Cherokee National Forest Northern District Hiking Trails

Weaver Bend

These floodplain forests and fields along the French Broad River attract yellow-throated warblers, swamp sparrows and yellow-breasted chats. White-tailed deer are common, as are opossum and skunk; more rare are raccoon, fox and weasel. Great blue herons are common year-round, and bullfrogs can be very noisy on summer nights. (Near Del Rio).

Highlands of Roan Mountain

Wind-blown grassy balds, misty forests and rhododendron gardens provide unique high-elevation habitats for plants and animals. If you are a birdwatcher, look for more than 150 species of birds, including chestnut-sided warblers, saw-whet owls, and pine siskins. Spot a cottontail rabbit or northern flying squirrel. Watch ravens cavorting in the winds or listen to the scolding trill of a red squirrel. (Near Roan Mountain).

Little Oak Watchable Wildlife Area

The Little Oak Recreation Area on the shores of South Holston Lake features two interpretive trails through different ecosystems. Little Oak Mountain Trail is a 1.5 mile loop that crosses through cove and upland forest. Look for deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys and pileated woodpeckers. Little Oak Trail meanders along the lake's shoreline and through the recreation area. Stop to photograph wildlife from the viewing blind or look for butterflies in native wildflower plantings. In winter, there are waterfowl and gulls around the lake. Bald eagles were re-introduced here during the early 1990s. Use your binoculars to scan for the profiles of these large birds with white heads. (Near Bristol).