HIWASSEE

About the Hiwassee River Swimming Hole

Tucked inside the Cherokee National Forest in the rolling hills of southeastern Tennessee, the Hiwassee River is one of the region's most beloved natural escapes. Near Gee Creek Campground, the river unfolds in long, glittering stretches of crystal-clear water framed by forested ridges and moss-covered banks. This is a place where the pace slows down naturally — where the sound of moving water replaces everything else and the air carries the cool, green scent of a healthy forest.

The Setting and Landscape

The Hiwassee River winds through a landscape shaped by millions of years of geology and, more recently, by the Cherokee people who have called this valley home for generations. The surrounding Cherokee National Forest provides a dense canopy of hardwoods and conifers that shade the riverbanks even on the hottest summer afternoons. Great blue herons stalk the shallows with practiced patience, river turtles sun themselves on exposed rocks, and the water itself runs with a clarity that lets you count the stones on the bottom. In October, the hillsides ignite with autumn color, turning the valley into one of the most photographed landscapes in Tennessee. But in the height of summer, the river is simply cool, inviting, and alive.

Swimming, Tubing, and the Water Itself

The Hiwassee earns its reputation with water that feels genuinely refreshing — cold enough to wake you up, clear enough to see your feet, and moving just enough to keep things interesting. The river accommodates swimmers of different comfort levels, though rocky sections near the banks call for careful footing, so water shoes are a smart choice. Beyond swimming, the Hiwassee is a classic tubing river: load up an inner tube and let the current carry you downstream through sun-dappled stretches of forest. Canoeists will find the river equally rewarding, with long flat sections punctuated by gentle riffles. The combination of swimming, tubing, and paddling in a single visit is what gives this stretch of river its enduring appeal. Note that this is an unofficial swimming area, so there are no lifeguards on duty — swim with a buddy and exercise your own judgment around the current and rocky areas.

Practical Visit Information

Facilities at the site include picnic tables and toilets, making it a comfortable spot for a full day out. If you want to extend your time in the valley, Gee Creek Campground sits right in the area and offers camping for $10 per night; additional National Forest campgrounds are also available nearby. The best window for a visit runs from May through September, when water temperatures are warmest and the forest is at its most lush. Late spring often brings especially clear water conditions before summer crowds arrive in full force.

Plan Your Visit

The Hiwassee River swimming hole is most easily reached from the nearby towns of Benton, Cleveland, and Chattanooga. Benton serves as the closest hub for the Hiwassee corridor and is worth a stop for supplies before heading into the forest. Cleveland, roughly 30 miles to the west, offers a wider range of lodging and dining options. Chattanooga, about an hour's drive away, makes a natural bookend for a longer regional road trip through this beautifully underrated corner of Tennessee.