RECREATION

The Hiwassee State Scenic River offers outdoor recreational opportunities including rafting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and nature photography. Numerous public sites provide boat launching, picnic areas, and primitive camping.

Rafting

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, somemaneuvering required). Certain sections may be considered Class III (rapids with high waves capable of swamping an open canoe, requires complex maneuvering).

The Hiwassee provides an exceptional setting for whitewater canoeing and rafting. However, the most placid streams are potentially hazardous to those unskilled or unfamiliar with the basic principles of floating techniques and water safety.
When floating the Hiwassee, you must always follow the rules that are set.

Some of these are *Stay off the river if you are not a good swimmer.
*You must always wear a life jacket or other flotation device.
*Do not float the stream alone.

These are only a few of the rules, but they must all be followed.

Fishing

Fishing is also another recreational activity on the Hiwassee. The River is one of the best trout fishing rivers in the eastern United States.
Year-round fishing is available on the Hiwassee. It is stocked several times per year with approx 130,000 rainbow trout and 20,000 brown trout. Other species of fish in the Hiwassee River include bass, bream, catfish, and yellow perch.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) regulates the flow of the river, and it is essential that you know the water level and adjust your fishing techniques accordingly. When the river is down, it is best to fish the large pools and holes with light spinning tackle or fly fishing equipment. When the river level is high, bank fishing is the best for those who do not have means to float the river. Several ramps are available to those who want to launch small boats and float the river.

Picnicking

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