Ocoee River: The Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater competition, offers thrilling rafting on Class III and IV rapids. Check out our rafting companies on the Outdoor Recreation page. Be sure to include a visit to the 1996 Olympic Games venue, the Ocoee Whitewater Center.

Unguided trips are a fun way to set your own pace floating down the river. Located 15 miles north of the Ocoee. In addition to floating and canoeing, the Hiwassee River is a popular fishing stream and anglers of all ages enjoy fine catches of large mouth bass, yellow perch, catfish and other species. There is no park-fishing fee but state license and permit rules apply.

The Hiwassee River originates on the northwest slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia. It flows into North Carolina and then turns west into Tennessee. The name "Hiwassee” comes from a Cherokee word meaning a meadow place at the foot of the hills. The river gorge is a process of geology dating back about 800 million years. Rocks exposed along the river were formed of sediments that eroded from highland masses into shallow seas that once covered the area. These sandstones and shales were transformed by heat and pressure into quartzites and slates with trace stones and minerals such as gold, garnet, quartz, ruby and emerald. Archaeological studies indicate ancient people populated the region, long before various Native American groups called the area home.

Conasauga River: The pristine Conasauga River has the only underwater wildlife viewing area in Tennessee. The Conasauga River begins high in the lush, forested slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Cohutta Wilderness Area in Georgia, the Conasauga River  flows about 100 miles to join the Coosawattee River. Crossing the state line into Tennessee, the river pauses in deep pools, dropping now and then through a number of small rapids.

The Conasauga River supports 24 rare and imperiled aquatic species, including 12 that are federally listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Its clear waters are home to a colorful array of rare fishes, including the holiday darter (Etheostoma brevirostrum), the blue shiner (Cyprinella caerulea) and the endangered Conasauga logperch (Percina jenkinsi). Flowing farther through Tennessee and back into Georgia, the river harbors other rare fishes, including the frecklebelly madtom (Noturus munitus) and the amber darter (Percina antesella). Some of the rarest river inhabitants live quietly at the bottom of the river; a half dozen species of freshwater mussels. These animals, including the endangered southern pigetoe (Pleurobema georgianum) and triangular kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus greenii), filter the river's waters for nourishment. There is even fresh evidence that three species of mussels believed to be extinct may actually be surviving in the Conasauga.

Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee): Pontoon boats drift lazily around and the few jet skiers aren't enough to disturb the tranquility. In fact, there's lots of room on Parksville Lake if you are jet ski aficianado.

Ocoee Whitewater Center: Brush Creek Trail, Bear Paw Loop, the historic Copper Road Trail and the new Rhododendron Trail are all beautiful hiking and biking routes well maintained and groomed by the staff at the Cherokee National Forest.

The biking or hiking trail you choose most likely begins or ends or both at the beautiful Ocoee Whitewater Center on U.S. Hwy 64. This is the official 1996 Olympic Games venue and can provide you with maps. The gift shop has guidebooks, souvenirs, bookstore, music and refreshments. Make time for a memorable visit to this unique facility.

Horseback Riding in the Cherokee National Forest

Bring your own horse, or visit a stable..either way you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on horseback in the Cherokee National Forest. 

Our trails offer a variety of opportunities ranging from short loop trails (easy) to long overnight rides (moderate-difficult) and provide spectacular views, with stunning overlooks and vista points.  The surrounding mountains add to the scenic setting.

You can ride the Starr Mountain Horse Trail Complex, Chestnut Mountain Horse Trail, the Unicoi Mountain Horse Trail or the private trails offered by area stables.

Hiwassee River Rail Adventure:

Enjoy a 50-mile round trip up the beautiful lower Hiwassee River gorge. This 3-1/2 hour trip will take you to the top of the famous "Hiwassee Loop" where the tracks cross over themselves as they corkscrew up the mountain near Farner, Tennessee.

The Loop track has been known by many names, Great Hiwassee Loop, Bald Mountain Loop, and Hook & Eye to name a few, but you'll call it amazing!

Nancy Ward & Five Killer gravesites: Located on Hwy 411, south of Benton, is the gravesite of Nancy Ward, Beloved Woman of the Overhill Cherokees, and her son Five Killer. The graves overlook the lush banks of the Ocoee River.

A statue of Nancy Ward, created by a purported descendant, stood in a cemetery in Grainger County, Tennessee for about 70 years. It disappeared some time in the early 1980s. In January 2006, the missing statue resurfaced as a significant work of American folk art when it was exhibited at the American Antiques Show held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New Yok City. The statue is currently in the possession of an antiques dealer in Maine. It is widely believed that the sculptor (James Abraham Walker) had originally intended the carving to be placed at Nancy Ward's gravesite.

Nancy Ward is not only remembered as an important figure to the Cherokee people but is also considered an early pioneer for women in American politics as she advocated for a woman's voice during a turbulent period in her tribe's history.

On the day she died in 1822, witnesses saw a white light rise from her body.  It took the form of a wolf and then a swan. It fluttered about and then flew off in the direction of her beloved town of Chota. She was the last woman to receive the title of Beloved Woman until the late 20th century.

Quaint Towns
This is what getting away is all about.

Benton, Tennessee - County Seat and Old Time Charm

Located where Hwy 411 and Hwy 64 come together. Tucked under Chilhowee Mountain and a few miles from Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee), Benton has a beautiful old courthouse in the middle of a real town square.

This is a working town but visitors and residents love the slow way of life and the delicious home cooking that can be found on the corners. 

Visit the Chilhowee Farmers Market to shop for locally grown produce, herbs/ornamentals, honey and bee products.  The market is located athe Polk County Fairgrounds Show Barn in Benton and is open from 7:00 am -Noon Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays  from June 6- October 31, 2007.

The gravesite of Cherokee maiden, Nancy Ward is located on the outskirts of town.

Ducktown, Tennessee - Historic Copper Mines & Great Mainstreet Events

Located where Hwy 64 & Hwy 68 come together. The historic town of Ducktown is very small but is home to gorgeous Bed and Breakfasts up and down Main Street and hosts regular festivals and music functions.

Copperhill, Tennessee - Two Towns in One

Located on Hwy 68 where it meets Georgia State Road 60 and Hwy 5. Copperhill shares the stateline with McCaysville, Georgia. In fact a blue line is painted through the middle of the two towns and right up the sides and over buildings. This is the turn-around point for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.