Hiwassee Scenic River State Park - United States
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About Hiwassee Scenic River State Park
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Best time to visit Hiwassee Scenic River State Park
Late spring through early fall, roughly May through October, is the prime window, when TVA water releases support consistent paddling and tubing on the Hiwassee. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for river play, though weekends can be busy at put-ins like Towee Creek and the Reliance state park access. Early fall (late September through October) offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and color along the gorge. Winter is quieter with trout fishing still active, but cold snaps and occasional ice on mountain roads like TN 30 and Forest Road 108 can affect access.
Cold, wet winter month; occasional snow or ice on mountain roads.
Cold with variable precipitation; river access open, trout fishing active.
Rainy and windy; wildflowers begin along trails.
Mild and pleasant; shoulder-season paddling begins.
Warm and green; TVA water releases support regular paddling.
Hot and humid; peak tubing and rafting season.
Hottest month; afternoon thunderstorms common, busiest on weekends.
Hot and humid with peak river use continuing.
Warm days, cool nights; excellent shoulder-season RV travel.
Fall color along the gorge; cool, dry, and popular with hikers.
Cool and variable; river use drops off sharply.
Cold, wet month; watch for ice on TN 30 and Forest Road 108.
Things to do at Hiwassee Scenic River State Park
- Paddle the Hiwassee River ModerateRV parking available
Running the Hiwassee is the signature activity at the park, with a 5-mile section of Class I-III whitewater that starts just below the Apalachia Powerhouse. The river is popular for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and tubing, and local outfitters offer boat and tube rentals along with shuttle services. fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/recreation/hiwassee-river-0
- Hike the John Muir National Recreation Trail ModerateRV parking available
The John Muir National Recreation Trail #152 is a 20.7-mile footpath that meanders along the Hiwassee River and forms part of the long-distance Benton MacKaye Trail. RVers can sample it as a short out-and-back from trailheads like Childers Creek or Big Bend, or plan a longer backcountry trip. fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/recreation/hiwassee-river-0
- Trout fishing on the Hiwassee EasyRV parking available
The Hiwassee River is a stocked trout fishery managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. A three-mile section between Big Bend and the L&N railroad bridge is designated as a quality trout fishing area, with river access parking along TN 30 and Forest Road 108. fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/recreation/hiwassee-river-0
- Scenic drive on TN 30 to RelianceRV parking available
TN 30 follows the Hiwassee State Scenic River through sun-dappled forest to the historic community of Reliance. It is a classic slow drive with river views, historic buildings at the Reliance bridge, and picnic stops at the Hiwassee River Picnic Area. fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/recreation/hiwassee-river-road
- Picnic at Hiwassee River Picnic Area EasyRV parking available
This Cherokee National Forest picnic area sits along the Hiwassee River just off State Highway 30. Well-spaced sites are tucked among large oaks, hickories, and beeches, with several trails nearby for a short leg-stretch. fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=35064
- Explore Gee Creek Wilderness Strenuous
The 2,500-acre Gee Creek Wilderness, Cherokee National Forest's smallest wilderness, lies about a mile off US 411 near the Hiwassee River. Gee Creek Trail #191 offers a rugged hike that grows more challenging the deeper it goes, with wildflowers in spring and multiple creek crossings. fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/recreation/starr-mountain
- Base camp at Gee Creek CampgroundRV parking available
Gee Creek Campground is the closest Tennessee State Parks campground to Hiwassee Scenic River State Park and sits just across the river. It is the primary option for RVers exploring the Hiwassee corridor, Starr Mountain trails, and the Cherokee National Forest. fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/recreation/hiwassee-river-0
Top Hosts near TN, United States
Had a great time. Owners were wonderful and very helpful with how to use their RV.
Laura G. - Jun 2026
Eric was very helpful in telling me all about the RV. The RV was clean, very comfortable, and had great fuel economy. I would recommend renting Eric's RV to anyone!!!
Jonathan R. - May 2025
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RV Rentals Hiwassee Scenic River State Park
Hiwassee Scenic River State Park, TN, United States
How to get to Hiwassee Scenic River State Park
The park sits near Reliance, Tennessee, between Etowah and Benton, with main access via US 411 and TN 30. From Cleveland, TN, drivers head east on US 64 for about 7.5 miles to US 411, then north roughly 13 miles to TN 30 toward Reliance, a trip of about 45 minutes. Chattanooga is about 70 miles southwest (roughly 1.5 hours) and Knoxville is about 75 miles north (around 1.5 to 2 hours). RVers should note that TN 30 east of Reliance and Forest Road 108 (Hiwassee River Road) along the gorge are narrow and winding with steep grades and tight pull-offs; large rigs should stick to US 411 and stage at Gee Creek Campground. The nearest major airport for fly-and-rent trips is Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA).
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