Questions about the Appalachian Mountains

[knoxgarden]

The Cumberland Mountains have some gorgeous mountain wilderness areas in Tennessee that aren't as heavily commercialized as the Smokies. They're located between Knoxville and Nashville.
On the top of my list is Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Obed Wild & Scenic River - Obed Wild & Scenic River (U.S. National Park Service)
No outfitters, one primitive campground. Lots of trails and whitewater.
Near there is the state park at Frozen Head.
Tennessee State Parks: Frozen Head State Park
Big South Fork is in that same general area
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area - Outdoor Activities (U.S. National Park Service)
You'll find plenty of wonderful places in East Tennessee.

[Forest Breath]

The southern region of the Cherokee National Forest is full of areas that one can still go to get away from it all. I use to work for the Forest Service and did interpretive hikes all through the southern region. I once spent 5 weeks in Citico Wilderness Area by myself and did not encounter another human the entire 5 weeks.

Some of my favorite places involve the Citico Wilderness/Joyce Kilmer areas. One place I am very fond of is Santeetlah Creek. You can also find places along Lost Creek, North River, and many off trail areas. Laurel Branch, John's Branch, etc. have some beautiful areas to camp at. You can also camp in Whigg Meadows, which is an amazing place.

As soon as I can and have time, I will list some more of those places and post some pics and directions. If there is one place in particular you are interested in, just let me know and likely...I can tell you the ups and downs of the area, this includes all hiking trails in the southern region as I have hiked them all and kept a journal on every hike.

Like I said, I will get pics and more info up as soon as I can

[Forest Breath]

BushwhackerJohn/Road Trips - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

that is a link to my photobucket where I have pics of areas in the southern cherokee nf.

Here are a few pics of my fav places


Santeetlah Creek


Falls Branch Falls in Citico Wilderness


My fav camp site in the entire Cherokee at Santeetlah Creek


Spring Creek near Hiwassee River


North River


Hiwassee River (John Muir Trail)


Near Joyce Kilmer


North River


North River

[BlueCuzco]

First off, I heartily recommend getting adetailed map of the region. I hear National Georgraphic has some great maps.

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Smokies. 100% wilderness for miles and miles.

Most of the central Appalachian mountains in East Tennessee and West North Carolina are owned by the National Park Service (Great Smoky Mountains) or the National Forest Service (Pigsah, Nantahala, and Cherokee), although there are also sizable chunks owned by conservation organisations and other private entities open to hikers with trails and such. The rest of it is privatley owned. The Cumberland Plateau, in contrast, is mostly prvatley owned. However, there's a whole slew of various parks owned by all sorts of entities. These include Savage Gulf, Fall Creek Falls, Scott's Gulf, Walls of Jericho, and Frozen Head.

Scott's Gulf on the Cumberland Plateau north of Fall Creek Falls is a large wilderness with a lot of interesting sites to see, and one of the largest cave systems in the US (with Mammoth being by far in the lead, of course). On the trail to Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness you will see a large waterfall along the side of the trail (forget the name), Big Laurel Falls and cave, Sheep Cave, Martha's (very) Pretty Point, Sheep Cave, the Caney Fork River, and Virgin Falls and cave.

[TN Tin Man]

Originally Posted by JoAnn5

I was going to recommend the Savage Gulf area. The Fiery Gizzard trail is awesome.

http://www.friendsofscsra.org/aboutthepark.htm I goofed Scott's Gulf in the Bridgestone/Firestone Wilderness south of Sparta,TN also has hiking and camping.......

Scott's Gulf.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKI3rucXBfE

[Capt. Dan]

I think there are many places to pitch a tent along the Appalachian Trail.

[mouskie64]

Originally Posted by Forest Breath

BushwhackerJohn/Road Trips - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

that is a link to my photobucket where I have pics of areas in the southern cherokee nf.

Here are a few pics of my fav places


Santeetlah Creek


Falls Branch Falls in Citico Wilderness


My fav camp site in the entire Cherokee at Santeetlah Creek


Spring Creek near Hiwassee River


North River


Hiwassee River (John Muir Trail)


Near Joyce Kilmer


North River


North River

These pictures are great!!This is just our type of thing!Being out in the woods,with nature having a blast!Thanks for sharing your pictures!

Originally Posted by knoxgarden

The Cumberland Mountains have some gorgeous mountain wilderness areas in Tennessee that aren't as heavily commercialized as the Smokies. They're located between Knoxville and Nashville.
On the top of my list is Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Obed Wild & Scenic River - Obed Wild & Scenic River (U.S. National Park Service)
No outfitters, one primitive campground. Lots of trails and whitewater.
Near there is the state park at Frozen Head.
Tennessee State Parks: Frozen Head State Park
Big South Fork is in that same general area
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area - Outdoor Activities (U.S. National Park Service)
You'll find plenty of wonderful places in East Tennessee.

Hi Knoxgargen!We looked into this area last night.You are right,many more options to add to the list!Thank You for the links too!!

Originally Posted by Tinman313

South Cumberland State Park Wilderness Properties Tennessee I goofed Scott's Gulf in the Bridgestone/Firestone Wilderness south of Sparta,TN also has hiking and camping.......

Scott's Gulf.....
YouTube - Scott's Gulf Hike

Hi There!Thanks for these links too,all of them will be very helpful!

Originally Posted by Forest Breath

The southern region of the Cherokee National Forest is full of areas that one can still go to get away from it all. I use to work for the Forest Service and did interpretive hikes all through the southern region. I once spent 5 weeks in Citico Wilderness Area by myself and did not encounter another human the entire 5 weeks.

Some of my favorite places involve the Citico Wilderness/Joyce Kilmer areas. One place I am very fond of is Santeetlah Creek. You can also find places along Lost Creek, North River, and many off trail areas. Laurel Branch, John's Branch, etc. have some beautiful areas to camp at. You can also camp in Whigg Meadows, which is an amazing place.

As soon as I can and have time, I will list some more of those places and post some pics and directions. If there is one place in particular you are interested in, just let me know and likely...I can tell you the ups and downs of the area, this includes all hiking trails in the southern region as I have hiked them all and kept a journal on every hike.

Like I said, I will get pics and more info up as soon as I can

Hi Forest Breath!

Are Citico Wilderness/Joyce Kilmer on mountains?Can you tell me what time of year you went for five weeks,what you ate and can you please tell us how we can protect ourselves from snake bites?I have a heart condition,where I cannot get infections.Are there any good pants,boots etc?

We've been looking into these wilderness areas online,they give more hope!We hope they will stay protected forever!Thanks!

Originally Posted by BlueCuzco

First off, I heartily recommend getting adetailed map of the region. I hear National Georgraphic has some great maps.

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Smokies. 100% wilderness for miles and miles.

Most of the central Appalachian mountains in East Tennessee and West North Carolina are owned by the National Park Service (Great Smoky Mountains) or the National Forest Service (Pigsah, Nantahala, and Cherokee), although there are also sizable chunks owned by conservation organisations and other private entities open to hikers with trails and such. The rest of it is privatley owned. The Cumberland Plateau, in contrast, is mostly prvatley owned. However, there's a whole slew of various parks owned by all sorts of entities. These include Savage Gulf, Fall Creek Falls, Scott's Gulf, Walls of Jericho, and Frozen Head.

Scott's Gulf on the Cumberland Plateau north of Fall Creek Falls is a large wilderness with a lot of interesting sites to see, and one of the largest cave systems in the US (with Mammoth being by far in the lead, of course). On the trail to Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness you will see a large waterfall along the side of the trail (forget the name), Big Laurel Falls and cave, Sheep Cave, Martha's (very) Pretty Point, Sheep Cave, the Caney Fork River, and Virgin Falls and cave.

Great information & advice!Thank You!