Cherokee National Forest, Cleveland

Small outfitter, two brothers started company and offer personal service, you don't feel like you are being herded like cattle as some of the other larger rafting companies do. Reasonable rates. Great camping and bunk house, clean bath house, can't say enough...it was a great time. Go to Raft1 if you plan to play in the whitewater of the Ocoee!

There is no more beautiful place on the face of the earth than the eastern Tennessee mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. No wonder it was chosen to host the 1996 summer Olympic Whitewater Competition. One can experience each of the four seasons in their entirety and each one is as magnificent as the preceeding one. There are year-round activities and adventures but my favorite season is autumn. An afternoon along the Cherohola Skyway in Tellico in mid October will have you breathless as you drive along the the outside of the foothills of the Smoky Mountains peering down into the massive valleys below. Just along the NC-TN border is the Cherokee Indian Reservation, rich in culture and history and a fantastic little family get-away. By far the best of all activities for me is camping in in Chilhowee Recreation area. The is a clear freshwater lake with a large beach and picnic area. A short hike to Benton Falls in the spring displays the abundance of wildflowers and a phenomenal wall of water which is perfectly delicious. Each camp site, whether for RV or tent is roomy, has electricity and water, and a terrific fire pit for cooking and keeping warm. The restrooms are exceptionally clean and have hot showers. With the hustle and bustle of today's hectic lifestyles, there is no better way to kick back and enjoy this wonderful pristine paradise.

I love the Cherokee National Forest for its natural beauty. Trees, mountains, streams and wildlife fill the expansive park. If you enjoy peace and quiet along with birds and other forest sounds this is where you want to be. The air is crisp and fresh. Hiking is pure joy. Even if you only have a very short time for relaxation this would be a good day trip if you are in the area.