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CFS - Water Flow Safety Chart

CFS = cubic feet/second. Water 1 foot wide, 1 foot long, and 1 foot deep flowing per second. And, 1 cubit foot water = 7.48 gallons.

• CFS = 0-14. Not a lot of paddling, more like a walk.

• CFS = 0-49. Some paddling, some sections to walk over.

• CFS = 50 - 299. Good for all skill levels, maybe a couple spots to walk across.

• CFS = 300+ recommended for hard boats, per outfitters.

• CFS = 600+ is recommended for rafts, per outfitters.

• CFS = 1100-1400 is normal to medium high flow.

• Wait 1 hour after a water release - the initial release can cause strong rapids/waves.

If you use an outfitter to rent equipment or get transport to & from boat ramps - plan on an extra 1-2 hours + the paddle trip. Safety first: life vests required, river shoes, and sunscreen. Paddling with an outfiiter - they'll provide the equipment & life vest.

A great add-on trip: coming soon in the Smokey Mountains.

Rapids Classes per World Rating

• Class I-II = smooth, gentle baby waves to slightly bigger waves with some rocks to maneuver around.

• Class III = moderately difficult, many high & irregular waves, rocks & narrow passages requiring skill & experience. Visual inspection required. Difficult for canoes without flotation bags.

• Class IV = difficult, long powerful rapids, standing waves, souse holes, boiling eddies. Powerful, precise maneuvering required. Visual inspection mandatory. Canoes cannot run without flotation bags.

• Class V = for experts only, extremely long & violent rapids, with steep drops & obstacles, etc.

Warning: Paddlers and Swimmers at Low-Head Dams

There's a safety hazard due to the engineered design of low-head dams causing fatalities. The following are known low-head dams in Tennessee:

• Nolichucky River near Greenville, Tennessee.

• Sequatchie River at Ketner’s Mill in Whitwell, Tennessee.

• South Chickamauga Creek (just south of the TN border) in Graysville, Georgia.

• Junction of Oostanaula Creek & Hiwassee River in Calhoun, Tennessee.

The river is wide in many places, but often splits due to large islands in the middle. Personally, I wouldn't let a child under 12 do it solo. If you need milder, start at the Reliance boat ramp.

We love the Hiwassee Scenic River State Park because it's all nature until you get back to Reliance. But with a population of 916 as of 2020, there's not much ruining the gorgeous scenery. The water is awesome, so clean & clear. Because the river is wide, you won't find much shade - so sunscreen up - unless you're into baked lobster pain.

Hiawassee River - Upper section Class I - 2 1/2

Location = 3708 TN-30, Reliance, TN. The address is to Webb Brothers rafting & general store. From Webb Brothers to Powerhouse Rd boat ramp is 4.8 miles. $3 Day Use fee if you drive. We brought our own tubes/paddles and paid $10 for bus transport roundtrip. Paddling takes 2.5 - 3 hours back to Webb Bros. Both outfitters in the area have boat rentals, up to 6 person rafts.

Hmmm.... Reliance, TN. Reminds me of that movie Deliverance. Can you hear banjo strummin' off yonder in the woods? This place has that "middle of nowhere, surrounded by woods" kind of vibe! Just like the movie. Spooky.:

Transport drivers suggest staying in the middle of the river and go left of the islands. The Powerhouse Dam controls water flow. Little rain & end of summer means low water levels. Check Water Release schedules - you want to paddle, NOT walk. Check the: Recreational Release schedule. See also: CFS water flow info.

This trip we brought our tubes & paddles instead of our kayaks. From Powerhouse boat ramp (see photo below left), you'll jump in.... and back out. The chill factor in late spring will take a minute (or 5) to acclimate - then it's a perfect blessing in the mid 80's. As you start paddling, look around and soak up the gorgeous-ness before you hit the rapids and have to maneuver around the rocks.

Bonus: you're sure to see wild life. Nah - not your crazy cousin with 5 missing teeth - real wildlife. We were both woo-hooing it after the last rapids and then I got side tracked watching a couple turtles warming their tootsies in the sun and then.... I got pulled by a strong current to the right side.

Just so you know - a round floating tube does not respond as well as a long sleek kayak, so it took me a minute. I was far to the right with a large island between me and my daughter. Actually, I couldn't see anyone on the left side. I finally ended up in a sparse bunch of trees with several channels leading down river. After marveling at 5 geese, each standing on one of the 5 small rocks almost in a perfect row, I headed off.

That's me paddling like a crazy lady (photo right) coming back from my unplanned adventure on the right side - the wrong side to be on. The river for the most part is fairly shallow thru the rapids due to big rock ledges. Also, watch for flying fish hooks if people are fishing on the right side.

Butt-Saving Tip for Tubers: Right before you hit the rapids raise your hips. Rocks are barely below the surface & you're gonna get slammed. I actually cracked my tailbone and sitting for 5 months was NOT FUN.

The 2 best rapids are the 3 Foot Drop & the Funnel. The 3 Foot Drop is 75-90 minutes downstream of the Powerhouse boat ramp.

There's a couple small islands just before the river makes a left turn. The Drop is all the way left, a wide rock shelf.... and then drop. Head straight into the drop.

Funnel is about 2-2.5 hours in. You'll see a big island in the middle. To the left is a small island. Stay left of the small island and you'll see the whitewater - maybe a 10 foot wide funnel with a nice little drop. Oh yeah, that's fun.

If you parked in Webb Brothers' lot - go past the 1st bridge. Before the 2nd bridge on your left, you can get out at the historic 2 story building, below right.

Or, go another 100 or so feet to Webb's general store. Hope you had fun.

If you have any crazy pics to share, email me: LaughingGoatsTravel@gmail.com.

Little Pigeon River - Lower section Class I - 2 1/2

Location = 3595 Hartford Rd, Hartford. $5 parking across the street. If you just need transport, call the day before to see if they have available seats. They put in at their facility, and pick up at the Lower River take out just north of Greasy Cove Rd to bring you back. FYI: there's a class III rapid at the end. The lower section is open AFTER 1:00 pm

This would be a great add-on adventure if you're wanting to spend time in the Great Smoky Mountains, just north of North Carolina. The lower section takes you on a leisurely 1.5 hour paddle so it's perfect for families with younger kids and beginners. It's really a relaxing floaty down river, where you can get lost in your own thoughts as you admire nature. It's mostly gentle currents, but if you have younger kids don't forget about the Class III at the end.

The Walters Dam controls the water flow & guarantee water release May 1st to Sept 1st, every Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat from 12 noon to 6 pm. Possible extra holiday releases from Memorial day thru Labor day. The guaranteed flow runs 1300-1400 CFS. See the: Water Release Schedule. See also: CFS water flow info.

• Every tour has it's own AGE & WEIGHT restrictions.

• Tours require sturdy & secure shoes with good traction. Ask if river shoes are OK.

• Every tour will list the class of rapids. Review this: definition of Rapid Classes.

• Beginners = consider taking a Class III tour before attempting on your own.

Pigeon River - Upper section Class III-IV

Location = There's plenty of rafting outfitters, and these 2 have the best & most reviews.

3635 Trail Hollow Rd, Cosby - Rafting Outdoor Adventures.

3595 Hartford Rd, Hartford - Rafting in the Smokies. They also have ziplining, rock climbing wall, and ropes course.

The 1.5-2 hour tour takes you across 5+ miles of river. You'll paddle & splash your way thru rapids called After Shave, Razor Blade, Vegematic, Powerhouse, and TOO LATE. There's also an option to swim in calm water areas. The scenery is beautiful

The Walters Dam controls the water flow and guarantee water release May 1st to Sept 1st, every Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat from 12 noon to 6 pm. Possible extra holiday releases: Memorial, July 4th, Labor days. The guaranteed flow runs about 1300-1400 CFS. See the: Water Release Schedule. See also: CFS water flow info.

Ocoee River - Upper & Middle section Class III - IV

Location = 4651 US-64. Copperhill, to Ocoee Adventure Center. They have lots of reviews, and all 5 stars. Try the middle section for 5 miles of continuous rapids, like Grumpy, Double Trouble, Tablesaw, and Hell's Hole. This whitewater tour is non-stop, at the edge of your seat amazing fun. Oh yeah.... you're gonna get wet! YAY.

I can see why everyone raves about the guides and the fun they had. Their site also offers great recommendations for lodging in Tennessee and the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain area.

Ocoee River - Upper & Olympic sections Class III - IV

Location = 869 US-64, Ocoee, to Cherokee Rafting. Their rafting tours include one at the Olympic section of river. The minimum age is 12 years. Their 5 hour paddle includes lunch.

See if you can make your way through rapids like the Double Suck & Diamond Splitter. The Olympic competition course is 5 miles of challenging whitewater. Reviews call the experience amazing and the guides made them feel safe & secure.

Ocoee River - General Info

The upper Ocoee River was used by the 1996 Olympic Games whitewater course. The Olympic site is at the Ocoee Whitewater Center at 4400 US-64, Copperhill. Today it serves as a visitor center, with free "short term" parking, or $3 for day parking.

The upper, Olympic, and middle section of the Ocoee River have Class III-IV rapids. The lower section is fairly flat and calm with places you can go swimming. TVA (TN Valley Authority) has 3 dam controls for each section: upper, middle, and lower.

Typically the water runs Sat/Sun from April thru Oct. And, Thu thru Mon from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Rafting levels: usually 1,200-1,600 CFS. Commercial rafting typically stops above 3,000 CFS. Water releases vary by hour. See: Water Release Schedule. See also: CFS water flow info.

More Fun Things to Do - on Land

From Hiawassee River in Reliance - Clemmer Trailhead South, 131-241 TN-30, about 16 minutes south of Reliance. The beautiful waterfall and wading pool is 3.2 miles roundtrip. Or, stay close to the Powerhouse ramp & hike Childers Creek Trailhead that follows the Hiawassee river at 438 Childers Creek Rd.

From Pigeon River in Cosby - Smoky Mountain Llama Trek, 640 Padgett Mill Rd, Cosby. Yep, they're adorable and you'll get to pick the length of hike & your favorite llama - like Peanut, Dalai Llama, Hershey, Domino or your favorite llama.

From Ocoee River in Copperhill. Ocoee Whitewater Center, 4400 US-64, Copperhill. Behind the 1996 Olympic visitor center, you can hit the Tanasi Trails, listed as a Hall of Fame mountain biking trail.

From Ocoee River in Postelle. Address is to Benton-MacKaye Trail, 4332 US-64. But, there's plenty of hiking & biking right there at Thunder Rock Recreation area with other trails that split off including Thunder Rock Express single-track biking.

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Vacation Travel Tips

• Average temps high/low = Summer 88/69 degrees F. Winter 47/30. TN ranks 7th for humidity. Expect snow in mountain regions.

• Backpack essentials - water, bug spray, sunscreen, whistle, flashlight, cell phone, pocket knife, and a light jacket.

• Winter Essentials - thermal blanket, waterproof boots, warm clothing.

• Hiking conditions - trails can be wet & slippery after summer rains. Prepare for snow in higher elevations.

• Vehicle safety – Keep a spare blanket, boots, jacket, gloves, and snacks in the car. Winter roads can be icy & snow covered - use “winter” tires. If you only have "all season" tires, take snow chains.

• Wild animals - black bears are becoming bolder in parks/campsite areas mostly due to food. Coyotes, cougar, bobcat are also present.

• Trash - Pack out what you pack in.

• Rivers/lakes – river shoes really help on the rocky bottom. Heavy winter rains mean deep, ice-cold & fast moving water in spring.

• Poison oak & ivy - always know before you touch. The common Oak has 3 leaflets per stem but can have more. Ivy always has 3 leaflets.

• Poisonous snakes - 4 types, found on land, water, and trees. They generally prefer to avoid humans, usually biting only if threatened.

• Wilderness areas – take a buddy & tell someone your travel plans.