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Hiwassee/ocoee Scenic River State Park |
Hiwassee/ocoee Scenic River State Park
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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.
For more information visit the Ocoee Whitewater Center!
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 43 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 43 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.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies
Horseback Riding
Many miles of foot and equestrian trails meander through the wilds of the
Hiwassee and Cherokee National Forest. Unless otherwise designed, trails are for
foot use only. Horseback riding trails are marked by a horse and rider
silhouette sign. For more information horseback riding trails in the Cherokee
National Forest, call 423-476-9700.
Please note that horses are NOT allowed in the park campground.
Picnic Facilities
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.
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'.
Tour Buses
Tour buses are welcome. |
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