History:
The Unicoi Turnpike once ran by the source of
the Hiwassee River in Unicoi Gap on its way to Great Echota, the ancient
capital and sacred Peace Town of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokees
called the river Ayuhwa'si, meaning a "savannah or meadow."
Marine life:
Fish within most of the reservoirs include Black
Bass, catfish, Crappie, Bluegill Bream, Channel Catfish, Large Mouth
Bass, Yellow Perch, muskie and Walleye.The rivers are stocked with rainbow,
brown, and some brook trout.
Activities:
Camping, hiking, boating, water skiing, tubing, and fishing.
Facilities:
see individual camping and lake pages.
Fees:
varies
Closest town:
For more information:
Tusquitee Ranger District,
201 Woodland Drive,
Murphy, NC 28906.
Phone (704) 837-5152.
Hiwassee River
The Hiwassee River system which includes the Hiwassee, Ocoee, Nottely,
Valley and Toccoa rivers and the lakes along them: Chatuge,
Hiwassee, Apalachia,
Nottely,
Blue
Ridge and the three Ococee projects mean fishing, swimming, water
skiing and natural beauty for the area. But they also big business
and a major influence on the daily lives of the 174,000 people who
live in the 10 county area through which the Hiawassee River system
flows.
These lakes and streams that make up the system
supply water for industrial use, public consumption, and hydroelectric
power. They support a sport-fishing industry that creates thousands
of jobs and generates millions of dollars in revenue. They attract
thousands of visitors each year, providing many more jobs based on
recreation, tourism, and second-home development.
As its waters head west, Lake Hiwassee feeds
into Apalachia Lake. In conjunction with Lake
Chatuge, these three lakes along the Tusquitee River are collectively
referred to as the Chain of Lakes, offering boating, water-skiing,
swimming, and fishing opportunities against a picturesque mountain
backdrop.
In Murphy
access is available to the Hiwassee River. This Class I and II whitewater
river is 18.3 miles long with a 3-mile stretch designated as a Trophy
Trout Stream. Family rafting and tubing trips can be arranged by outfitters
in the area.
