Tennessee whitewater - Hiwassee River, Great Smoky Mountains, Polk County Polk county, Appalachia Powerhouse to Bridge at Reliance section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II     5.8 miles   The Appalachia Powerhouse to Bridge at Reliance stretch of Hiwassee River in Polk County is 5.8 miles long and it is classified as a class II section by American Whitewater. The put-in is not too far from Athens, as you can see on the road map further down. The beautiful scenery of Polk County and the cool fresh water have people coming here. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with plenty of places for that. Getting your paddling muscles activated and just being out on the river for a while will have you coming back for more.     The campgrounds here at Hiwassee River are pretty good. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in Tennessee are often tougher than in other states, so you'd better keep in mind that many runs in this state are not easy. On this section you do get some distance, it's good length for a morning trip. The Appalachia Powerhouse to Bridge at Reliance stretch is one of a few paddling stretches in this river system. The beautiful Great Smoky Mountains scenery is an added bonus. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. Briefly about the general area: All the water falling down from the sky makes Hiwassee River a wet location; most of the rain falls through March, and the driest month of the year is October.   There's delightful hiking along the Smith Mountain Trail, and while you're here why not stop at The Narrows. Summertime highs at Hiwassee River commonly tend to be in the 80's while overnight lows are frequently in the 60's. Throughout the wintertime highs are generally in the 40's; after the sun is down during the winter temperatures at Hiwassee River sink into the 20's. You'll beyond doubt wish for more hours in a day to enjoy all the enjoyable stuff in the Great Smoky Mountains. The John Muir National Recreation Trail offers hiking at its best. Hiwassee River, Appalachia Powerhouse to Bridge at Reliance road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked. QUICK STATS AW Class: II Length: 5.8 miles    Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 35.16694 Longitude: -84.29612 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 35.18583 Longitude: -84.50056 Paddler input for Hiwassee River, Tennessee: Submit Input: Your Name: Write or Paste Input here: Upload picture:      Input Submission Guidelines Current weather conditions at Hiwassee River, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee Local climate location: ATHENS 5 miles away RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river. Etowah Red Roof Inn, Etowah 12 miles away The Etowah Red Roof is newly renovated and conveniently located right off of the highway. This location offers a free continental breakfast and fitness facility. This location also offers free wireles... Comfort Inn & Suites Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge 18 miles away The Blue Ridge Lodge & Spa by Comfort Inn & Suites is located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Relax in our spacious accommodations with stylish decor. Our luxury amenities include... Days Inn/ Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge 18 miles away The Days Inn Blue Ridge offers you the best of the North Georgia Mountain. We are the perfect location for a weekend getaway. There are festivals year round, river tubing and boating as well as the ...   Great Smoky Mountains Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Great Smoky Mountains. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoors Info Complete outdoors info for the Great Smoky Mountains. All Tennessee Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in Tennessee. Books about whitewater paddling on Hiwassee River, Tennessee List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Hiwassee River, Tennessee. Find a whitewater outfitter in Tennessee Whitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info. Outdoors Recreation Near Athens, Tennessee Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Athens, Tennessee, the metro area neareast to Hiwassee River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.       These outdoors activities are available near Hiwassee River.   Whitewater Near Hiwassee River: Wolf Creek, Polk County , 2 miles away, Class IV+ - 2.3 miles long (FR to Hiawassee River) Hiwassee River, Polk County , 2 miles away, Class III-IV - 4.8 miles long (Appalachia Dam to Appalachia Powerhouse) Coker Creek, Polk County , 2 miles away, Class III-IV(V) - 6 miles long (Highway 68 to Hiwassee River) Turtletown Creek, Polk County , 4 miles away, Class IV-V - 4.2 miles long (Highway 68 to Hiwassee River) Little Loss Creek, Polk County , 6 miles away, Class -blank- - 2 miles long (into Big Loss Creek) Goforth Creek, Polk County , 8 miles away, Class IV-V - 5 miles long (to Ocoee) Ocoee River, Polk County , 8 miles away, Class III-IV - 5 miles long (Ocoee #3 to Ocoee #2 Dam) Ocoee River, Polk County , 10 miles away, Class III+ - 5 miles long (#2 Dam to #2 Powerhouse) Gee Creek, Polk County , 10 miles away, Class IV-V - 1 miles long (hike up back to parking area) Big Creek, Polk County , 12 miles away, Class III-IV+ - 5.9 miles long (FR221/Peavine Road to US64)   Ski Areas Near Hiwassee River: Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee , 65 miles away, 600 vertical feet Sky Valley, Georgia , 73 miles away, 210 vertical feet Scaly Mountain, North Carolina , 76 miles away, 225 vertical feet Cataloochee, North Carolina , 93 miles away, 740 vertical feet   Hotels Near Hiwassee River: Etowah Red Roof Inn, Etowah , 12 miles away Comfort Inn & Suites Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge , 18 miles away Days Inn/ Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge , 18 miles away Ramada Limited Of Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge , 18 miles away Days Inn Athens, Athens , 23 miles away   Camp Grounds Near Hiwassee River: Coker Creek Village, Cokercreek, 9 miles away Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals, Mc Caysville, 11 miles away Gee Creek Campground, Polk County, 11 miles away   Trails Near Hiwassee River: Smith Mountain Trail, Polk County , 1 miles away John Muir National Recreation Trail, Polk County , 1 miles away Unicoi Mountain Trail, Polk County , 2 miles away Ivy Trail, Monroe County , 5 miles away Unicoi Trail, Polk County , 6 miles away   National Parks Near Hiwassee River: Obed Wild & Scenic River, Wartburg - TN , 52 miles away Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Atlanta - GA , 68 miles away