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
397 Dentville Road
Delano, TN 37307
423-338-7208
4710 State Highway 58 South
Decatur, TN 37322
423-334-0927
4623 Armstrong Ferry Rd.
Decatur, TN 37322
423-334-3584
Located on the Tennessee River in Decatur and features camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, swimming area, and boat ramp.
117 Marina Dr NW
Charleston, TN 37310
423-336-2341
8851 Hiwassee Street
Charleston, TN 37310
423-665-0040
5600 Block Hwy 60
Birchwwood, TN
7:00pm Friday and Saturday nights
5842 Hwy. 30
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-4399
Blythe Ferry Lane
Birchwood, TN
Bird watching, fishing, hiking, camping.
Bordered by Wool, Worth & Market Sts.
Charleston, TN
Public restrooms and picnic tables available.
2800 Ocoee Street
Cleveland, TN 37312
423-476-9700
This 650,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia.
6800 Blythe Ferry Rd
Birchwood, TN 37308
423-339-2769
This 29-acre park features the Cherokee Removal Memorial, a visitor center and walking trails in a historically significant landscape.
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge Check Station
525 Priddy Lane
Birchwood, TN 37308
142 Withrow Lane
Benton, TN 37307
Eastern Tennessee rustic log cabin rentals under Chilhowee Mountain.
12914 Highway 58 & 60
Georgetown, TN 37336
423-961-9079
Barbecue and Burgers
Needle Eye Ln.
Delano, TN 37325
Mennonite Farm and Market
5616 Highway 60
Birchwood, TN
423-961-4111
Best pizza and calzones around!
Gee Creek Campground
404 Spring Creek Rd.
Delano, TN 37325
404 Spring Creek Road
Delano, TN 37325
423-263-0050
Primitive campground with 47 sites, each with a table, fire ring and a grill. Large group camp field also available.
8511 Hiwassee St.
Charleston, TN 37310
423-336-3170
430 Highway 64
Ocoee, TN 37361
800-233-8594
Offering whitewater rafting on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers, kayaking, rock climbing, and caving trips.
404 Spring Creek Road
Delano, TN 37325
423-263-0050
A 23-river mile section of the Hiwassee that offers canoeing, rafting, fishing, hiking, and nature photography. The Gee Creek primitive tent campground has 47 campsites, each with a table, fire ring and grill. Adjacent is the Gee Creek Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest.
155 Ellis Creek Road
Reliance, TN 37369
423-338-8115
Full service outfitter and campground specializing in rafting on the Hiwassee River located in the Cherokee National Forest.
8746 Hiwassee Street
Charleston, TN 37310
423-665-3373
Present-day Charleston, Tenn., was once the site of the Indian Agency and eventually served as Fort Cass, the military headquarters for the entire Trail of Tears operation. The Hiwassee River Heritage Center brings to life this historical landscape with exhibits and guided tours.
727 Tennessee Ave. South
Etowah, TN 37331
423-263-7840
Reliance, TN 37369
545 Priddy Rd.
Birchwood, TN 37308
Ocoee-Hiwassee Ranger Station
3171 Hwy. 64, Benton, TN
423-338-3300
The John Muir National Recreation Trail #152 is a 20.7 mile foot trail that follows alongside the Hiwassee River within the Cherokee National Forest of Southeast Tennessee. The trail was part of American naturalist John Muir’s Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf in 1867. Trailheads are located at Childers Creek, Big Bend and at the end of Forest Road #108.
2496 Highway 64
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-5591
Offering whitewater rafting, cabin rentals, motel lodging, marina, and boat rental on scenic Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee).
346 Union Grove Rd. NE
Charleston, TN 37310
423-479-7311
Established in 1965, this vineyard grows grapes, muscadines, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries for its 17 different wine varieties. Pick-your-own offered during berry season.
1370 Childers Creek Road
Reliance, TN 37369
423-338-1070
Gee Creek Campground
404 Spring Creek Rd.
Delano, TN 37325
1985 Old Copper Road
Benton, TN 37307
800-533-7767
Offering whitewater rafting adventures on the Ocoee River and the Hiwassee River.
588 Childers Creek Rd.
Reliance, TN
423-338-7771
Oldest locally owned fly shop and country store in the area. Smoked ribs and chicken dinners served on weekends. Bagged fisherman lunches available.
5584 State Highway 58 S
Decatur, Tennessee 37322
(423) 334-3282
1817 Delano Road
Decatur, TN 37325
423-263-2762
Variety of wines offered; winery and vineyard available for weddings and special events.
107 Riverview Lane
Reliance, TN 37369
423-338-7368
133 Fletcher Drive
Reliance, TN 37369
423-400-4241
On your next excursion to the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers, consider reserving a mountain home in beautiful Spring Creek Retreat, near Reliance, TN.
106 Savannah Shores Dr.
Delano, TN 37325
423-808-0010
Great food, great friends and local farm fresh produce when in season!
3708 Highway 30
Reliance, TN 37369
423-338-2373/877-932-7238
Listed on the National Register, the Watchman’s House has been restored and is open for vacation rental year round.
3708 Hwy 30
Reliance, TN 37369
423-338-2373
Full service outfitter specializing in your Hiwassee River rafting adventure.
867 Welcome Valley Rd.
Benton, TN 37307
800-542-8567
Riverside log cabin rental retreat is located on 17 private acres nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
7701 N Lee Hwy
Charleston, TN 37310
423-336-8008
Great sandwiches and burgers!