🏞️ River Swim
🟢 Easy $3 USFS day-use fee at public accesses; tube rentals vary
🌊 About Hiwassee River
A cooler, gentler alternative to the Ocoee for tubing and swimming, with several public access points near Reliance.
📋 Visit Details
Entry Fee
$3 USFS day-use fee at public accesses; tube rentals vary
Water Temperature
💧 Cool, dam-released (varies with TVA schedule)
Water Type
River swimming & tubing
Managed By
US Forest Service (Cherokee National Forest) + private outfitters
County
Polk / McMinn County, Tennessee
🗺️ Getting There
Address / Access Point:
Near Reliance, TN (US-411/TN-30)
Access Notes:
Multiple easy access points; popular tubing river
✅ Before You Go — Checklist
-
✓
Check current water conditions — especially after recent rain
-
✓
Save GPS coordinates offline before leaving — cell service may be limited
-
$
Bring cash or card for entry: $3 USFS day-use fee at public accesses; tube rentals vary
-
✓
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes and plenty of drinking water
-
✓
Tell someone where you are going before heading to a remote location
-
✓
Pack out everything you bring in — leave no trace