Hiwassee River Rafting

Designated as a State Scenic River, the Hiwassee is coveted by both whitewater canoers and anglers. The 15-mile section of the river between the powerhouse to the the dam is usually dry but can be negotiated after heavy rains. Below the dam (from Reliance to Calhoun) the river is either lined with with fly fishermen hoping to catch some of the river's trout or alive with canoeist, tubers, and rafters after a dam release. The rapids are rated as Class I and II with a swift current. Scenery along this stretch of the river is great. Note that the dam releases from deep within the impoundment make the Hiwassee a cold river. This is great for trout but not a pleasant experience for a paddler that ends up in the river.