Tusquitee Ranger District, Elevations in this 158,579-acre district range from 1,200 feet to 5,499 feet at Standing Indian Mountain. It's most famous for its "chain of lakes,"APPALACHIA LAKE,HIWASSEE LAKE AND CHATUGE LAKE,which offers opportunities to boat,water ski,fish,and swim. Camping in North Carolina You can stay right on Hiwassee Lake at the forest's Hanging Dog Recreation Area,which has a large campground, and picnic area,hiking trails and a boat-launching ramp,At Chutuge Lake,the Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area has 100 camping sites,a swimming beach with shower facilities,hiking trails,picnic areas and a boat-launching ramp.Just to the north of Chatuge Lake,you'll find the Fires Creek Bear Sanctuary,a 14,000-acre block of land that's been set aside as as a haven for black bears.This area offers excellent trout,fishing,picnicking,hiking and camping. The most famous hiking trail in the area is the 25-mile-long Rim Trail,which follows the ridge around Fires Creek over several high-elevation balds that provide super-scenic vistas.There are several camping areas here that include Huskins Branch,Hunter Camp and Bristol Fields.The Leatherwood falls Picnic Area provides picnic sites near Leatherwood falls,plus a handicapped-accessible trail for wheelchair fishing along Fires Creek.Another interesting place to visit in the district is the Beech Creek Seed Orchard west of Murphy off F.R.307. This nursery supplies the southern Appalachian forests with genetically improved seeds of white,shortleaf and Virginia pines for reforestation,The orchard also has extensive hardwood clone banks of  blackcherry,oak and yellow poplar.Your Mountain View Specialist Jack Shingler Broker Coldwell Banker High Country Realty,866-835-8500 or 321-279-1049 www.mountainwineandhomes.com