Big Clifty (FR 404) in TN -- Camping Rules & Access
Big Clifty (FR 404) in TN
Road corridorCherokee NF, Unaka Ranger District
9.1 mi from Newport
Maps 1,208 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Motor-vehicle season 3/20–12/15Stay limit: 14 consecutive days · then move 10 mi · Then stay away at least 7 days
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Road Access
Rough
- 2.4 of this road’s 9 miles are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, gravel the whole way.
- Estimated climb: 3,000 ft over 9 miles through 28 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 20% and pitches to 48%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~150 ft on the downhill side.
- Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
- Dead-end road; turnaround space is not mapped.
Known camping along this road at mile 6.7: .
Setting
Fairly secluded
- Well separated here, with the nearest through road 1.2 miles off.
- Meadow Creek Mountains stands 1,859 ft above the map pin, 1.6 miles southeast.
- Yellow Spring Branch runs 0.1 mi off.
- Estimated night sky: Bortle 3, a dark rural sky.
Rules
- the following acts are prohibited on all lands administrated by the Cherokee National Forest (shown on the attached map).…Camping in any location is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper and party must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning for another stay.
- Camping rules
Climate averages
October normals 47–74°F, 2.7″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.