Need to get away from the heat for a while? How about a super relaxing float down the beautiful Hiwassee River! There is no experience necessary for this tame adventure. The Hiwassee has been the place for MANY people to escape the heat of the sunny South.
Bring lots of sunscreen and your river shoes/sandals or an old pair of tennis shoes! Wearing a T-Shirt under the vest keeps it from scratching. Wear your bathing suit underneath for those cool blue swimming holes!

TRANSPORTATION TO THE PUT-IN AND BACK FROM THE TAKE-OUT IS PROVIDED.

There is a store located at the outpost for snack attacks!

Related Activities: whitewater paddling, rafting

Address: Reliance, TN

Distance from Outdoor Chattanooga HQ: 1.5 hr drive

Map(s) and directions: Access to the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District (423-338-5201) - Take I-75 north toward Knoxville - take Cleveland Exit 20- turn right onto APD 40 - Hwy 60 by-Pass. Travel approximately 3 miles to the Hwy 64 exit - sign will say Hwy 64 East - Ocoee. This takes you east toward Ducktown and the Ocoee River Gorge. The Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger Station is located along Hwy
64 at Lake Ocoee.   The Chilhowee Recreation Area is easily accessible from
Hwy 64 near the Ranger Station.  FS Road 77 takes you up Chilhowee Mtn. to the recreation area and trail system.  There are several overlooks along the way that provide excellent views of the surrounding area.  FS Road 77 and HWY 64 through the Ocoee River Gorge are designated as the Ocoee Scenic Byway.  At the eastern end of Lake Ocoee HWY 64 starts up the Ocoee River Gorge.  Near the end of the Gorge the Ocoee Whitewater Center and trail system is immediately adjacent to the highway.  The OWC is approx. 4 miles west of Ducktown.

From Hwy 64 near Mac Point Swimming Area on Lake Ocoee State Route 30 takes you to Reliance and the Hiwassee River.  Quinn Springs Campground and day use areas are located near the River.  From Reliance you can  head west on Route 30 to US HWY 411 between Benton and Etowah, or cross the Hiwassee River and turn right onto FS Road 108 and travel along the River to the Appalachia Powerhouse.  There are several day use sites and fishing access along the way.

Activity type: beginners, family, leisure

Dates/Hours: spring, summer, fall