Polk County wildfire 60% contained
UPDATE: Firefighters on the Cherokee National Forest have now contained 60% of the 650-acre Appalachia Fire, according to the Cherokee National Forest.
They say with aid from two brief periods of wet weather, approximately 50 firefighters are now prepared to return public access to portions of the Cherokee National Forest temporarily closed.
On Wednesday, April 21, 2026, Forest Service Road 23 will reopen along with the Smith Mountain Trail.
Trails associated with Turtle Town Falls will remain closed due to ongoing fire suppression work.
POLK COUNTY — A wildfire with over 100 resources working to contain it is still burning after being reported on April 14, 2026.
The Appalachia Fire is burning in Polk County, Tennessee on the Cherokee National Forest south of the Hiwassee River.
The fire (as of April 17, 2026) is estimated to be burning at around 521 acres.
McFarland Road (NFSR 23) at the intersection of White Oak Flats Road (NFSR 103) to the intersection of Ditney Mountain Road (NFSR 66) to the Hiwassee River are closed. Additionally, Turtletown Creek Road (NFSR 11651), Apalachia Tunnel Road (NFSR 1166) and Turtletown Falls Trail 185 and parking area are closed to traffic and public access.
