Cherokee National Forest
The Cherokee National Forest provides habitat for black bears, European boar, red squirrels, eastern chipmunks, and red and grey foxes, as well as a wide variety of birds. Beaver activity is easily seen along the John Muir Trail with hellbender salamanders, the largest in North America, seen resting on the river rocks.

Cherokee National Forest
PO Box 2010
Cleveland, TN
(423) 476-9700

Conasauga River Underwater Viewing Area
Springing from the rain-soaked slopes of the Southern Appalachians, this relatively silt-free stretch of the Conasauga State Scenic River supports over sixty fish species, including the federally listed blue shiner, amber darter, and Conasauga logperch, as well as the state-listed trispot and coldwater darters. An exceptionally diverse community of mussels is also present.

Viewing Information
Equipped with mask and snorkel and a field guide to freshwater fishes, identifying these secretive and colorful fish will challenge adventuresome viewers. The Conasauga River Trail offers easy walking to river access points downstream from parking area.

Directions

Hiwassee River Underwater Viewing Area
The Hiwassee River that flows above the Apalachia Powerhouse, near Reliance, TN, is a beautiful stretch of water with great diversity in both fish and mussels.

Viewing Information
There are two viewing areas on the Hiwassee River that are open for underwater viewing –one that is accessed from Hwy 68 near Coker Creek, TN and one that is accessed from the John Muir Trailhead at the Apalachia Power House near Reliance.

Important Reminders
Always snorkel with a partner and wear safety flotation gear.
Roads may be muddy after hard rains.
Please do not disturb or collect the sensitive fauna of this river.

Cherokee National Forest (Ocoee Ranger District)
3171 Hwy. 64
Benton, TN 37307
(423) 338-5201