Hiwassee State Scenic River, a Tennessee river located near Athens, Dalton

HIWASSEE STATE SCENIC RIVER

HIWASSEE STATE SCENIC RIVER
404 Spring Creek Road PO Box 5
Delano, Tennessee 37325

Phone: 423-263-0050

Hiwassee Scenic River Park is located on Spring Creek road at U.S. Hwy. 411, the Ocoee river on U.S. Hwy. 64. The Hiwassee was the first river managed in the State Scenic River program. A 23-river mile section, from the N.C. state line to U.S. 411 North of Benton, has been declared a Class III partially developed river. This stretch of river offers canoeing, rafting, fishing, hiking and nature photography. A scenic portion of the John Muir trail winds through the river gorge. Numerous public access sites provide boat-launching ramps. At the Gee Creek campround, picnic areas, sanitary facilities and primitive camping are available. Adjacent is the Gee Creek Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest. The Ocoee River is a premier white-water river in the Southeastern United States possessing Class III, IV, and V rapids. Access sites are maintained.

Camping

The Hiwassee State Scenic Rivers' "Gee Creek" campground is a haven and a home-away-from-home to many river users. Campsites are more tent-friendly than most. We have a large open field that serves as overflow to the 47 campsites. Some of the campsites are close enough to the river to be lulled to sleep each night by the sound of rushing water. An easy walk will lead you along the rivers edge for fishing, nature walks or a brisk dip in the cold waters.

Gee Creek primitive campground has 47 sites, each with a table, fire ring and a grill. Public water and a bathhouse containing sinks, commodes, and hot showers are located near the center of the campground. Campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a fee for their use. No reservations can be accepted and stay limit is two weeks. The U.S. Forest Service also operates a small campground called Quinn Springs on State Highway 30.

Tent camping is permitted along most of the John Muir Trail above the Appalachia Powerhouse. (THIS IS NOT A STATE SCENIC TRAIL, However, IT DOES PARALLEL THE STATE SCENIC RIVER )It is a USDA FS managed area of the Cherokee National Forest.

Call for more information:423-263-0050

Fishing

The Hiwassee is a popular fishing stream and anglers of all ages enjoy fine catches of large-mouth bass, yellow perch, catfish, and brown and rainbow trout. The latter two species are stocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. There is no park fee for fishing on the Hiwassee, however, state fishing rules apply. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required. A public access ramp is available for canoes in the campground.

Commercial guide services are available.

Get directions
to this park:

Nearby Parks

John Muir National Recreation Trail

Picnicking

Many picnic areas are scattered along the Hiwassee River. Most have tables and grills and are accessible to drinking water and restrooms. Picnickers are encouraged to leave their picnic sites cleaner than they found them.

Sugarloaf Picnic Area:

Year round, day use, restrooms, picnic tables (10) with grills, volleyball court, basketball goal, canoe and fishing access, short walking path, 1:10 scale replica of the 1996 Olympic whitewater section of the Ocoee River. Sugarloaf is located at Ocoee Dam no 1.

Area Attractions

The Hiwassee

Floating the Hiwassee: Based on the International Scale of river difficulty the Hiwassee State Scenic River is primarily Class I (moving water with small waves, few obstructions) and Class II (easy rapids with wide, 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). more...

The Ocoee

Middle Ocoee: The Middle Ocoee is almost a continuous whitewater experience from the Put-In at Rogers Branch until the Take-Out at Caney Creek. The flow level can vary between 1200 and 1800 cubic feet per second (CFS). The whitewater section from the wooden diversion dam to Ocoee No. 2 Powerhouse has an average drop of 54 feet per mile and is considered a *Class III and IV river. When taking a rafting trip on this section of the river approximate time on the water is 2 hours.

The Upper Ocoee River experience begins at Ocoee No. 3 Dam, where the river runs parallel with theh istoric 'Old Copper Road', at this starting secion of the river you will enocunter *Class II whitewater and seclusion in the wilderness. The whitewater excitement continues with the thrilling Oympic whitewater section of the Ocoee River where you will encounter *Class IV whitewater, with rapids such as the famous 'Humongous'.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

July 3

great for a fun day away long road there but worth the drive . cost 15 per person they provid vest tube drive to the top of river . does take about 4 4 1/2 hours to get down not deep not many rapeds but great relaxtion nice and slow

Area Campgrounds

Cherohala Motorcycle Resort
232 Reliance Road
Tellico Plains, TN
423-253-6544

Area Fishing Related Businesses

Reliance Fly & Tackle
588 Childers Creek Rd
Reliance, TN
(423) 338-7771

Area Cabins and Lodges

Eric's Painting & Specialty Coatings
1609 Reliance Rd
Tellico Plains, TN
(423) 253-2557

A Mountain View Log Cabins
1609 Reliance Rd
Tellico Plains, TN
(423) 253-2557

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Directions

From Chattanooga take I-75 North to Cleveland/US-64 E. Exit. Travel East on US-64 to Hwy 411 North. Park is located 6 miles north of Benton. From Knoxville, take I-75 South to the Athens exit. Take Hwy 30 East to Etowah, TN. Take Hwy 411 South. Park is located 6 miles south of Etowah.