Hiwassee Scenic River Highlights
Notification Alert

Campground Infrastructure Renovation

Hiwassee Scenic River State Park

Starting in the fall of 2026, the Gee Creek Campground will undergo an infrastructure renovation, focusing on the bathhouse and other similar areas. This will close the campground until an anticipated reopening in spring 2027.

We thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the park office.

  • view of lake behind some trees on a sunny day revealing the blue water and a mountain covered in trees
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    Take the Scenic Route

    Hiwassee Scenic River State Park encompasses 23 miles of the Hiwassee River, known for its Class II whitewater rapids. But, outdoor explorers of all kinds continue to return to Hiwassee year after year for its paddling, fishing, birding, hiking, and primitive camping.

    Discover Hiwassee Scenic River State Park

    In 1968, a 23-mile section of the Hiwassee Scenic River was designated as the first managed river as part of the Tennessee State Scenic River Program. Following this designation, the park was established in 1972. The park continues to focus on the protection and conservation of the biodiversity in the watershed.

    While the area is known most for its incredible paddling, including Class II whitewater rapids, it is truly an outdoor explorer's paradise with opportunities to catch a number of fish species, see birds throughout the park and the nearby Cherokee National Forest, and sleep under the stars in the primitive Gee Creek Campground.

    Nearby the main boat dock, visitors may be able to view the fishing weir along with the flowing water.

    Wooden cabin with skewed upper story in a lush green field.

    History

    From the Visitor Center at Hiwassee Scenic River State Park, visitors can view Fort Marr, the park’s last remaining original wood blockhouse.

    Fort Marr was originally built in 1814 as a supply depot for Tennessee troops serving in Jackson's Creek War Campaign. Unfortunately, it was ultimately used to hold Cherokee tribe members during their forced removal along the Trail of Tears.

    From the Rangers

      • Two people rafting down a forested river.

      The Perfect Day

      Consider renting a funyak for the day to truly experience the river as it's best seen – by boat and at a leisurely pace. Visitors can make a day of the trip by bringing snacks and stopping on the islands for breaks along the way.

      • Clear river with rocky bed surrounded by lush green hills under a blue sky.

      Insider Information

      Want to feel like you have the river to yourself? Consider visiting Hiwassee Scenic River State Park on weekdays. Bonus perk: Staying overnight will allow you to see the incredible sunset along the bluffs and river.

      • Aerial view of a winding river with a bridge and lush greenery.

      Know Before You Go

      Visitors are required to wear personal flotation devices while paddling and rafting on the Hiwassee River. Visitors should also be aware of wildlife while visiting, as the park is home to bears and venomous snakes. Finally, Hiwassee Scenic River State Park is located near hiking trails managed by the Cherokee National Forest and visitors should follow the rules and regulations of those entities.

    Hiwassee Scenic River Gift Shop

    With sweaters, mugs, and more, the gift shop at the Hiwassee Scenic River State Park Visitor Center is the perfect place to pick up a piece of your adventure to take home.

    Land and Water

    • Autumn landscape with vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage in the foreground, set against distant blue mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

    Trails

    Hiwassee Scenic River State Park has one Campground Loop trail fully managed by the park.

    The park is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest which is home to most of the trails that touch the park, including the John Muir Trail. Visitors should be aware of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Forest Service while hiking these trails.

    Support Trails at Tennessee State Parks

    With donations made through the Tennessee State Parks Trail Pack, you can help directly fund trail maintenance projects and new builds that will improve the future of trails at Tennessee State Parks. Plus, we'll send you some unique, annual vinyl stickers with each donation.

    Plants

    Flora followers have the opportunity to view incredible species of plants throughout the area, including spring wildflowers like trillium and bluebells, or summer blooms like hemlock.

    • Close-up of a pink dogwood flower with a forest background.

    Plant Types

    • Wildflowers (General)
    • Oak spp.
    • Trillium spp.
    • Bluebells
    • Hemlock (Eastern Hemlock)
    • Pine Trees
    • small blue bird sitting on car rear view mirror staring at camera

    Birds

    Over 100 species of birds have been observed at the park.

    Picnic areas bursting with wildflowers bring out an excellent variety of woodland birds as they dine on seeds, insects, and invertebrates. Bald eagles are also now occurring with greater frequency. 

    Bird Species

    • Acadian Flycatcher
    • Bald Eagle
    • Common Nighthawk

    Birding at Hiwassee Scenic River

    Find the best spots to view our many species of birds who call Hiwassee home.

    Go to Birding Page

    Animals

    Hiwassee Scenic River State Park is teeming with wildlife, including cranes, geese, snakes, bald eagles, deer, raccoons, and other birds.

    • Two fawns grazing in lush green grass.

    Animal Species

    • Raccoon
    • Eastern Gray Squirrel
    • Salamanders

    Inspiration

    Get Inspired

    Enhance Your Park Visit with Our Mobile Apps

    Plan your visit with the Tennessee State Parks app and discover guided adventures with the Explore Tennessee State Parks app.

    Explore Our Mobile Apps