Come learn about and support the Hiwassee River Blueway and the Meigs/Decatur Rivertown of the Tennessee Riverline during this Partner Paddle and Celebration Lunch on July 17 at Hiwassee Acres. The Hiwassee River Blueway is a local organization made up of volunteers whose mission is to increase preservation, conservation, tourism, and economic development of the four counties that touch the river; Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, and Polk. This event is intended to raise awareness of the Blueway and TN Riverline and get more people out paddling on the river. Come experience the scenic Hiwassee River during this 6.5-mile leisure and beginner-friendly paddle event!

RSVP is required to attend and can be made using the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hiwassee-blueway-tennessee-riverline-partner-paddle-celebration-registration-322247590217

Thanks to our sponsors, a catered lunch at Hiwassee Acres is free for all attendees. Paddlers can participate for $20 with their own equipment or make reservations for loaner kayaks and paddle boards from local outfitters. Limited number of loaner kayaks and paddle boards will be available. (Please note minimum age for all loaner paddle crafts is 16 years old with a participating adult. All attendees will need to sign a liability release waiver in order to participate and legal guardians must sign for minors.)

Hiwassee Acres serves as the home base for this mini festival and paddling event. Make a weekend of it and book your rooms to stay at the peaceful Hiwassee Acres nature preserve along the banks of the Hiwassee River. They offer luxury accommodations where you least expect it, and they have tent and car camping too! https://hiwasseeacres.com/

The event officially kicks off with a free welcome lunch at Hiwassee Acres at 11:30 AM on Sunday, July 17. Afterwards, all paddlers will make their way to Hiwassee Ocoee Scenic State Park (Gee Creek Campground) boat ramp to unload and stage their paddle crafts. Each participant will then move their own vehicles to Patty Bridge take out. Buses/vans will transport all paddlers back to the put-in at Gee Creek to start paddling by 2:00 PM. Depending on current and paddling abilities, everyone should be off the river by 5:00 PM.

Thanks to our sponsors TVA, TN Riverline and Hiwassee Blueway, and to our partners Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic State Park, TWRA, Outshine Adventures, Hiwassee Acres, and Starr Mountain Outfitters. TWRA will have officers on the river to assist.

Lunch will be provided by Caesar's Catering.

Free: Non-paddlers please RSVP (includes lunch and access to Hiwassee Acres)

$20 paddlers with their own equipment (includes lunch and shuttle)

$20 paddlers that need equipment (includes lunch, shuttle and paddling equipment-select kayak or paddle board, limited quantities available.)**

Lodging: Price varies - book directly with Hiwassee Acres https://hiwasseeacres.com/

$20 to tent camp: max of 4 people and 1 tent

$35 for RV site with water and electric hook up

**Loaner equipment is limited and can only be reserved for ages 16+ with a participating adult. All participants will be required to sign a liability release waiver before paddling. The limit for paddlers is due to seating on the shuttle buses/vans, capacity at these public boat launches and for safety ratios on the water. We look forward to sharing this event with you all.

***Please note this event will occur rain or shine. Severe weather that poses a risk to safety such at lightning, high water levels or extreme winds may delay or cancel. Refunds are only available to those that cancel more than 48 hours in advance. Thank you for your understanding with this policy.