Description - The 123,373 acre Tellico Ranger District, located in Monroe Country, is one of six Ranger Districts in the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. Elevation ranges from approximately 900 feet, near Tellico Plains, to 5,472 feet at Haw Knob.
Attractions
- There are several campgrounds in this district, including Indian Boundary Lake, Big Oak Cove, Davis Branch, and Jake Best Campground. Over 150 miles of hiking trails are maintained within Tellico Ranger District. Horseback riding is also popular with 26 miles of trails. Hunters will enjoy pursuing black bear, Russian boar, deer, turkey, grouse, squirrel and raccoon during different seasons of the year. The streams, rivers and lakes are filled with a variety of fish species, including brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, blue catfish, bluegill and redbreasted sunfish. Tellico River Road, Forest Service Road 210, the North River Road, Forest Service Road 217, and Citico Creek Road, Forest Service Road 35, offer scenic driving through this region of the National Forest. The Overhill Scenic Byway, Tennessee State Highway 165, is known for its scenic beauty. The road travels over the mountains through the Tennessee and North Carolina Overhill area, connecting Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina, and offers spectacular views from several scenic overlooks. Waterfalls bring crowds to this district. Some are easily accessible and others can be reached with some effort on foot or horseback. Baby Falls, Bald River Falls, Falls Branch Falls and Lower Slickrock Creek Falls are a few of the waterfalls in the Cherokee National Forest. A portion of the Tellico Ranger District, 23,659 acres, has been set aside as designated Wilderness. This area has limited facilities and little development. All activities are permitted in the wilderness, except those that involve motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment.
Recreation - Tellico Ranger District offers camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and scenic driving. Picnicking swimming, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, photography and backpacking are also popular pursuits in this Ranger District. Climate - Tennessee has a temperate climate with short, mild winters. The average annual snowfall for the state is 12 inches. Spring comes in early March bringing flowering trees and shrubs, and warmer weather. Spring temperatures average between 45 and 70 degrees F. Summers full force arrives in the region by mid May, bringing warm weather and higher humidity. The mountains of eastern Tennessee are a great place to escape the hot summer temperatures as the higher elevation cools the air slightly. Cooling fall temperatures bring crisp air and brilliant foliage colors. Mid to late October is a good time to visit the region to experience the fall color change. Location -
The Tellico Ranger District is located immediately south of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It's southeastern border lies next to the northern district of the Nantahala National Forest.
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