The original fort was built on the Old Federal Road (near the Tennessee / Georgia state line) in the early 19th century. It was used in 1838 to detain Cherokee Indians prior to their forced removal on the Trail of Tears. Time erased most of the fort’s structures, but the block house survived and was moved to the grounds of…
The Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park straddles both sides of the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers. The Hiwassee is great for canoeing, rafting, and fishing, while the Ocoee provides Class III and IV whitewater rapids. For river-side camping, check out Gee Creek Campground. Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Brochure | Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Map Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park 423-263-0050 or 888-867-2757 www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/hiwassee-ocoee
Chilhowee Recreation Area Part of Chilhowee Recreation Area, the lake rests on top of Chilhowee Mountain. The Chilhowee Trail System beckons hikers and mountain bikers (novice to experienced) to more than 20 miles of trails. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so have your camera ready and tread lightly. Picnic, bathhouse, and campground facilities make this a perfect spot for…
Ocoee Recreational Area The oldest man-made lake in the Cherokee National Forest, it was created in 1910-11 with the building of Ocoee Dam Number One (Parksville Dam). Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this 1,930-acre is popular for water skiing, pontoon boating, jet skiing, swimming, and picnicking. It has two public boat launches located along Hwy 64. Just below the dam…
Designated a Tennessee State Scenic River, the Hiwassee flows through the Cherokee National Forest and the pastoral community of Reliance. According to the legend, the name Hiwassee is taken from the Cherokee workd ayuwasi and means “savannah or place at the foot of the hills. Native people began clearing the Hiwassee River Valley for agriculture around 3,000 years ago. A major…
Cherokee National Forest is located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee. The 600-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The southern portion of the Cherokee National Forest forms the heart of the Tennessee Overhill. This vast playground is known…
Site of the 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak Slalom Races, the Ocoee River hosts several whitewater events each year. Commercial river outfitters offer expert guides to help you capture the excitement of the Class III and Class IV rapids. Whitewater enthusiasts can now take guided trips on the Olympic Race Channel, located at the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Check with the…
