Tellico River Area

Facility · Tennessee ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Cherokee National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,811 ft
Elevation

This area provides outstanding opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and scenic driving.  It is also home to the popular Indian Boundary Recreation Area and the Cherohala Skyway.

Nearly 30,000 acres of remote backcountry surround three rivers and their tributaries, where fishing for brown, rainbow and brook trout is excellent. Cherohala Skyway (TN 165/NC143), a 43-mile National Scenic Byway, winds between Tellico Plains, Tenn. and Robbinsville, N.C. Tellico River Road (FR 210) offers intimate views of the river and 90-foot Bald River Falls.

Spend the night at the historic Donley Cabin and check out CCC structures at Tellico Ranger Station and Dam Creek Picnic Area. Hike across the area on the Benton MacKaye Trail. Camp at sites along Tellico River or in Indian Boundary Recreation Area just off Cherohala Skyway.

Getting there

35.32007, -84.14454 · 35°19'12.3"N 84°8'40.3"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 90°F in Jul, down to 51°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F515564738187908984746254
Low °F283137445463666557453531
Precip in4.64.94.94.84.94.55.34.14.13.14.85.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Tellico River Area

Can you reserve a site at Tellico River Area?
No. Tellico River Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Tellico River Area

Comments

Contact

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.