Your national forests and grasslands are 193 million acres of vast, scenic beauty waiting for you to discover. Over 3 million acres of land located in 22 National Recreation Areas managed by the Forest Service is preserved for recreational activities like hiking, boating, fishing and swimming, while highlighting natural, cultural and scenic resources. Visitors who choose to recreate on these public lands find 162,984 miles of trails, over 30,000 recreation sites, over 400,000 miles of streams and 3 million acres of lakes, 127 alpine ski areas, 338,000 heritage sites, and specially designated sites that include 36.7 million acres of designated wilderness areas, 130 wild and scenic rivers, 15 monuments, and one preserve. And remember, “It’s All Yours.”
Displaying 326 - 350 of 22716Black Mountain Crest TR 179
This trail is rated as most difficult and crosses several 6,000 plus foot peaks. Portions of this trail are steep. From Bolens Creek's north end this trail follows an old Forest Service road before becoming a foot trail. Some of the trail near Bolens Creek is close to pools where fishing may be possible. The trail runs the ridge of Mount Mitchell with possible camping near Deep Gap and limited water. Near Mount…
Shinbone TR 187
The trail parallels Shinbone Creek and provides views of the Unaka Mountains and the magnificent Nolichucky Gorge. This rocky trail follows an old logging road through woods full of poplar, oak and maple trees.
Total Length: 8.5 miles
Total Elevation Change: 140 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning Point: NFSR 214
Ending Point: NFSR 214
Average Hiking Time: 5 hours (one way)
Amount of Use: Moderate
Blaze…
Elk Falls Area-Big Falls TR 172
This is a rocky trail to a popular scenic spot that has a 65 foot high waterfall along the Elk River. **Use extreme caution near the falls as fatalities have occurred at this site.**
Total Length: 0.5 mile
Total Elevation Change: 40 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning Point: Elk Park Parking Lot
Ending Point: Big Falls
Average Hiking Time: 15 minutes (one way)
Amount of Use: Heavy
Blaze Color: Yellow
Area…
Roaring Creek Area-Overmountain Victory TR 308
This trail section is a portion of the Overmountain Victory Trail that provides views of Yellow Mountain to the west and Rye Ridge to the east. For more information on the Overmountain Victory Trail visit: www.nps.gov/ovvi.
Total Length: 1.5 miles
Total Elevation Change: 630 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning Point: Roaring Creek Road (SR 1132)
Ending Point:…
Laurel River TR 310
Laurel River Trail begins on a gravel road through private property. Hikers, bikers, and campers should stay on the trail to ensure the privacy of landowners along the route. After one mile, the trail enters the national forest and continues at a fairly level grade to the French Broad River. The trail is especially scenic in early spring when there are many wildflowers blooming along the path and riverbanks. Bikers…
Jack Branch TR 299
Jack Branch Trail combined with the River Ridge Trail offers panoramic views of the French Broad River. The trail traverses open fields and Oak-Hickory forests.
Total Length: 2.4 miles
Total Elevation Change: 1,320 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult
Beginning Point: River Ridge Trail
Ending Point: NFSR 422
Average Hiking Time: 2 hours (one way)
Amount of Use: Moderate
Blaze Color: Blue Rectangle
Area Trail Map:…
Roundtop Ridge TR 295
This trail offers a walk through oak-hickory hardwood forests. The trail provides access from Hot Springs to the Rich Mountain Fire Tower. There is loop opportunity with the Appalachian Trail.
Total Length: 3.1 miles
Total Elevation Change: 1,400 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult
Beginning Point: Appalachian Trail
Ending Point: Reservoir Road, Hot Springs
Average Hiking Time: 3 hours (one way)
Amount of Use:…
Shut-In TR 296
This trail enters the woods and begins a steady downhill grade. Most of the way, the trail follows a creek on an old wooded road. In most places, the trail acommodates side-by-side walking for two hikers. To the right, the trail traverses some boggy sections, especially in rainy weather.
Total Length: 2 miles
Total Elevation Change: 820 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning Point: Appalachian Trail at…
Groundhog Creek TR 315
This trail follows Groundhog Creek for most of its length. Just below the Appalachian Trail shelter the trail crosses an old road. Water is available along the trail and at the shelter. Offers 9.5 mile loop: Combine with Groundhog Creek, Rube Rock and Appalachian trails.
Total Length: 2.3 miles
Total Elevation Change: 1,160 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning Point: Appalachian Trail
Ending Point: Rube…
Buckhorn Campground
Located near the Buckhorn Tower Viewpoint, the Buckhorn Campground is a small rustic campground nestled in the trees just below the ridgeline. The site is popular with summer campers and fall hunters.
Hells Canyon National…
Buckhorn Tower Viewpoint
The Buckhorn Tower Viewpoint offers picturesque views of the dissected canyons and 'knife edge' ridges along the Imnaha River. This fully accessible site is a popular stopping point for visitors wanting to drive to a scenic viewpoint and sample the Hells Canyon and Imnaha River country.
Buckhorn Campground…
Ah Hee Diggings Interpretive Site
The Ah Hee Diggins Interpretive Site displays the mining efforts of Chinese miners in the late 1800s and the resulting hand-stacked rock tailings that can be seen from the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway. Although the miners could not file their own claims, holders could sell or lease worked-out claims to Chinese owned companies. To pursue their gold mining efforts, the miners muscled rock into piles across 16…
Crawfish Creek Trailhead
The Crawfish Creek Trailhead is a small trailhead that accesses the Crawfish Lake Trail #1606 which goes to Crawfish Lake within North Fork John Day Wilderness and then continues on to the…
Tosi Creek Trailhead
This trailhead provides access to the Gros Ventre Wilderness. The last 4 miles of the road requires high clearance vehicle, 4-wheel drive vehicles and the road cross a creek. Trail #099 follows Tosi Creek and loops around to Kinky Creek Trailhead.
Upper Fremont Lake Boating Site
This boat ramp is located within the Fremont Lake Campground. Onsite you will find a fishing pier, a dock, double vault toilet, and drinking water. Due to limited space, parking is limited to campground guests. Day users and other overnight users may park at the Lower Fremont Boat Site.
Wolf Creek Trailhead
This trailhead is located in the Snake River Canyon south of Hoback Junction off of Highway 89 South. It is a large dirt parking area next to Wolf Creek right off of the highway, with several large old growth pine and fir trees. The turnoff is not signed. This is the main access to the Wolf Creek Trail #4060, a non-motorized trail which leads into the Palisades Wilderness Study Area up to the Snake River Divide. It…
Emigrant/ MCCT Trail (Emigrant West Trailhead)
Emigrant Trail/ Mokelumne Coast to Crest (MCCT) Trail from the Emigrant Trail - West Trailhead
The Emigrant Trail (19E01) is a portion of a historic pioneer route. This trailhead is at the west end of the trail; the east end is at the Mosquito Lakes Trailhead. See General Notes on this page for access points in between. The trail…
Highland Lakes Campground
Highland Lakes Campground is set in conifer forest adjacent to a meadow at the north end of the second (lower) lake. There are two separate camping areas, a large one along Highland Lakes Road and a smaller one on a hill above the lake. See the Highland Lakes page for more information on…
Mosquito Lakes
These two small alpine lakes lie within a few feet of Highway 4. Mosquito Lakes visitors enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing.
Red Fir Group Campground
Red Fir Group Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.
Airport Flat Campground
Location: 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 then 24 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), and 3 miles north on Forest Road 33. Sites are arranged into pods to accommodate groups of 15 – 25 people.
Airport Flat Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist…
Jones Fork Campground
Jones Fork Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.