Rafting & Paddling Outfitters
The following outfitters rent rafts, funyaks, tubes and more for adventures on the Hiwassee River Blueway between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year:
High Country Adventures
430 US-64 E, Ocoee, TN
1-800-233-8594 hcrivers.com
Hiwassee Outfitters
155 Ellis Creek Rd, Reliance, TN
423-338-8115 hiwasseeoutfitters.com
Ocoee Outdoors
1985 Old Copper Rd, Benton, TN
1-800-533-7767 ocoeeoutdoors.com
Webb Bros. Float Service
3708 TN-30, Reliance, TN
423-338-2373 webbbros.com
Campgrounds
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Gee Creek Campground
404 Spring Creek Rd, Delano, TN
423-263-0050
tnstateparks.com/parks/about/hiwassee-ocoee
Two Rivers RV Park, Campground & Cabin Rental
397 Dentville Rd, Delano, TN
423-338-7208 2riverscamping.com
Snorkeling
Guided Group Snorkeling Tours:
Hiwassee and Conasauga Rivers
Cherokee National Forest
423-496-0102 or 423-476-9751
The U.S. Forest Service offers group snorkeling excursions on the Hiwassee River Blueway and nearby Conasauga River within the Cherokee National Forest. Guided group tours for groups of 12 to 25 people (ages 12 years and older) available with reservations.
Marinas
B&B Marina
Hiwassee River Mile Marker 12.9
117 Marina Dr. NW, Charleston, TN
423-336-2341 bbmarina.com
Trout Fishing
Constant water temperatures provide for year-round trout fishing on the Hiwassee River. The river is a stocked trout fishery managed by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The Hiwassee tail water section begins in the Cherokee National Forest as it flows from TVA’s Appalachia Powerhouse and runs about 21 miles long. The tail water contains mostly rainbow trout and brown trout, with average sizes between 10” and 12”. From October through March, the river above Reliance is designated for catch and release. All trout are protected under delayed harvest regulations. The following locations offer guides and information about trout fishing on the Hiwassee River Blueway.
Tellico Angler
739 Sawmill Rd, Tellico Plains, TN
423-519-6081 tellicoangler.com
Professional outfitter and fly fishing guide service offering guided fishing trips in East Tennessee, western North Carolina and North Georgia. Also offers spin fishing equipment option.
Southeastern Anglers
107 Riverview Lane, Reliance, TN
423-338-7368 southeasternanglers.com
Fly fishing guide service on the Hiwassee, South Holston, Toccoa and Clinch rivers.
Reliance Fly & Tackle
588 Childers Creek Rd, Reliance, TN
423-338-7771 relianceflyshop.blogspot.com
Oldest locally owned fly shop and country store in the area. Smoked ribs and chicken dinners served on weekends. Bagged fisherman lunches available. Cabin rentals
Parks & Trails
The Hiwassee River Blueway is surrounded by lush mountains hovering over rolling valleys. This beautiful countryside has been preserved and protected through the creation of the Cherokee National Forest and Tennessee State Parks. Trails wind along the waterway and above it into the mountains, offering spectacular views of the river as it curves its way through the landscape. The following parks offer hiking and camping opportunities within range of the Hiwassee River Blueway.
Cherokee National Forest
The Cherokee National Forest, the largest tract of public land in Tennessee, is home to the Ocoee River and Hiwassee River Blueway. The Forest is a stunning landscape defined by mountains and scenic rivers, whitewater rapids and waterfalls. Visitors can explore more than 600 miles of trails, including 150 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, hundreds of miles of cold water streams, 7 whitewater rivers, 3 lakes managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, 11 congressionally designated Wilderness Areas, 30 developed campgrounds, 45 developed day-use sites and the abundant populations of wildlife. Check out the Cherokee National Forest Adventure Map, available at the Ocoee Whitewater Center or online, for family adventure recommendations.
Visitor Center: Ocoee Ranger District
3171 US-64, Benton, TN
423-338-3300
Open Monday-Friday
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, TN
423-263-0050
tnstateparks.com/parks/about/hiwassee-ocoee
Gee Creek Campground is located along the waterway, offering 47 tent campsites.
John Muir National Recreation Trail
Reliance, TN
Visitor Center: Ocoee Ranger Station
423-338-3300
The John Muir National Recreation Trail #152 is a 20.7-mile trail along the north side of the Hiwassee River in the Cherokee National Forest. It is said to follow the path taken during John Muir’s travels from Kentucky to Florida. Trailheads are located on Childers Creek Rd. in Reliance and at the end of FS Road #108.
