Fly & Drive guide
Fly into TRI, drive to Cherokee National Forest
Your route
TRI
Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport
Cherokee National Forest
About 55 min · 30 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to TRI
Compare fares into Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: abdallahh from Montréal, Canada · CC BY 2.0
02Car at TRI
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Cherokee National Forest. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: Romain COUPY · CC BY-SA 4.0
04 · First night near Cherokee National Forest
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Cherokee National Forest
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Cherokee National Forest
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Regional Permits and Seasonal Access for the Southern Highlands
Reservations for developed campgrounds in the Ocoee or Tellico districts must be made through official federal booking platforms, with windows often opening six months in advance. While general forest entry is free, certain high-impact recreation areas require a daily pass or fee. Always check the USDA Forest Service website for current road closures and permit requirements for specific river activities.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Cherokee National Forest?
Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport (TRI) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from TRI to Cherokee National Forest?
Roughly 55 min (about 30 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Cherokee National Forest?
Reservations for developed campgrounds in the Ocoee or Tellico districts must be made through official federal booking platforms, with windows often opening six months in advance. While general forest entry is free, certain high-impact recreation areas require a daily pass or fee. Always check the USDA Forest Service website for current road closures and permit requirements for specific river activities.
