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Hiwassee River Blueway

55 miles of River Adventure in Southeast Tennessee

  • Visit the Blueway
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  • About the River
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Upper Section
Upper Section
Middle Section
Middle Section
Lower Section
Lower Section

55 Miles of River Adventure in Southeast Tennessee

The Hiwassee River passes through the Cherokee National Forest and the historic towns of Reliance, Delano, Charleston and Calhoun before emptying into the Tennessee River at Blythe’s Ferry. Along the way, the waterway winds through Southeast Tennessee’s scenic landscape and numerous cultural heritage sites, including the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Birchwood and the historic town of Charleston, one of the most significant Trail of Tears sites in the eastern United States.

The upper stretch of the Hiwassee River Blueway features Class I and II whitewater rapids during normal water flow, with occasional Class III rapids. There are a number of outfitters near the river that offer raft, funyak and tube rentals between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year.

The lower lengths of the river are flatwater, perfect for SUP, paddling and motorized boats.

Located within a short drive of the Hiwassee River, the towns of Athens, Benton, Cleveland, Decatur and Etowah offer options for dining, shopping and overnight stays in Southeast Tennessee.

River Sections: Upper | Middle | Lower
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"Such a river is the Hiwassee, with its surface broken to a thousand sparkling gems, and its forest walls vine-draped and flowery as Eden. And how fine the songs it sings!”

- John Muir, September 19, 1867, in A Thousand Mile Walk to the Sea

http://www.hiwasseeblueway.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Hiwasse-Blueway-Extended-Cut.mp4

Something for Everybody

The Hiwassee River Blueway in Southeast Tennessee is renowned for its scenic beauty and range of outdoor recreational offerings, from whitewater paddling and trout fishing in the upper and middle sections of the river to motorized water recreation, bass fishing and bird watching in the lower Hiwassee.

Visit the Blueway

Maps of the Hiwassee Blueway

View an interactive maps of the river and public access sites.
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About the River

  • Upper Section
  • Middle Section
  • Lower Section

Visit the Blueway

  • Planning Your Visit
  • Food, Drink & Lodging
  • Recreation
  • Public Access
  • Interactive Map
  • Safety
  • Water Flow

Happenings

Hiawassee River Rail Adventures: Rails to River Special Event | July 3, 2019

June 25, 2019

Tennessee Overhill in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Rail Road and Hiwassee Outfitters will offer a special Rails to River …

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Summer Events

May 1, 2017

Enjoy outdoor fun along the Hiwassee River Blueway all summer long. Check out the calendar and “like” us on Facebook to keep …

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More News

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