Hiwassee River Vicinity

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Cherokee National Forest
2800 North Ocoee St
Cleveland, TN 37312
(423) 476-9700

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Home » Recreation » Recreation Opportunities-South » Hiwassee River Vicinity

Hiwassee River RECREATION ZONE

Photo of Hiwassee River

Welcome...

Spectacular forested hillsides and pastoral river bottoms compliment the beauty of Hiwassee River Gorge.

Rafting, canoeing and hiking are popular year-round activities.

Enjoy a scenic drive along the River: from Delano turn off US 411 onto TN 30, cross the river on TN 315 then turn onto winding FR 108. Stop at Hood Mountain Overlook for a great long-distance view of the river.

Seasonally, you might see spring dogwoods, red buds, mountain laurel and deciduous azaleas; summer wildflowers like jewelweed; or the brilliant fall color of Appalachian hardwoods.

Located between Etowah and Benton, TN. The main access routes are US 64 and 411.

Printable Hiwassee River Recreation Zone Guide (pdf)
Printable Map - Hiwassee River Recreation Zone (pdf)
Printable Map - Southern Districts CNF Recreation Zones (pdf)

Ocoee-Hiwassee
Ranger Station

3171 Highway 64 E
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-3300

Nearby . . . .

Ocoee Scenic Byway, US 64

Tennessee Overhill Heritage tourism sites and tours

Private Outfitters

	Go Fishing! Hiwassee River is a stocked trout steam managed by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. A three-mile section, between Big Bend and the L&N railroad bridge, is designated as a quality trout fishing area. Access parking is located along TN 30 at Hiwassee River Picnic Area, and off Hiwassee River Road, FR 108, at Childers Creek , Big Bend, the roads end, and other spots alongside the river.
	Get in the Water! Hiwassee River is popular for canoeing, rafting and tubing. Developed put-in and take-out sites are located along the river at Appalachia Powerhouse, Towee Creek and at the State Park site near the bridge at Reliance. Outfitter and guide services are available and offer raft and tube rentals for a five mile section of class I and II water beginning just below the Apalachia Powerhouse. Powerhouse and Towee Launch sites require a $3/vehicle use fee.
	Follow the Trail! Hike along scenic Hiwassee River on the John Muir National Recreation Trail #152, also a part of the long-distance Benton MacKaye Trail. Try a short out-and-back hike from one of the trailheads or plan a backcountry trip along this 20.7-mile trail. Dispersed camping is allowed on the section of trail located east of the Apalachia Powerhouse. Trailheads are located at Big Bend, Childers Creek, and at the end of FR 108.
	Sleep under the Stars! Quinn Springs Recreation Area is located off TN 30 near the river, where site amenities include tables, firerings, showers and drinking water. Lost Creek is more remote, located off FR 103, with similar amenities but no showers. Gee Creek State Park is located on the northern bank of the Hiwassee River

USDA Forest Service - Cherokee National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20 January 2009 at 13:50:23 EST