Hiwassee River: Reliance to Patty Bridge

The Hiwassee River flows for roughly 150 miles through the southern Appalachian mountains. Rising in north Georgia, it enters North Carolina before entering Tennessee and flowing into the Tennessee River upstream of Chattanooga. On this day, we’ll be paddling an 11 mile section from the quaint mountain hamlet of Reliance, TN down to the Patty Bridge access in rural Polk County, TN. Both access locations are public land. This is a class I-II river through this section. All of the rapids are upstream of Hiwassee Gap and the remainder is flowing current. Don’t let it fool you though—it’s got quite the flow even though there’s no “white” water. The scenery is nice although in the last few years there has been more houses built and people on the river. Enjoy it while you can…

Forests, farms, cabins, islands, bridges are the norm. Wildlife often spotted include eagles, kingfishers, otters, foxes, turtles, fish, deer, and sometimes a coyote or black bear from the nearby mountains. Good water quality and the clarity is enough to make this a memorable trip. Plan to spend 2-4 hours on the water. We will stop once to stretch and snack. The river is flowing about 5 miles per hour I’d say. Keep away from fallen trees (think of a strainer) as well as bridge pillars. The riverbank is often thick with vegetation due to the healthy riparian zone and sometimes poisonous snakes like copperheads and timber rattlers are found here. They were here before the Europeans arrived so let them be. This is a dam released river. It has flows this day—one of the last for the season.

To attend this trip with us, you will need:

•a kayak or canoe (no rentals available)

•a life jacket (must be worn—state law)

•a paddle

•proper river attire & footwear (no cotton or jeans, no flip flops, etc)

•snacks, water to drink

•change of clothes/towel

•any medications you might need?

•sunscreen, hat, windbreaker, first aid kit, camera?

Do not bring your pets! No pets/dogs allowed! You must have at least basic paddling experience and know how to handle a swim. As with any outdoor activity (or anything in life) please be physically able to do the task. This not only keeps you safe but it keeps others in your group safe as well.

Please ask me any questions if you have them. I’m here to help. There’s a limit of 10 paddlers for safety & enjoyment reasons. Please update your rsvp if you can no longer attend. Thank you.

By signing up, and/or attending, you agree that this is dangerous/risky activity and you agree to hold no one liable for an accident, injury, damage, or death.

See ya on the river!