Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Hiwassee Blueway Rail to River Fundraiser Paddle Event + Weekend Celebration

June 24, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm

$100

This event will sell out! Register now!

The Hiwassee Blueway’s annual fundraiser event will be a multimodal recreational experience. Additional donations appreciated to help support the Blueway’s mission: Preservation, conservation, economic development, and responsible tourism for the 55 miles of the four counties that touch the Hiwassee River – Bradley, Polk, McMinn and Meigs.

The Hiwassee River Blueway is partnering with the Tennessee Valley RailroadHiwassee/Ocoee State ParkWebb BrothersOutshine AdventuresTennessee Valley Canoe ClubSavannah Oaks Winery and Tennessee Overhill to offer a multimodal paddle event on the Hiwassee River on June 24 along with a weekend full of recreational opportunities for all outdoor enthusiasts.

During this annual fundraiser event, attendees will enjoy a scenic train ride on the Hiwassee Rail to the put-in and a 5-mile paddle on the Hiwassee River from Reliance to Delano, TN. Inflatable kayaks are available from Webb Bros and inflatable stand up paddle boards from Outshine Adventures. Paddlers can participate with their own paddle crafts as long as they are rated for Class I whitewater. The main paddle event will end with a catered meal and live music at Savannah Oaks Winery.

There are incredible recreational opportunities in the Hiwassee River basin and you’ll be able to try many of them throughout the weekend. From live animal presentations at the State Park, guided hike to Gee Creek Falls, Rock Climbing at Starr Mountain, group bike rides, train rides, fly fishing lesson with Trout Unlimited, wine tasting at Savannah Oaks Winery, Mennonite Farmers Market, morning yoga sessions, freshwater snorkeling and so much more.

Stay the weekend: Group campsite with tent camping at Gee Creek Campground is included in the ticket price!

Alternate lodging options can be found here and must be booked on your own. We also recommend Hiwassee Acres, which is not included in the link above.

Paddler Ticket price includes: Saturday train ride, paddle event, paddling equipment from Webb Bros or Outshine Adventures, dinner and live music at Savannah Oaks Winery, other recreational activities throughout the weekend (hiking, biking, rock climbing, fly fishing lesson, animal presentations, freshwater snorkeling) and tent camping at Gee Creek Campground group campsite.

Non-paddler ticket includes: Saturday train ride, dinner and live music at Savannah Oaks Winery on Saturday, other recreational activities throughout the weekend (hiking, biking, rock climbing, fly fishing lesson, animal presentations, freshwater snorkeling) and tent camping at Gee Creek Campground group campsite.

Other lodging options and activities like Savannah Oaks Winery Visit, Delano Farmers Market visit or Hiwassee train rides on Friday or Sunday have additional costs.

Itinerary Saturday, June 24:

12:30 pm Drop personal boat(s) at Webb Bros. Volunteers will be on hand to monitor gear.

>> Return to Hiwassee Ocoee State Park to Park

1:00-1:30 pm Load Train at Gee Creek launch pad.

>> Train’s run on time so please be on time.

1:30 pm Train departs Gee Creek launch pad. Enjoy the scenic ride.

2:00 pm. Disembark and walk to Webb Bros to get outfitted for the paddle.

2:30 pm Group meets and launches from Webb Bros. Paddle ~5 nautical miles from Reliance to Delano. Takeout at Gee Creek Boat ramp – river right.

6:00 p.m. Dinner served at Savannah Oaks Winery

6:00 p.m. Live music by Priscilla and Little Rickee at Savannah Oaks Winery

9:00 p.m. Band wraps up – make your way to camp

Need to rent a kayak or SUP?

Make your selection at checkout. Rental equipment included in the ticket price. No discount for bringing your own. We want to ensure your paddle craft is suited for Class I whitewater. If you’re unsure about your watercraft, or you’ve never paddleboarded before, please select the kayak option from Webb Bros. It’s included in the price and you don’t have to drop and wrangle your own gear!

Weekend Itinerary:

Friday, June 23 group hikes and bike rides leaving from entrance at Hiwassee Ocoee State Park, Rock Climbing and animal presentations with Hiwassee Ocoee state Park. Visit Savannah Oaks Winery, Ride the Train ($5 discount for event attendees), Visit Delano Farmers Market, Fly fishing lesson with Trout Unlimited.

Saturday, June 24, morning yoga at Hiwassee Ocoee State Park with Outshine Yoga, visit the Farmer’s Market, morning hike to Gee Creek Falls. Fly Fishing lesson with Trout Unlimited.

See itinerary above for paddle event.

Sunday, June 25, morning yoga at Hiwassee Ocoee State Park with Outshine Yoga, group hikes, bike rides and rock climbing, animal programs at the park, freshwater snorkeling (must bring own snorkel/wetsuit), and fly fishing lesson with Trout Unlimited. Visit Savannah Oaks Winery on your own, Ride the Train on your own ($5 discount for event attendees).

This event is generously sponsored by Tennessee Valley AuthorityPolk County Chamber of CommerceAmerica’s Boating ClubTennessee Valley Canoe Club, and supported by Tennessee Valley RailroadHiwassee/Ocoee State ParkWebb BrothersOutshine AdventuresRock/CreekStarr Mountain OutfittersTrout Unlimited, and Tennessee Overhill.

We are growing our sponsor list so if you’re a local business or organization interested in supporting this event, please contact us!

Organizer

Hiwassee River Blueway
View Organizer Website