- Region
- TN, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current wilderness camping, fishin…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest
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Photos of Citico Creek Wilderness
How to get there
The main approaches to the Citico Creek region are Cherohala Skyway (TN 165) and Citico Creek Road (Forest Road 35). Nearby communities include Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina. Use a Forest Service map to select the appropriate trail access, and check the Citico Creek flood-closure alert before driving in.
- Cherohala Skyway (TN 165)
One of the main road approaches to the Citico Creek region. Use a detailed map to connect this regional approach with the intended trail rather than treating the highway itself as a trailhead.
- Citico Creek Road (Forest Road 35)
A main access road into the Citico Creek region. Check the extent of the Citico Creek flood closure before relying on creek-corridor access.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
TN, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Horseback Riding
Upper Citico Creek and the Unicoi ridges
Citico Creek Wilderness protects the entire upper drainage of Citico Creek in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest. The North and South Forks and at least eight tributaries cut narrow valleys between steep-sided ridges. Brush Mountain, Pine Ridge, and Sassafras Ridge extend west from the high crest of the Unicoi Mountains, giving the wilderness a pronounced ridge-and-hollow shape. Elevations run from about 1,400 feet to 4,600 feet, with much of the upper terrain notably steep. Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness meets its eastern boundary, extending the backcountry across the Tennessee–North Carolina border. Logging and fire shaped much of this forest, although isolated stands of virgin forest remain. For trip planning, the important distinction is between the gentler stream corridors below and the demanding ridge country above: a creek walk and a high-country trek can involve very different footing, navigation, and effort.
Trails, crossings, and navigation
Thirteen trails totaling 57.4 miles provide access to much of Citico Creek Wilderness. Lower paths often follow old tramways or roads, where grades can be gentle even within a steep landscape. Those easier grades do not guarantee dry travel: some routes require wet stream crossings. Higher trails can become faint and remarkably steep, making a good map and careful route selection important. The 10.6-mile Fodderstack Trail follows the Unicoi Mountains and passes near the crests of Big Fodderstack and Little Fodderstack. Several trails continue into neighboring Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and North Carolina. Choose a route by its terrain and crossing demands, not mileage alone. Allow time for navigation on indistinct upper trails, protect essential gear from water, and turn back rather than force a crossing that exceeds the group’s ability. Forest Service ranger stations offer maps.
Fishing, camping, and access checks
Fishing is a major draw in the broader Citico Creek region. The rugged tributaries support wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout, while the main creek offers both wild and stocked trout. Smallmouth bass and catfish occur in its lower reaches. Keep those regional fishing opportunities distinct from the wilderness’s upper drainage when choosing where to go. Jake Best Campground is a developed campground on Citico Creek used by anglers and hunters. Young Branch is a primitive horse-camping facility without potable water; it is listed as temporarily closed. Access deserves a check before departure: Cherokee National Forest lists a Citico Creek flood closure, a day-use-only restriction at Warden Field, and an alert prohibiting equestrian animals around Citico Creek. Confirm the current extent of those restrictions with the Forest Service before committing to a creekside stay or horse trip.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Citico Creek Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 35.4047, -84.0497
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 24′ 17.1″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 84° 2′ 58.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Citico Creek Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Natural splendor has regained a strong foothold in this Wilderness, the largest in Tennessee, ever since fire put an end to a devastating logging period. You can actually find stands of virgin forest in...
Key takeaways
- Region: TN, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.405, -84.050
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Citico Creek Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around Citico Creek Wilderness
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishLargemouth BassMicropterus nigricans
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
GamefishRed DrumSciaenops ocellatus
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
Upper Citico Creek and the Unicoi ridges
Citico Creek Wilderness protects the entire upper drainage of Citico Creek in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest. The North and South Forks and at least eight tributaries cut narrow valleys between steep-sided ridges. Brush Mountain, Pine Ridge, and Sassafras Ridge extend west from the high crest of the Unicoi Mountains, giving the wilderness a pronounced ridge-and-hollow shape. Elevations run from about 1,400 feet to 4,600 feet, with much of the upper terrain notably steep. Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness meets its eastern boundary, extending the backcountry across the Tennessee–North Carolina border. Logging and fire shaped much of this forest, although isolated stands of virgin forest remain. For trip planning, the important distinction is between the gentler stream corridors below and the demanding ridge country above: a creek walk and a high-country trek can involve very different footing, navigation, and effort.
Trails, crossings, and navigation
Thirteen trails totaling 57.4 miles provide access to much of Citico Creek Wilderness. Lower paths often follow old tramways or roads, where grades can be gentle even within a steep landscape. Those easier grades do not guarantee dry travel: some routes require wet stream crossings. Higher trails can become faint and remarkably steep, making a good map and careful route selection important. The 10.6-mile Fodderstack Trail follows the Unicoi Mountains and passes near the crests of Big Fodderstack and Little Fodderstack. Several trails continue into neighboring Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and North Carolina. Choose a route by its terrain and crossing demands, not mileage alone. Allow time for navigation on indistinct upper trails, protect essential gear from water, and turn back rather than force a crossing that exceeds the group’s ability. Forest Service ranger stations offer maps.
Fishing, camping, and access checks
Fishing is a major draw in the broader Citico Creek region. The rugged tributaries support wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout, while the main creek offers both wild and stocked trout. Smallmouth bass and catfish occur in its lower reaches. Keep those regional fishing opportunities distinct from the wilderness’s upper drainage when choosing where to go. Jake Best Campground is a developed campground on Citico Creek used by anglers and hunters. Young Branch is a primitive horse-camping facility without potable water; it is listed as temporarily closed. Access deserves a check before departure: Cherokee National Forest lists a Citico Creek flood closure, a day-use-only restriction at Warden Field, and an alert prohibiting equestrian animals around Citico Creek. Confirm the current extent of those restrictions with the Forest Service before committing to a creekside stay or horse trip.
Route options
- Fodderstack Trail10.6 milesDemanding high-country terrain
A high-country route along the Unicoi Mountains, passing near the crests of Big Fodderstack and Little Fodderstack. Upper-elevation wilderness trails can be faint and steep; carry a detailed map. Confirm current equestrian restrictions before planning a horse trip.
- Falls Branch Trail #871.3 miles one way; 2.6 miles round trip
A defined waterfall outing listed among the Citico Creek region’s hikes. The trail leads to the 70-foot Falls Branch Falls and offers a shorter alternative to an extended backcountry trek.
Sample itineraries
- Lower-elevation streamside day · 1 day
Choose a lower-elevation Citico Creek Wilderness trail using a Forest Service map. Many paths follow old tramways or roads with gentler grades, but wet crossings can interrupt progress. Check flood alerts and access conditions before setting out; turn around rather than force a crossing.
- Fodderstack backpacking trip · 2 days
Plan a two-day hike around the 10.6-mile Fodderstack Trail along the Unicoi Mountains, passing near Big Fodderstack and Little Fodderstack. Confirm access, camping rules, and a suitable turnaround or connecting route before departure. Upper-elevation trails can be faint and very steep.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Check rainfall forecasts and Citico Creek flood alerts before choosing streamside trails. Lower-elevation routes may require wet crossings. Keep plans flexible when water conditions make crossings unsafe.
Summer
Summer
Plan water needs and pace around strenuous climbs rather than mileage alone. Elevations range from 1,400 feet to about 4,600 feet. Carry drinking water or treatment equipment, and check weather before committing to upper ridges.
Fall
Fall
Carry layers for elevation changes and allow enough daylight for slow travel on steep or faint trails. Lower streamside paths and upper ridge routes demand different levels of effort; choose the route to match the group.
Winter
Winter
Check mountain weather and road access before departure. Plan conservatively for cold conditions, especially where wet crossings are required. Carry insulation and leave room in the schedule for slow navigation on faint upper trails.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Check rainfall forecasts and Citico Creek flood alerts before choosing streamside trails. Lower-elevation routes may require wet crossings. Keep plans flexible when water conditions make crossings unsafe. |
| Summer | Summer | Plan water needs and pace around strenuous climbs rather than mileage alone. Elevations range from 1,400 feet to about 4,600 feet. Carry drinking water or treatment equipment, and check weather before committing to upper ridges. |
| Fall | Fall | Carry layers for elevation changes and allow enough daylight for slow travel on steep or faint trails. Lower streamside paths and upper ridge routes demand different levels of effort; choose the route to match the group. |
| Winter | Winter | Check mountain weather and road access before departure. Plan conservatively for cold conditions, especially where wet crossings are required. Carry insulation and leave room in the schedule for slow navigation on faint upper trails. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current wilderness camping, fishing, and access requirements with Cherokee National Forest before your trip.
Official source: Citico Creek - Cherokee National Forest · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Flooding can affect access: a Citico Creek Flood Closure alert is posted. Confirm its current extent before traveling.
- Lower-elevation trails may require wet stream crossings. Do not enter water that exceeds the group's ability to cross safely.
- Upper terrain is notably steep, with few slopes inclined less than 30 degrees. Allow extra time and avoid overcommitting.
- Upper-elevation trails can become faint. Carry a detailed map and reliable navigation tools.
What to pack for Citico Creek Wilderness
- Detailed Forest Service trail map
- Compass and offline navigation
- Current access and alert information
- Headlamp
- Footwear suited to rough, wet trails
- Trekking poles
- Dry socks
- Waterproof storage for essential gear
- Drinking water and water treatment
- Rain protection and insulating layers
- Food and first-aid supplies
- Overnight shelter and sleep system for backpacking
- Trash bags for packing out waste
Citico Creek Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Citico Creek Wilderness?
- It lies in Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest and contains the entire upper drainage of Citico Creek, including the North and South Forks. Its eastern boundary adjoins Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.
- What are the main access roads?
- Cherohala Skyway (TN 165) and Citico Creek Road (Forest Road 35) provide the main regional access. Nearby communities include Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina. Choose a specific trail access using a Forest Service map and confirm road conditions.
- How difficult is the hiking?
- The wilderness has 13 trails totaling 57.4 miles. Lower paths often follow old tramways or roads with gentle inclines, though crossings may be wet. Upper trails can be faint and remarkably steep, reaching terrain around 4,600 feet.
- Can horses use the area?
- The surrounding region offers the Little Citico Horse Trail system, but an alert prohibits equestrian animals around Citico Creek. Young Branch Campground is listed as temporarily closed. Confirm the restriction's boundaries and current facility status before planning a riding trip.
- What should anglers know?
- Citico Creek offers native and stocked trout fishing. Rainbow trout are stocked upstream from Little Citico Creek from March 15 through September 15. Rugged tributaries support wild trout. Confirm current fishing requirements before casting.
- Are there camping restrictions to check?
- Confirm backcountry camping requirements and current flood-related restrictions with Cherokee National Forest. Warden Field, also called Citico Campsite #14, is listed as limited to day use. Do not assume a regional campsite is available for an overnight stay.