We just returned from a visit to Chattanooga TN where my son, his wife and 3 grands live.   We enjoyed a trip on the Hiwassee River which I would like to describe.  I think most remember the Ocoee River of Olympics 1996 fame where the whitewater rafting competition was held.  It is a beautiful level 3 to 5 whitewater experience that is not too grandpa/grandma friendly.  North of that is the Hiwassee River with two dams upstream to form Lake Hiwassee and Apalachia Lake all of which is part of the TVA.  There is a more geriatric friendly level 1 or 2 river in Cherokee National Forest (Does anyone remember the 2006 incident where a black bear killed a 6-year old near Benton Falls.  Do not let this deter you - there are 500 black bear in LA but I bet you still go outside your house in this state).   The situation is this:  Overnight the water turbines are closed to impound water for eventual release to generate electricity around 10:00 each day which is, of course, a peak time for power needs.  The town (I use that term loosely) of Reliance, TN has two outriggers - Hiwassee and Webb Brothers where one can rent inflatables, life vests, etc needed for the trip - I suggest you bring your own regulation life vests if you know what I mean.  We prefer the  Webb Brothers.  The rafting is done upstream from Reliance, which can be reached by private vehicle or if you rent from them, they will drive you up in a bus or truck to put in.  When you finish, you are where you left your car.  They warn you to stay left on the river because the rocks on the right cause many more high-centered raft delays than the left - we got stuck more than 15 times on the 2-hour trip as it was.   I got jealous of the kayakers who could shoot a rapid, then paddle back to do it as many times as their energy allowed.  We were in a 4-person raft which did not allow for going upstream to redo anything.

Before the turbines are turned on, one can walk across the river from rock to rock hardly getting wet.  But when the turbines are turned on, the fun begins.  Our grandkids love this excursion.  The river and the terrain around the river is beautiful.  This time it was a cloudy, rainy day.  Soon after we put in, the mist from the waterfalls started covering the area so that it was hard to see anyone ahead or behind.  My son said they had never seen that look so he was very pleased to have experienced it.

Sorry, no pictures.  We didn't have waterproof  protection for our camera but did pick up two paddles and a camera in a protective case which we returned to the owners.

So if you are in the area, perhaps enjoying the Great Smoky Mtns NP, you might want to add this trip to your experiences - I do know there are other rafting possibilities in and around the NP.

My son also gave me a brochure for the Cherohala (Cherokee and Nantahala Nat. Forests) Scenic Skyway that he intends to try someday.  That is the highway between Tellico Plains, TN and Robbinsville, NC.   I'm sure it would be great during the fall when the leaves are changing.