Self-shuttled Hiwassee River Tubing Adventure

Self-shuttled Hiwassee River Tubing Adventure
Hiwassee 411 Boat Launch, Benton, TN
Boat Launch Parking Coordinates 35.2397°,-84.5637°

This is a 5.5 mile (~3.5 hour) float down the Hiwassee river and is my favorite part of the river for tubing. It's smoother and more flowy than the section above Reliance, with few rocks to bang butts or scrape shins. The outfitters don't service this section, so we must shuttle ourselves. No worries, I've done this before.

We'll need a sufficient number of drivers willing to shuttle people (4-5 per car) from the downstream parking area at Hiwassee 411 Boat Ramp, to the launch point at the Reliance Boat Ramp (6.8 miles). After the float, one driver will take the original drivers back to their cars in Reliance.

Both parking lots fill quickly, so it's important that we follow this schedule:

1. 11:15 AM - Meet at Hiwassee 411 Boat Launch: coordinates 35.2397°,-84.5637° (Entrance is on the right of the northbound lane, before the bridge. Parking area is under the bridge)
2. 11:30 AM - Shuttle to Reliance Boat Ramp: coordinates 35.1875°,-84.4974°
3. 12:00 PM - Arrive in Reliance, inflate tubes, hang out, and eat lunch until the dam release hits Reliance. (~1 hour).

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State law requires lifevests on this section of the Hiwassee and above.

You must have your own lifevest and tube
It's cheaper and less hassle to buy a tube and lifevest than to rent (buy from Walmart = $18, rent from Webb Brothers = $30). I'll bring one inflator. Please bring one if you have one.

Suggestion links if you don't already own:

• Lifevest, $13: https://www.walmart.com/ip/X2O-Universal-Adult-Life-Vest-and-Jacket-30-50-Chest-Blue-Ocean-Coral/999444252
• River Tube, $5: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-45-Teal-River-Lake-Tube-Ring-Float-Adult-Unisex/894517684

Other recommended items are water-shoes, water-proof sunscreen, baseball hat (https://exploringchatt.com/everything-you-need-to-enjoy-a-day-of-river-tubing/)

Consider leaving water sensitive electronics in your car or use a drybag. Electronic keys often have a mechanical entry key that can separate from the electronic fob (Google year make model "entry key").

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Weather:
Tubing during thunderstorms is not cool. Event may be cancelled/re-scheduled based on weather models/forecast.

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