Bigfoot / Sasquatchsighting locationAppalachian hardwood forestTennessee, United States36.1881°, -82.8284°

Cherokee National Forest

The Cherokee National Forest spans 655,598 acres across the rugged Appalachian Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, encompassing some of the most remote and pristine wilderness in the Southeast. Created in 1920, this mountainous terrain of dense hardwood forests, deep hollows, and rocky ridgelines has long been considered one of the most active Bigfoot regions east of the Mississippi River. The forest's isolation and vast roadless areas provide exactly the kind of habitat researchers believe could support an elusive primate population. Matt Moneymaker and the Finding Bigfoot team have returned to these Tennessee mountains multiple times, describing the region as "historically productive" for ongoing activity.

Timeline

1800s

Cherokee oral traditions describe large, hairy forest beings in these mountains

1920

Cherokee National Forest established, preserving vast wilderness habitat

2016

Finding Bigfoot team investigates reports in Season 7

Notable Sightings

2010s· local hunters and hikers
Multiple reports of large, upright figures moving through the forest canopy and crossing mountain trails at dusk. Witnesses describe creatures much taller and broader than black bears, moving with a distinctly bipedal gait.
The Cherokee National Forest's reputation for activity stems from consistent reports by experienced outdoorsmen who know the local wildlife intimately. These hunters and backcountry hikers wouldn't mistake a black bear for what they describe seeing.
recent years· forest service personnel
Forest service personnel have reportedly encountered large footprints and heard powerful wood knocks echoing through remote valleys during routine patrols.
Forest Service rangers spend thousands of hours in these woods and are trained observers of wildlife behavior. Their accounts carry significant weight in the research community.

What the Shows Found

Finding BigfootS07E01
Did: The team conducted thermal sweeps through dense mountain forest, used call blasting techniques, and set up overnight monitoring stations in areas of reported activity.
Found: While no definitive evidence was captured on camera, the team noted the area's excellent habitat and ongoing witness reports that brought them back to this historically productive region.

What the Science Says

The Cherokee National Forest represents ideal Sasquatch habitat according to researchers like Dr. Jeff Meldrum — vast, unbroken forest cover with minimal human intrusion, abundant water sources, and diverse food resources from acorns to small game. The Appalachian Mountains have supported large mammal populations for millennia, and the region's biodiversity suggests it could theoretically sustain a small population of undocumented primates.

Black bears are common throughout the Cherokee National Forest and should be ruled out in any sighting, though experienced woodsmen rarely confuse the two. Bears move differently, lack the reported height and build, and don't exhibit the bipedal locomotion consistently described in credible reports. The forest's rugged terrain and extensive cave systems could provide the shelter and seclusion an elusive species would require.

While no definitive physical evidence has emerged from the Cherokee National Forest, the consistency of reports from this region over decades suggests something noteworthy may be occurring. The area's remoteness and difficult terrain could explain why conclusive documentation remains elusive despite ongoing activity reports.

Lore & Fun Facts

Cherokee tradition referenced powerful forest dwellers in these mountains

The forest contains over 600 miles of hiking trails, many leading to extremely remote areas with no cell coverage

Finding Bigfoot has investigated the broader Appalachian region multiple times due to consistent activity reports

The Cherokee National Forest borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park, creating an enormous corridor of protected habitat

Planning a Visit

Access

The Cherokee National Forest offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails and camping areas open to the public year-round. Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping in designated wilderness areas.

Nearest Town

Johnson City, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles northeast

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall provides the best access to remote areas, though winter offers excellent visibility through bare hardwood canopy.