Roadtrip: Hiwassee River Blueway

The Hiwassee River Blueway offers more than 60 miles of navigable water for canoe, kayak and paddle boat enthusiasts to enjoy.

The blueway begins near Apalachia Dam Powerhouse above Reliance, Tenn., gently winds its way toward the Tennessee River, and ends at the Hiwassee River Wildlife Refuge Area at Blythe Ferry in Birchwood, Tenn.

Based on the International Scale of River Difficulty, the Hiwassee River is primarily Class I (moving water with small waves; few obstructions) and Class II (easy rapids with side, clear channels; some maneuvering required). Certain sections may be considered Class III (rapids with high waves capable of swamping an open canoe; requires complex maneuvering).

The upper reaches of the river offer some of the best trout fishing in the eastern United States. The surrounding landscape features pastoral farmland and numerous historical sites, such as the towns of Charleston and Calhoun, as well as the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Birchwood, Tenn.

A number of outfitters offer raft and boat rentals on the Hiwassee River, including Hiwassee Outfitters, Webb Brothers Rafting and B&B Marina.

For more information, contact the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park at 423-263-0050 or visit http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/hiwassee-Ocoee