Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park will announce their new Manager Angelo Giansante, on Friday, April 13 at 10 a.m. at the park's Visitor Center, 404 Spring Creek Road in Delano. This public event is an opportunity for the community to meet park staff and learn about the recreation opportunities the park offers.
Mr. Giansante has been a ranger at Hiwassee/Ocoee since 2007 and spent time as a seasonal interpretive recreator at South Cumberland State Park.
“As a ranger at Hiwassee/Ocoee, Angelo has developed the successful Ocowassee Festival and has held a key role in the park’s programming efforts,” said Tennessee State Parks Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill, who will be making remarks at the event. “He has also been an active member of Tennessee State Parks’ Special Operations and Response Team, adding another layer of expertise he brings to our state parks system and the local community.”
Prior to his career with Tennessee State Parks, Mr. Giansante served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army as a heavy equipment transporter and squad leader. He is a former Tennessee state wrestling champion at LaVergne High School. Mr Giansante received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Middle Tennessee State University.
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park was the first river managed in the State Scenic River program. A 23-river mile section, from the North Carolina to U.S. Hwy. 411 north of Benton, has been declared a Class III partially developed river. This stretch of river offers canoeing, rafting, fishing, hiking and nature photography. A scenic portion of the John Muir trail winds through the river gorge. Numerous public access sites provide boat launch ramps.
The park’s Gee Creek primitive tent campground area has 47 campsites, each with a table, fire ring and grill. Adjacent is the Gee Creek Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest.