Lazy Llama Campground

Getting Outdoors

Although Tennessee is famous for the moonshine and country music scene, its outdoor beauty is not to be overlooked. Nearby Old Forge Recreation Area, which is a part of Cherokee National Forest, is a picturesque woods for adventurers to explore. One of the winding trails leads to Margarette Falls, which is a delicate spray of water that flows over hundreds of shallow granite ledges to ultimately plunge into a wading pool. Fishing is especially robust in Cherokee National Forest, particularly trout. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and brook trout, and in the past, they have reported trophy-sized catches.Cherokee National Forest sprawls across 650,000 acres of wilderness and is one of the largest public parks in Tennessee. Over 600 miles of trails, not including the mighty Appalachian Trail, meander and weave through the park, some crossing wide-open valleys while others ascend mountains. Around 150 miles of 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, which begins and ends in Maine and Georgia, crosses through Cherokee National Forest. Panning for gold is permitted, though all prospectors must obtain permits.When you are seeking a thrill, in springtime, the snowmelt turns lazy rivers into a raging torrent. Join a whitewater rapid guide group and navigate the chilly waters along with your comrades and try to keep from getting bounced out of the raft. The Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers are considered world-class whitewater rapids, often achieving difficulty ranking of as high as IV during the peak season. When the summer heat sets in, the water tempers and sets a lazy, languid pace, perfect for spending an idle afternoon on a rubber tube.

Exploring the Area

Traveling from town to town, navigating the twisting, narrow roads through the mountains, is made painless by renting a motorhome. Many towns have their own quirks, flair, and charm that visitors are welcome to experience. Jonesborough hosts an annual Storytelling Festival at which “tellers” spin yarns about ghosts, Appalachian life, and folklore. The laid-back event is a wonderful way to experience the Appalachian lifestyle and learn about the local urban lore and legends.Hop into a rental Airstream and join the other leaf-peepers on the Cherohala Skyway, one of Tennessee’s scenic byways. It follows a twisting route for 43 miles, zig-zagging along switchbacks before ultimately ending in Robbinsville, NC. Riders are cautioned to either gas up before embarking or to bring extra gas. There are no gas stations along the entire route.Kick up your heels outside a camper rental at night, let the campfire ebb, and look skyward. In this remote corner of Tennessee, the stars are brilliant and bright. Far from the light pollution of larger towns and cities, it’s easy to discern celestial objects in the sky with the naked eye.