Hiwassee Blueway Hosts River To Rail: A Multimodal Fundraiser Event June 23-24

  • Thursday, June 8, 2023

The Hiwassee River Blueway is partnering with the Tennessee Valley Railroad, Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park, Webb Brothers, Outshine Adventures, Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, Savannah Oaks Winery, Copperhill Brewery and Tennessee Overhill to offer a multimodal paddle event on the Hiwassee River on June 24 along with a weekend full of recreational opportunities for all outdoor enthusiasts.

During this annual fundraiser event, attendees will enjoy a scenic train ride on the Hiwassee Rail to the put-in and a 5-mile paddle on the Hiwassee River from Reliance to Delano, Tn.

Inflatable kayaks are available from Webb Bros and inflatable stand up paddle boards from Outshine Adventures. Paddlers can participate with their own paddle crafts as long as they are rated for Class I whitewater. The main paddle event will end with a catered meal by Rod’s Rockin Rolls and live music by Priscilla & Little Rickee at Savannah Oaks Winery.

There are incredible recreational opportunities in the Hiwassee River basin and you’ll be able to try many of them throughout the weekend. Scheduled activities include: guided hikes, Rock Climbing at Starr Mountain, group bike rides, train rides, fly fishing lessons with Trout Unlimited, wine tasting at Savannah Oaks Winery, Mennonite Farmers Market, morning yoga sessions, freshwater snorkeling, and so much more.

Stay the weekend: Group campsite with tent camping at Gee Creek Campground is included in the ticket price. Alternate lodging options can be found here and must be booked on your own. 

Paddler Ticket price includes: Saturday train ride, paddle event, paddling equipment from Webb Bros or Outshine Adventures, dinner and live music at Savannah Oaks Winery, other recreational activities throughout the weekend (hiking, biking, rock climbing, fly fishing lesson, animal presentations, freshwater snorkeling) and tent camping at Gee Creek Campground group campsite.

Non-paddler ticket includes: Saturday train ride, dinner and live music at Savannah Oaks Winery on Saturday, other recreational activities throughout the weekend (hiking, biking, rock climbing, fly fishing lesson, animal presentations, freshwater snorkeling) and tent camping at Gee Creek Campground group campsite. Other lodging options and activities like Savannah Oaks Winery Visit, Delano Farmers Market visit or Hiwassee train rides on Friday or Sunday have additional costs. We highly encourage folks to purchase non-paddler tickets to come be part of the festivities at Savannah Oaks Winery and participate in all the other weekend activities. 

Need a kayak or SUP?
Bring your own paddle craft or rent an inflatable kayak from Webb Bros or an inflatable paddle board from Outshine Adventures. Make your selection at checkout. Rental equipment included in the ticket price.

For more information:

Visit: https://www.hiwasseeblueway.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HiwasseeBlueway

Event Listing: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hiwassee-blueway-rail-to-river-paddle-event-tickets-598844218177

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