Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Bald River Gorge Wilderness is located in the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. This 3,721-acre wilderness area offers a pristine natural environment characterized by its dense forests, rolling hills, and the dramatic Bald River Falls which plunges 90 feet into a clear pool below. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer and black bears, and boasts more than 4 miles of hiking trails that provide visitors with opportunities to explore its scenic beauty. The Bald River Gorge is noted for its exceptional botanical diversity, including hemlocks, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels, which thrive in the moist, shaded gorge environment. The history of the area is intertwined with Native American heritage and later, the logging history of the early 20th century. Despite its relatively small size, Bald River Gorge Wilderness offers seclusion and solitude for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, with ample opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation.
