Hiwassee
Lake and River
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Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, Lake Hiwassee offers spectacular
scenery and tranquility. Fed primarily by the Hiwassee, Nottley, and
Valley rivers, this beautiful, green mountain lake covers 6,090 acres
with almost 188 miles of shoreline; it measures 22 miles long and more
than 200 feet deep in places. As its waters head west, Lake Hiwassee
feeds into Appalachia 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.
Boating and canoeing/kayaking enthusiasts
will find easy access to the water at the Hanging
Dog Recreation Area on Lake Hiwassee with a campground, picnic
area, hiking trails, and a boat launching ramp. 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. Because Appalachia Lake has no developed recreation areas,
it is an excellent option for those seeking solitude during the busy
summer season.
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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."
The Tennessee Valley Authority dam, also named
Hiwassee, was completed in 1940 for flood control and electric power.
At 307 feet, it is the highest overspill dam in the world.
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Marine life: |
The
National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame lists a record catch of a 54-pound
striped bass from Lake Hiwassee. Other fish within the reservoirs include
bluegill, yellow perch, and muskie . |
| Directions: |
To reach the Hanging Dog Recreation Area , from
Murphy travel 4.4 miles northwest on Peachtree Road (later becomes Joe
Brown Highway). The entrance is on the left.
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| Activities: |
Camping,
hiking, boating, water skiing, tubing, and fishing. |
| Facilities: |
Three public docks and boat launching ramps;
boat rentals; bait and equipment shop. Camping at Hanging Dog Recreation
Area includes 66 sites on 4 loops in a wooded area along the shore with
restrooms but no showers.
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| Fees: |
There is a charge for camping
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| Closest
town: |
Murphy,
4.4 miles |
| For
more information: |
Tusquitee
Ranger District,
201 Woodland Drive,
Murphy, NC 28906.
Phone (704) 837-5152. |
