Tsali
Trail is named after a Cherokee Indian who gave his life so that a remnant of his people
might stay in the Great Smoky Mountains. He, his oldest son, and his brother-in-law were
executed then buried just outside the stockade in Bushnell, a community that is now
covered by the Fontana Lake waters. Tsali's wife and his youngest son returned to their
mountain home where they and the 1000 plus Indians who had hidden in the mountains
were finally left alone. Their descendants now reside on the 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary
better known as Cherokee, NC.
41 campsites are
available at the Tsali campground along with showers and flush toilets. You may also
backpack and camp anywhere on forest land, except in designated wildlife fields and in
trailhead parking lots. Tsali also offers a free boat launch site and ample parking is
available.
Tsali has 39 miles of
trails in a four loop system that wind around the Fontana Lake and through US Forest
Service Land. Bikers, hikers, and horseback riders all enjoy the trails and the
breath-taking views they have to offer. Tsali Recreation Area requires a $2 per bike
or horse trail use fee, or you may pay $15 for a season pass.
- Mouse Branch Loop Trail 5.3 miles
in length
- Hiking - seven days a week
- Horseback Riding - Sunday, Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday
- Mountain Biking - Tuesday,
Thursday, and Saturday
- Thompson Loop Trail 7.4 miles in
length
- Hiking - seven days a week
- Horseback Riding - Sunday, Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday
- Mountain Biking - Tuesday,
Thursday, and Saturday
- Tsali Horse Trail - Right Loop
Trail 11 miles in length
- Hiking - seven days a week
- Horseback Riding - Tuesday,
Thursday, and Saturday
- Mountain Biking - Sunday, Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday
- Tsali Horse Trail - Left Loop Trail
11.9 miles in length
- Hiking - seven days a week
- Horseback Riding - Tuesday,
Thursday, and Saturday
- Mountain Biking - Sunday, Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday
More Information:
Call the Forest Service's Cheoah District Ranger Office at 828-479-6431
|
