Cherokee National Forest Citico Creek Campsite 3

Beautiful place. Peaceful. Please clean up your trash.

The Cherokee National Forest is an expansive area found in the southern Appalachian mountains of east Tennessee and is divided into two sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a part of the USDA Forest Service and connects to other national forests in North Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky. We live relatively close to part of this area that we access by driving through Cleveland, TN and have spent the last few months getting to know the area better. Since it is such a large area we have only explored a tiny fraction of it and have so much more to see and learn. Two areas we have enjoyed visiting are the Chilhowee Recreation Area and Benton Mackaye Trail near Childers Creek.

The Benton Mackaye trail is a very scenic and fairly easy 6 mile in and out trail that goes right beside the Hiwassee River. It is mostly flat but the trail gets a little tougher about midway through before reverting back to easy flat ground. Parking is at the Childers Creek Trailhead area and is in the small town of Reliance. Flip Flop Burgers is right down the street and makes an excellent post hiking stop.

Our favorite thing to do in the Chilhowee Recreation Area is hiking the Benton Falls Trail. This is another short hike that is pretty easy until a short and somewhat steep descent to the base of the falls. It’s slightly over 3 miles to go to the falls and back. At the trailhead there is a small lake that is good to cool down in after a hot hike. There are multiple scenic overlooks going up and down the mountain that are a great way to view the surrounding area.

We look forward to many more trips to explore this fun and scenic area.

Best mountain to camp on. Great spots and wonderful little river!! Friendly people, clear water, and the lovely sounds of nature...what more could you ask for.

Love camping here every year. Spot 6 is my favorite

During my childhood I spent a lot of time here. Now that I'm an adult still can't get enough. Although much has changed in the use of the area, I hope to make a difference in getting some use back in the future.

Very cool campsites right on the river. Fire circles and room for lots of cars

If you love the outdoors then you will love being up here

Absolutely beautiful

Our favorite place to camp.

Always the place to come back to!

Loved it

Love to camp here

Free!!

Serenity

Citico

Love it