LOCATION
The Hiwassee River is located in the Cherokee National Forest between Cleveland and Knoxville, TN. Reliance, TN is its home town. Reliance consists of a post office, campground, and two outfitters. The town is small, but the river is what you go for. This river was my “home” river growing up and possibly the best trout fishing in Middle Tennessee. Outside of fishing, The Cherokee National Forest offers great hiking, backpacking, and class II-IV whitewater kayaking.
DIRECTIONS
I-75 to exit 20 (Cleveland, TN). Travel 6 miles to the Ocoee exit (Hwy 64). Travel east on 64 thirteen miles. Exit Hwy 411 North. Six miles north of Benton, TN turn right on Hwy 30. Travel 6 miles to Reliance, TN and the Hiwassee River.
For people traveling south on I-75 from Knoxville, it is quicker to take the Athens/Decatur exit over to Etowah. From Etowah, follow Hwy 411 South to the Hwy 30 junction that takes you to Reliance.
DESCRIPTION
• Hardwood forests
• Clear water
• Beautiful views
• Wildlife abundant
• Wildflowers
ACTIVITIES
• Fishing
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Float trips
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
ISSUES
• Bears
• Poisonous snakes
• Water generation, check the release schedule
• Slick rocks
POSITIVES
• Seclusion
• Quality trout area
• Great whitewater kayaking
• Multiple campgrounds nearby
• Kayak, canoe rentals
SYNOPSIS
I have probably fished this river 300 times in my life and always find something new. I have spent days catching nothing, too days catching 30- 9-12” trout, too days when I caught 1- 24” trout. I have hiked, backpacked, or biked almost every trail in the forest. It is my early spring “retreat” area and spend a week there every year.
For the hunter- Benton, TN has a trap and skeet range that is excellent when you need a break from the forest. Prices are reasonable and can include a golf cart for the lazy.
LINKS
http://www.hiwasseeoutfitters.com/
http://hiwassee.net/
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/
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Nice info about Hiwassee River, but I notice the directions are for people traveling north on I-75 from Chattanooga. For people traveling south on I-75 from Knoxville, it is quicker to take the Athens/Decatur exit over to Etowah. From Etowah, follow Hwy 411 South to the Hwy 30 junction that takes you to Reliance. Will save you about 30 minutes if coming from the north.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to see the remote Hiwassee River Gorge, take a ride on the Hiwassee River Rail Adventures. Tickets available online at www.tvrail.com or by phone at 423-263-7840.
Nice website.
Have been to Cleveland Tennessee several times and it is a very beautiful part of our country.
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