A water release by the TVA Sunday, May 29, provided a water playground for rafters and kayakers along the Upper Ocoee River. The section of the river was the whitewater paddling site for the 1996 Olympics.Water recreation doesn’t have to be limited to a day in a swimming pool or at an aquatic park.
For those who love the water, the Scenic City and its surroundings offer everything from canoeing and fly-fishing to kayaking Class III and IV whitewater rapids in the Ocoee River for those who seek a little more adrenaline — all within a short drive.
Whether you are an avid angler or just want to fish for fun, there are plenty of opportunities around the area. Tennessee is home to more species of freshwater fish than anywhere else on the North American continent, according to Outdoor Chattanooga.
You can fly-fish in the Hiwassee River near Reliance, Tenn., or angle for bass closer to home on Chickamauga and Nickajack lakes.
Carters Lake, near Fort Mountain State Park in Murray County, Ga., at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers camping, picnic areas and plenty of fishing. Rental cabins and boats also are available.