The Hiwassee River Blueway meanders 55 miles through the Cherokee National Forest and the historic towns of Reliance, Delano, Charleston and Calhoun.
Reliance, Tennessee
Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the town of Reliance is home to Webb’s Store, the Hiwassee Union Church and The Watchman’s House, along with several other historic buildings and a centuries old fish weir once used by the Cherokee. Rich in culture, this historic district is located on both sides of the Hiwassee River, and is tucked away in the Cherokee National Forest.
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Calhoun, Tennessee
Sitting on the north shore of the Hiwassee River across from historic Charleston, the lay out of Calhoun was planned by Cherokee John Walker in 1820. The town was the terminus for the route of the North Carolina Cherokee to Fort Cass. They have the first concrete road in Tennessee and have several historic cemeteries. Joseph McMinn, governor of Tennessee from 1815-1821, is buried in the Shiloh Presbyterian Cemetery.
There is no place to eat in Calhoun other than Hardees and no lodging in town.
Delano, Tennessee
The fertile lands along the river valley remain virtually unchanged from the days of the early settlers, as large farms still comprise most of this unincorporated community. Near the confluence of the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers, the community is known for its bluegrass festivals, Mennonite Community Market and Savannah Oaks Winery.
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Charleston, Tennessee
Located along the banks of the Hiwassee River, Charleston was the first settlement in Bradley County. Once part of the Cherokee Nation, it was the last location of the Cherokee Agency. In 1838, the area was known as Ft. Cass, the military headquarters for the entire Cherokee Removal now known as the Trail of Tears. Charleston played a strategic role in Civil War troop movement and was a filming site of the first major motion picture filmed entirely in Tennessee, 20th Century Fox’s Wild River. Charleston may be small, but its place in history is big.
Visit the Hiwassee River Heritage Center to start your journey of discovering Charleston, TN:
Located within a short drive of the Hiwassee River Blueway, the towns of Athens, Benton, Cleveland, Decatur and Etowah offer options for dining, shopping and overnight stays.
Athens, Tennessee
Downtown Athens is replete with historic events and three of national significance. The old courthouse where the present courthouse now stands, was the site of the trial that resulted in Tennessee Supreme Court ruling that the Cherokee Nation was not a sovereign nation and set the stage for the removal. The "Trail of Tears" for the North Carolina Cherokee passes up Jackson St. onto Madison Ave. This is also the site of the infamous "Battle of Athens" that took place on Aug 1, 1946. Call the Tennessee Overhill at 1-877-510-5765 for a detailed map.
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Cleveland, Tennessee
After experiencing exciting outdoor adventures in the nearby Cherokee National Forest, enjoy unique dining in a charming historic downtown. Great places to eat and stay make Cleveland, Tenn., the perfect place to rest and refuel while visiting the Hiwassee River and surrounding area. The city is home to Lee University and features a regionally significant history museum, the Museum Center at 5ive Points, which features permanent and changing exhibits.
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Benton, Tennessee
This quaint, one-stoplight town sits at the base of Bean Mountain and the boundary of the Cherokee National Forest. While small, Benton has much to offer in dining, shopping and lodging options- all with the personal attention you get from a Mom-and-Pop business.
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Decatur, Tennessee
Decatur is a quiet town located near Chickamauga Lake and the Tennessee River.
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Etowah, Tennessee
Etowah is a diverse city that enjoys a relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on a quality of life that is pleasing to families and retirees. Located at the foot of the Cherokee National Forest, Etowah is moments away from all the natural resources of the mountains, lakes and streams in the surrounding area. The historic Gem Theater is home to the Gem Players theater group proving plays and musicals throughout the year. The L&N Depot Museum is the boarding point for the Hiwassee River Rail Adventures train excursions that take passengers every weekend from April-November through the Hiwassee River Gorge.
More about nearby dining and lodging options from the Etowah Area Chamber of Commerce:
