Facility · Tennessee ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Cherokee National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Most of the area is remote backcountry, including Bald Mountain Ridge Scenic Area and Sampson Mountain Wilderness. Roads are limited, but forty-plus miles of trail access the forest.
The area is known for its diverse populations of wildflowers and a number of waterfalls, including 60-foot fan-shaped Margarette Falls and Sill Branch Falls. Try fishing Nolichucky River, Horse Creek, Dry Creek and Clark Creek. Horse Creek and Old Forge Recreation areas offer picnicking, water play and camping.
36.07275, -82.59458 · 36°4'21.9"N 82°35'40.5"W
Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 47°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 47 | 51 | 59 | 68 | 76 | 83 | 85 | 85 | 80 | 70 | 59 | 50 |
| Low °F | 25 | 27 | 33 | 41 | 50 | 58 | 62 | 61 | 55 | 43 | 33 | 28 |
| Precip in | 3.5 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.5 | 4.8 | 3.3 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 3.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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