Hiwassee River Area

Facility · Tennessee ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Cherokee National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,623 ft
Elevation

Forested hillsides and pastoral river bottoms complement the beauty of Hiwassee River Gorge. Fishing, rafting, canoeing and hiking are popular activities.

The 21-mile John Muir National Recreation Trail , a section of the longer distance Benton MacKaye Trail, meanders along the river. Camp at the nearby state campground at Gee Creek.

Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Motorized boat, Fly; Boat Launch available

Getting there

35.15006, -84.41638 · 35°9'0.2"N 84°24'59.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in5.15.05.55.14.75.05.04.14.73.74.95.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Hiwassee River Area

Can you reserve a site at Hiwassee River Area?
No. Hiwassee River Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Hiwassee River Area

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.