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
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.
