Hiwassee River
🎣 Blue-Ribbon Trout
Polk / Bradley Co. · 72 mi · Class I–II
—CFS
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Optimal: 900–3500 CFS · USGS #03566000
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
72 mi
Length
Class I–II
Difficulty
900–3500 cfs
Optimal
1,700 cfs
Avg Flow
1,560 cfs
Hist. Median
#03566000
USGS Gauge
Cherokee National Forest · John Muir Scenic Trail · Blue-Ribbon Trout Stream

One of the Southeast's most beloved paddling rivers — flows through the Cherokee National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is regulated by releases from Apalachia Dam, creating consistent flows all summer. Outstanding for beginners and families. World-class blue-ribbon trout fishery below the dam.

Trip sections
Apalachia Dam release section — Class II–III, 5 mi, most popular
Reliance to Towee Creek — Class I–II, family float
Lower Hiwassee — Class I, wide and calm
Outfitters
Hiwassee Outfitters
Reliance TN rentals and shuttles
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Hiwassee guided trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.