Snorkeling in Cherokee National Forest: A Guide to Exploring Aquatic Life, Exams of Forestry

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USDA Forest Service

Cherokee National Forest

The Land of Many Uses

Snorkeling in the

Cherokee National Forest

Snorkeling in the

Cherokee National Forest

What you will see

• Streams in the Cherokee National Forest have an

extraordinarily diverse assemblage of fish. In the clear

waters of the snorkeling sites, it is typical to see 15 to 20

species of fish on any given day. Over 45 species of fish

have been documented at or near individual sites.

• Freshwater drum as large as 6 pounds swim in schools in

the deep pools; sporting fish, such as bass and bream,

are seen in their natural habitats. Colorful darters and

shiners may be seen spawning and feeding.

• Several thousand fish will be present on any given day.

The experience is like swimming in an aquarium full of

fish. Turtles, tadpoles and salamanders are all usually

present.

Snorkeling in the

Cherokee National Forest

Where to go

• Directions to the Conasauga River: Take I-75 to Cleveland, TN exit #20 (Cleveland by-pass). Take the bypass 6.5 miles to US 64 east (towards Ocoee); follow US 64 8 miles to Hwy 411. Turn right (south) onto 411. Travel 6.7 miles on US 411 and turn left onto TN 313 at the Marathon gas station (Ladd Springs Road which becomes Willis Springs Rd.). Travel 4 miles until the pavement ends, then bear right on gravel Forest Service Road 221 (Pea Vine/Sheeds Creek Rd.). Continue for 4.7 miles as the road climbs and winds until you reach the Conasauga River Trail Head (#61) parking lot. Turn right into the parking area. Travel time from Chattanooga is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Directions to Citico Creek: Take I-75 to Loudon, TN exit #72. Turn left onto TN- head east for 15.6 miles to US 411. Turn left onto US 411 toward Vonore and travel 2.4 miles to TN-360. Turn right onto TN-360 (Citico Road). After 7 miles the highway turns right and crosses an embayment. Don't turn right ; go straight ahead on Citico Road. Follow Citico Road for 12.5 miles to Young Branch Horse Camp. Turn right into the camp ground. A use fee is required for individuals or groups not participating in a Forest Service sponsored event. Travel time from Knoxville is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Many other streams are available for trips on your own

Snorkeling in the

Cherokee National Forest

Guided Group Programs by the Forest Service

• Programs, for groups of 12 to 24 snorkelers, may be scheduled through the Ocoee Whitewater Center 423 496-
• Cost is $20 per snorkeler
• A guide and lifeguard lead groups
• Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are provided
• Programs run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Participants need to provide their own transportation to the site; bring your own swimming suits, towels, wading shoes (flip-flops need an ankle strap), lunch and drinking water
• Picnic tables and restrooms are available at Conasauga River and Citico Creek sites
• Tents will be set up for changing rooms

Aquatic Ecology

The ancient age of the Southern Appalachian Mountains has enabled aquatic species in small watersheds to attain extreme levels of diversity compared to the much larger western watersheds. Salamanders, mussels, snails, crayfish and other invertebrates show similar levels of diversity to fish.

Aquatic Ecology

Environmental education is provided both streamside and in the water.

Fish identification and habitat recognition are emphasized.

Aquatic Ecology

Waterproof cards with individual and group pictures of similar

fish are available for use in the water.

Picnic Tables and Restrooms

Enjoy your lunch between snorkeling sessions at a picnic table or

streamside. Restrooms are available.

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are hard to get on and off. Assistance and privacy are

provided.

Safety Rules are Strictly Enforced

Boundaries for snorkeling are established and a vigilant life guard

oversees the entire area.

Underwater Viewing

Whether you snorkel shoulder to shoulder with your group or look

through the viewing scopes, you are going to see lots of fish.

Brightly colored Alabama shiner

Guarding his spawning site

Darters

Blueside darter

Gilt darter Citico darter

Conasauga logperch