Blue Ridge Country May/June 2022 - 27

ABOVE: Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina, is the state's first and, at 6,684 feet in
elevation, by far its highest.
LEFT: Tennessee's Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park was a whitewater venue for the 1996
Olympics; its rivers boast rapids of classes I through V.
wind through the park and the surrounding
Cherokee National Forest. To enjoy
the Hiwassee River gorge from the shore,
hike the 16-mile section of the John
Muir Trail (named for the famed naturalist
and founder of the Sierra Club). Bring
along field guides for wildflowers and
birds.
TENNESSEE: Hiwassee/Ocoee
Scenic River State Park
The Olympics, John Muir, eagles and
hydroelectric dams. What do these disparate
topics have in common? Water-
and lots of it! The fresh, wilderness kind
rushing through gorges surrounded by
lush forests occupied by native species.
These two sister-rivers are destination
waterways for visitors to float, canoe and
raft. The Hiwassee offers Class I, II and
III experiences; and the Ocoee has Class
I - V rapids. The latter was the whitewater
slalom venue for the 1996 Olympics-
the only natural river to be used for this
competition. Visit the Whitewater Center's
7,200 sq. ft. space to ask about bear
sightings; attend current whitewater
events; and, walk beside and over the
river.
For land lovers, a vast system of trails
Stop along the roadsides at numerous
places to have an impromptu picnic. Riverside
areas have tables, grills, water and
restrooms. And, keep a sharp eye along
the water's edge for the American bald
eagle. Once imperiled, this majestic bird
can once again be spotted fishing along
the rivers and lakes. And, speaking of...
bring gear and try your luck catching
brown and rainbow trout (both stocked),
yellow perch, bass and cats.
Historical Notes: Harnessing the Ocoee
River's " power " was a literal endeavor
in the early part of the 20th century.
A system of dams and a one-of-a-kind,
tongue-and-groove flume brought electricity
to the mountains-and continues
to do so today.
Almost three dozen combined miles
of river waterways
Established 1972 following the
1968 scenic river protection of the
Hiwassee
tnstateparks.com/parks/hiwasseeocoee
SOUTH
CAROLINA: Caesars Head
State Park/Jones Gap State Park
Two companion parks, whose boundaries
touch and histories date back over
400 million years, are now recognized
as the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
This sprawling, pristine wilderness along
the northern boundary of the state is a
mecca of hardwood forests, geological
wonders, rivers and waterfalls, and rare
flora and fauna. For the latter two, there
are over 500 plant species (many rare),
41 mammal species, 10 species of fish,
44 representatives of reptile and amphibian
species, and 160 recorded bird
species (including up to 6,000 migrating
hawks).
Residing at the southern side of the
Blue Ridge Escarpment, these parks are
best explored via 60 miles of hiking trails
(for all skill levels). Massive granite outcroppings
offer views for miles; and trout
fishing opportunities abound. Numerous
hikes to waterfalls are well worth the effort,
particularly to watch the power of
the 420-foot cascade known as Raven
Cliff Falls (named for the birds living
here). Take a stroll across the suspension
bridge for a unique perspective.
For an immersive wilderness experience,
stay at one of the various trailside
backcountry (primitive) campsites.
Some have firepits (only). Pets are welMAY/JUNE
2022 27

http://www.tnstateparks.com/parks/hiwassee-ocoee

Blue Ridge Country May/June 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country May/June 2022