age 70 and older may also obtain a special license from the state. |
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| Water Tubing, Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing and Kayaking |
| Cherokee water adventure ranges from tubing to whitewater rafting. Tubing on the lower Ocoee or the Hiwassee River is a great way to cool off, or try rafting down the rapids on one of the area’s other rivers.
The Ocoee River is a one of the most popular rafting rivers in the country with its Class III-V rapids. Dropping over 260 feet in 5 miles, it provides nonstop action. Access sites at this river are maintained. Outfitters on the Ocoee River put a guide in each raft making it suitable for beginner; however, the State of Tennessee requires that each rafting participant be 12 years or above. Outfitters usually supply all necessary equipment, do a pre-trip orientation and provide transportation to the river and back. Before planning a trip, consult the local water release schedule to make sure it is a rafting day. You will need to make reservations in advance, as weekends and summer trips are often booked. To avoid the rush, try coming on weekends in the spring or fall, as the weather on the Ocoee is pleasant all season long. For those occasions when it's not, wet suits and other protective clothing may be provided by your outfitter, though there may be extra charges.
A Class II-III river, the Nantahala River in Topton is considered ideal for both the first-timer and experienced rafter as it rushes through the spectacular Nantahala Gorge. The U.S. Forest Service requires that Nantahala River rafters weigh at least 60 pounds and some private outfitters also requires kids be at least 9 years old for other trips. The rafting stretch is 8 ½ miles, or about 2 ½ hours long. Outfitters provide the equipment and gear needed for the trip down the river, as well as transport you by bus or van to the put-in. Private boaters must use the Forest Service's commercial put-in and pay a $1 fee for daily use. A $5 season permit is also available. Rafters' USFS fees should be included in the outfitter's trip price.
The Hiawassee River, which is a Class I-III river, offers a pleasant alternative to the wild Ocoee. It is a common destination for beginners at whitewater rafting or for those wanting to canoe or kayak in an area with less challenging rapids. A scenic portion of the John Muir Trail winds through the river gorge. Numerous public access sites to the river have boat-launching ramps. |
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| Hiking and Horseback Riding Trails |
| Cherokee has a multitude of hiking and horseback riding trails within the borders of the county or in nearby forests. Explore the waterfalls in the region or follow one of the organized trails.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or an exploratory hike along the Appalachian Trail. The trail runs through Cherokee on its way from Kathadin Mountain, Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia. The 2,200-mile trail bisects the Great Smoky Mountain National Park along the North Carolina and Tennessee border and follows the crest of the mountain range for more than 70 miles.
A few of the most popular trails in the Great Smoky National Forest include the Alum Cave Trail, Andrews Bald and Charlies Bunion. Alum Cave and Andrews Bald are rated as moderate trails, while Charlies Bunion is rated strenuous.
The Tanasi Trail System, part of the Ocoee Whitewater Center in the Cherokee National Forest, has nearly 30 miles with 15 trails. The Center is open year-round, 7 days a week.
The Tsali Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest has 39 miles of trails suited for horseback riders and hikers. The 4-loop system offers a variety of landscapes on the Right, Left, Mouse Branch and Thompson Loops. Hikers may travel the trails any day, but equestrians will need to check the posted schedules available at each trailhead. |
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