Johnson Ridge Small Wild Area and Trail

ADA Accessibility Notes

No ADA accessibility available

Johnson Ridge Small Wild Area (SWA) is approximately 100 acres in size and located on Cherokee Reservoir. It is comprised of various habitats; upland hardwoods covers the majority of the area, two wetlands are present, and the ridge top is a dry pine-oak forest dotted with rock outcrops. Part of the SWA is a Habitat Protected Area where American Barberry and Pursh’s Wild Petunia grow, both protected species.

The trail is 1.7 miles in length and is an easy hike. For about half a mile into the trail, you can see a stunning shoreline and various habitats such as hardwoods, wetlands and pine-oak forests. The trail provides access to several rustic campsites and is favored by anglers that enjoy fishing from the shore. A number of scenic overlooks along the trail offer views of woods and rivers; look for wild turkeys and white-tailed deer. In the springtime, native wildflowers attract butterflies adding to the beauty of the area.

For more information, visit TVA's trails webpage.

Eco-Friendly Notes

TVA is a partner of Leave No Trace and requests that visitors follow Leave No Trace practices.

How to Get There

Johnson Ridge Trail is off of HWY 25E about 16 miles north of HWY 11E in Morristown, TN.

https://www.google.com/maps?daddr=36.287309,-83.275857

Pet Friendly Notes

Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet. TVA is a partner of Leave No Trace and requests that visitors follow Leave No Trace practices, including picking up after your pet

Trail Distance

1.7 mile loop

Vertical Gain or Loss

Easy