Trip Planning Resource for the Hiwassee, Nottely, and Valley Rivers (2024)

1.Are there significant rapids on the rivers, and where are they?

The Clay County section of Hiwassee River between Tusquittee Road and Sweetwater Park, particularly from the Lance Cove Road areadownstream, has significant rapids (Class II+ & III) when TVA is operating Chatuge Dam at full generation capacity. This beautifulsection offers thrills, but also serious hazards, and should not be attempted by beginning canoeists or kayakers at high flow.Rafters too, must take caution, and anyone floating this section should make sure to launch under safe conditions.

At high water, there is one Class IV rapid in the "Paradise" section of Hiwassee River between Mission Dam and Wells Bridgein Cherokee County. Immediately below Mission Dam, the rapids are Class II+ at high flow.

There is a series of Class II & III rapids for several hundred yards below Nottely Dam when TVA is generating electricity.

Likewise, the "Lance Cove Road area" of the Hiwassee River (Clay County) is fairly shallow at low flow. [Please note that thebank of the Hiwassee River at Lance Cove Rd. is private property (even though the road that is very close to the river is public) and thelandowners do not want the property used for river access.]

2.What portages or obstacles should I be aware of?

There are four dams on the Hiwassee River. Three of the dams are large TVA hydropower dams with no provisions for portage. Chatuge andApalachia both have significant dewatered reaches immediately below them, making portage even more difficult. Hiwassee Dam is one of thehighest overspill dams in the world.

Mission Dam is a smaller, run-of-river hydropower dam owned and operated by Duke Energy. It is between Chatuge and Hiwassee Dams near theCherokee/Clay county line. There is a 1,300-foot (0.2 mi) portage trail around this dam, constructed and maintained by the company. Theportage trail follows a portion of the old Peavine Railroad bed.

Other obstacles: Be aware of strainers (any obstacle that water can pass through, but people and boats cannot), which can be quitedangerous to paddlers, especially during high water. Strainers are most often made up of recently fallen trees, or logjams. The sectionof Hiwassee River from "The Y" to Tusquittee Road is notorious for strainers. Extra caution should be used, particularly athigh flow. Valley River is also prone to strainers, however, local people are more apt to clear them on that river.

3.Where can I get information about river levels and flows?

TVA provides a very limited amount of information about predicted power generation schedules and observed discharge data (from the dams -not river flows) in the Hiwassee River watershed. Data is available for each dam by choosing the dam of interest from the drop-down menuat this site: http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm.A free mobile app called "TVA Lake Info" is also available for this information. Chatuge and Nottely each only have one generator;however, TVA has the ability to run the Chatuge generator at half capacity resulting in two discharge levels (roughly 740 and 1430 cfs).

Stream flow information is available for the Hiwassee River ABOVE Lake Chatuge in Towns County, GA and the Nottely River ABOVE Lake Nottelyin Union County, GA at the following site: http://www.tva.com/lakes/streams.htm.

TVA does not currently adhere to any set schedule for discharges/flow releases from any of its Hiwassee River watershed dams. There are no"recreation releases" and the information found online is sometimes inconsistent with actual practice. Boaters must use cautionwhen planning trips on the Nottely River and on the Clay County reach of the Hiwassee River. On the Hiwassee River in Clay County inparticular, the "river rises rapidly without warning" signs are an understatement and when the dam is operating at full generation(1,400 cfs out of the dam), the effects are still very serious at Sweetwater Park nearly 14 miles downstream!

4.I don't have a lot of paddling experience, but would like to take a float trip in the Hiwassee River watershed. Where would be good to go?

The Hiwassee River from Wells Bridge to the Hiwassee Street or Payne Street boat ramps in Murphy at any flow level is a good float trip forless experienced canoeists and kayakers. Going with a guide is a good way for people without much paddling experience to get to know therivers of the Hiwassee watershed (See question 5 below).

5.Are there outfitters providing float trips on rivers in the Hiwassee River watershed?

Wood's Outdoor Adventures offers guided canoe trips on the riversand lakes, as well as fly fishing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Wood's Outdoor Adventures currently has private arrangements forput-in and take-out along the Valley River and can offer shorter float trips (and float fishing trips) in the 11-mile midsection where nopublic access is currently available.There are no large commercial outfitters in the Hiwassee River watershed at the present time.

6.Can I fish, swim, or drink the water?

Swimming in all areas should be done at your own risk.

Avoid drinking river or lake water, as natural waters can contain pathogens and pollutants. Water can be filtered from the river, but itis a better idea to bring extra water. If the river is muddy, it can make filtering water very difficult.

Fishing is excellent on rivers and lakes in the Hiwassee River watershed, but don't forget to get your NC, GA and/or TN fishing license todo so legally.

7.What animals and plants should I be aware of for safety reasons?

The Hiwassee River watershed is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the southeast. There are two species of poisonous snakes in our area,copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Bears are found throughout Western North Carolina, but it is unlikely that you will see one along therivers. Poison ivy is widespread in the Hiwassee River watershed; stinging nettle is also a nuisance plant.

Copperheads are tan to brown snakes with darker hourglass-shaped crossbands down the length of the body with large, triangular headsand elliptical pupils (cat eyes). In the mountains, copperheads are most common on dry rocky hillsides and sometimes den communally withtimber rattlesnakes on open, south-facing hillsides. Fortunately their venom is not very potent and human deaths from copperhead bites areexceedingly rare. Pets are more susceptible to serious injury and death. Most snake bites occur when someone tries to kill or harass asnake, so the best way to avoid a bite is to leave any snake you find alone.

Timber Rattlesnakes can be found in a variety of habitats including rocky outcrops and deciduous forests. Their venom can be fatal.Seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten by a rattlesnake.

Poison Ivy is a plant that causes a skin rash if the plant makes contact with skin. The rash is caused by contact with oil (urushiol).The oil is present in all parts of the plants, including the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, and roots. Familiarize yourself with this plantand avoid walking through or touching it. Do not burn it - smoke inhalation can also cause an allergic reaction. If you touch poison ivy,wash contacted skin and/or clothing immediately after contact to prevent skin reaction.

Black Bears are widespread and common throughout the Hiwassee River watershed. Please be aware, even though it is unlikely you willsee one. If camping, avoid leaving food out overnight and store away from tent.

8.What wildlife might I see while paddling on rivers and lakes in the Hiwassee River watershed?

The rivers of the Hiwassee River basin flow through a great diversity of habitats and ecosystems. Beavers are common and have been known tostartle paddlers by slapping their tails on the water. Deer and muskrats are also common, particularly along the Hiwassee River; and riverotters can also be seen, especially in Apalachia Lake.

Some of the notable bird species include great blue herons, green herons, kingfishers, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, ospreys, hawksand bald eagles.

In terms of aquatic ecology, the Valley River and Hiwassee River in Cherokee County are the most biodiverse, with dozens of species of fish,including six species of redhorse, as well as hellbenders (giant salamanders) and rare mussel and crayfish species.