MUDDY BOOTS -  Indian Boundary Lake (Cherokee National Forest)

Date: Monday, May 11, 2026 (Rain date: May 18) 

Destination: Indian Boundary Lake (Cherokee National Forest)

Length of Hike: Approx. 3 mile loop trail  Approx hike time: 1 hour

Elevation Gain: 95 ft.

Rating: Easy

Time: Meet at 7:45 for an 8:00am departure - No registration, just show up!

Meeting Location: Departing from Chota Center parking lot, 100 Chota Road, across from the Marathon gas station. Please park in the spaces closest to Chota Road.  There we will give a quick rundown of the hike and provide driving directions. Carpools will be worked out at this meeting.  Please bring some extra cash to reimburse your driver if you carpool.

Bathrooms are located within the first 20 minutes of the hike, see note below in Directions.

Location/Distance/Drive Time: Tellico Plains, TN / 47 mile drive / Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes

Hike Leaders: Gary Zika, 281-960-4113,  [email protected]

Hike Description:  This hike is a nice, easy hike around a beautiful lake. It has a flat gravel trail with lovely views of the lake and mountains.

Directions:  From 100 Chota Road - Turn right onto SR444 - drive 3.7 miles; Turn left onto TN-72E - drive 6 miles; Turn right onto HWY 411S - drive 7.2 miles; Take the TN-68 exit toward Sweetwater/Tellico Plains then turn left onto TN68S/New HWY 68 (signs for Tellico Plains) and drive 12 miles; Turn left onto TN165E/Cherohala Skyway - drive 14 miles; Turn left onto Indian Boundary Road and drive 1.7 miles; at stop sign, turn left and follow signs to "Boat Ramp Lake Trail". 1/4 miles to boat ramp parking. Hike will start from the boat ramp parking lot and hike counter clockwise around the lake, so that the restrooms will be available early in the hike. GPS address: Forest Service Road, Tellico Plains, TN

Optional 2 part hike: Huckleberry Knob is about 30 minutes further away, the trail is only 1.7 miles out and back, 331 feet of elevation with great views.

Optional Swim: Bonus!!! After the hike you may want to drive to the restroom area, change clothes and take a swim. There is a $3 parking fee at this location.

Be Prepared: Bring water and a trail snack. Bug spray and sunscreen is recommended in season. Dress in layers. Hiking boots and poles are recommended.  While we do our best to describe any trail challenges and conditions, you are hiking at your own risk. No pets are allowed on the hike. We suggest you bring an extra pair of shoes and place hiking boots, if dirty, in a trash bag to try to keep your driver’s car floor clean.

In the event of a situation requiring medical attention during a hike, please wear your Name Tag and bring a Photo ID and Medical Information/Insurance cards.

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Muddy Boots Coordinators:
Wendy Beseda    630-240-2040          [email protected]