Polk County: Rivers, Waterfalls and Mining History

About 10.5 miles of the Ocoee River in Polk County are designated as a Class IV Olympic River Area. The section runs from Ocoee Dam No. 3 to the mouth of Big Creek; the designation was made on May 28, 2024. The Upper Ocoee is also part of the region’s Olympic history: it was developed as a whitewater course for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Rivers and Water Sports

The Hiwassee River offers a different river profile. The section designated as a Scenic River, from the North Carolina border to Delano, includes flatwater as well as Class I, II and III whitewater. By comparison, the designated Ocoee section is classified as Class IV. This makes it possible to distinguish the two rivers by their designated sections and water features, without reducing them to a single whitewater experience.

Along the Hiwassee River, Hiwassee Scenic River State Park and the Cherokee National Forest offer hiking trails, camping and several public access points. Local rafting outfitters on the river rent equipment and offer guided rafting and fishing trips. Those who want to include a guided activity in their plans can choose between rafting and fishing; those who prefer to spend time by the water on their own will also find trails and public access points in the areas mentioned.

Through the Ocoee Whitewater Center, the USDA Forest Service offers guided snorkeling programs for groups of 12 to 24 people. Before your trip, check whether a program is available for your dates.

Hiking and Nature

The Benton Falls Trail leads on an easy 1.5-mile hike each way to a 65-foot waterfall. The distance and destination details can help you plan the time needed for a hiking outing; the trail is listed as 1.5 miles in each direction. William L. Davenport Refuge offers a different nature experience: this 120-acre area in Polk County is home to a rare southern Appalachian bog community.

A Train Ride Through the Hiwassee River Gorge

The Hiwassee Loop train ride departs from Delano and is a 50-mile, 4.5-hour scenic rail experience. The route travels through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge, past forested mountain slopes and historic bridges, to the Hiwassee Loop. There, the railway winds in a loop and crosses over itself. This also makes the ride appealing to travelers who would rather experience the river landscape from a train than take part in an activity on the water. Departure times and fares depend on the date; check both for your travel date.

Mining History in Ducktown

The Ducktown Basin Museum presents the industrial and cultural heritage of the former mining community through artifacts, photographs, exhibits and a 14-minute audiovisual presentation. The museum is currently temporarily closed for construction; check before visiting to see whether it has reopened.

The historic mine site was used as a main location by the mining companies Tennessee Copper Company and Cities Service from 1899 to 1975 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. Sixteen structures from the original mine and its ancillary buildings remain on the site, including nearly all of the original buildings. The headframe was demolished after the mine closed in 1958. The Ducktown Basin Museum and Burra Burra Mine are jointly listed as a State Historic Site in Tennessee.

Discover more destinations: Ducktown, Delano, Weakley County, Warren County, Madison County, Sevier, Cheatham County, Dyer.

For the broader travel guide: Tennessee.