Most of the zone is remote backcountry, including Bald
Mountain Ridge Scenic Area and Sampson Mountain Wilderness. Roads are limited, but forty plus miles of
trail access the forest.
The area is known for its diverse populations of wildflowers
and a number of waterfalls, including 60-foot fan-shaped Margarette Falls and
Sill Branch Falls. Try fishing
Nolichucky River, Horse Creek, Dry Creek and Clark Creek. Horse Creek and Old Forge Recreation areas
offer picnicking, water play and camping.