Things to Do in Gee Creek Wilderness

Gee Creek Wilderness is a designated wilderness area located within the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, Tennessee. It is the smallest wilderness area in the Cherokee National Forest, characterized by its serene, rugged landscape and lush, regenerated forest.

Gee Creek Wilderness is managed for primitive recreation, primarily allowing non-motorized activities such as hiking and horseback riding. Mechanized travel, including bicycles, is generally prohibited within its boundaries to preserve its wilderness character.

Gravel biking is generally not permitted within the designated Gee Creek Wilderness area itself due to its wilderness status. However, the surrounding Cherokee National Forest offers extensive opportunities for gravel biking on its network of forest service roads.

The broader Cherokee National Forest, particularly the Ocoee gravel area, provides numerous gravel roads suitable for biking. These routes feature varied terrain and steady climbing grades. A guide titled Gravel biking in Gee Creek Wilderness offers details on routes in the surrounding area.

Key natural features include Gee Creek and Poplar Springs Branch, which are south-flowing waterways with native trout. The area also features Gee Creek Falls and is bordered by Starr Mountain and Chestnut Mountain. Lush, regenerated forests of hemlock, buckeye, white pine, beech, and rhododendron are common.

Yes, Gee Creek Falls is a scenic waterfall located within the Gee Creek Wilderness. It is accessible via the Gee Creek Trail, offering a highlight for hikers exploring the area.

Information regarding specific dog regulations for Gee Creek Wilderness is not provided. Visitors should contact the Ocoee Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest for current pet policies and restrictions.

General entry permits are typically not required for day use in Gee Creek Wilderness. However, specific activities like fishing may require appropriate state licenses. For any specific permit requirements, contact the Ocoee Ranger District.

Specific parking locations for Gee Creek Wilderness trails are not detailed. Visitors should consult maps or contact the Ocoee Ranger District for information on designated parking areas and access points for the wilderness and surrounding forest.

For information regarding Gee Creek Wilderness, contact the Ocoee Ranger District Office of the Cherokee National Forest. Their phone number is +1-423-338-3300. The official website for the Cherokee National Forest is www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee.

Gravel biking routes in the surrounding Cherokee National Forest feature miles of gravel roads with varied terrain. Riders can expect relatively steady climbing grades that are not excessively steep, and descents that are not overly long or treacherous.

Gee Creek Wilderness has attracted more than 40 visitors who have shared their experiences on komoot. While specific route ratings are not available, the area is recognized for its outdoor activity potential.

Yes, visitors can observe remnants of past activities within Gee Creek Wilderness. These include old mining sites and other abandoned relics, such as a concrete water diverter used for washing mined silica in the 1890s.