Goforth Creek at the Ocoee River
Our guides at OcoeeAdventureCenter love to hike at Goforth Creek, a lovely mountain stream that dumps into the OcoeeRiver at the end of the Doldrums section of the Ocoee.
We found this great blog at www.tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org that describes Goforth in detail. If you go there on a rainy day you might see Jordan our lead kayak instructor and some of the other staff coming down the creek at flood stage.
Location and Forest Service sign for Goforth Creek – Bruce Walters
Wider view of multiple falls. – Bruce Walters
The trail that runs along Goforth Creek. – Bruce Walters
Goforth Creek in the CherokeeNational Forest is a beautiful clear freshwater stream that bubbles out the side of the Southern Appalachian mountains and runs through several miles of pristine forest before emptying into the OcoeeRiver in Polk County, Tennessee. There is a small parking lot that leads to a very easy trail that goes for a mile or so along the stream. During spring and fall during heavy rains it becomes a class 5 stream for kayakers.
Downloads
Stocked trout program Goforth Creek
Recreational Opportunities
Goforth Creek is a stocked trout stream and also has a hiking trail along much of it length. It’s also a wonderful place for photography or just enjoying nature as it was meant to be.
Seasons Accessible
Open during all 4 seasons.
Fees
No fee required.
Pet Friendly Notes
Pets are allowed if on a leash.
How to Get There
Travel west along Hwy 64 from Ducktown Tennessee along the historic Ocoee River Gorge and just past the Ocoee White Water Center you will see green forest service signs that say “Goforth Creek”.
Comments
This is one of the most beautiful creeks in the CherokeeNational Forest. It is an easy hike up the creek to see the large rocks, waterfalls, and pools. The trail runs up the bed of an old narrow gage logging railroad. In the spring, when the water is high, you can run it in a kayak by accessing the upstream reaches from the Kimsey Mountain Highway. Sadly, this creek – and others that provide fresh water and living fish to the recovering OcoeeRiver – is endangered by a poorly conceived highway project known as Corridor K. The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s own figures show it will save at most two minutes over the existing route, and the environmental damage will be vast.
nick waschinko, 11/3/2011
Contact Information
Sherry Sparks – Ocoee-Hiwassee Ranger District
423-338-3300
3171 Hwy 64
Benton, TN37307US
Bruce Walters
727-539-4424
N/a
8254 125th Cir N
Largo, FL 33773 US
Related
Try White water rafting with Ocoee Adventure Center
PHOTO
Natural Area: National Park or Monument
