Chuck Swan State Forest

Size:  24,702 acres / 9,997 ha. 

Within the State Forest system, Chuck Swan is the only representative of the Southern Appalachian Ridge and Valley province. It is located in northeast Tennessee in Union and Campbell Counties and is bordered on three sides by Norris Lake. Management of the area is a joint effort between the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and
focuses on the improvement of wildlife habitat and forest stand conditions.

Prior to 1934, the land consisted of numerous small farms and parcels. In 1934, the Tennessee Valley Authority began acquiring the land in connection with the Norris Dam project. TVA sold the property to the State of Tennessee in 1952 with the understanding that the forest would be developed for multiple uses including recreation and demonstration.

Before a pine beetle outbreak and the resulting mortality, the forest cover types were about 65% hardwood (oak and hickory in particular) and 35% pine (white, shortleaf and loblolly). The Forestry Division is currently working to restore the pine component where appropriate.

Approximately 6% of the forest has been harvested since 1966 and ranges in age from 1 to 38 years. An estimated 29% of the forest resulted from the reversion of abandoned agricultural fields following acquisition. These reverted fields help to make up the age classes from 50-90 years that cover more than half of Chuck Swan. About 20% of the forest stands are greater than 90 years old, the oldest around 200 years.

TWRA retains 10 in-holdings (455 acres), and actively manages approximately 1500 acres of wildlife food plots. The forest is home to 53 cemeteries, an active church congregation, a firing range managed by TWRA, and miles of drivable roads. The forest also offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain-biking.

Chuck Swan State Forest Road Use Map

Chuck Swan State Forest Recreation Map

Chuck Swan State Forest Firewood Collection Map

Firing Range

Open Thursday and Friday from noon to sunset and Saturday and Sunday from sunrise to sunset.

Closed during all big game quota hunts.

No buckshot allowed on range. Permit from TWRA required for range.