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Access Site TN

Charleston Boat Ramp

Hiwassee River • Oostanaula Creek

Source: tennessee_wildlife_resources_agency Updated 1 year ago

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City: Charleston, TN
County: Bradley County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 35.28659675, -84.74760439
451 Water St NE, Charleston, TN 37310, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Oostanaula Creek near Sanford, TN 3.7 mi away
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Sewee Creek near Decatur, TN 20.3 mi away
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Richland Creek at Dayton, TN 20.7 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Hiwassee River
4 runs (3 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I-II Upstream from here (14.1 mi from take-out) 3. Reliance to U.S. 411 Bridge
4.9 mi
II Upstream from here (18.4 mi from take-out) 2. Apalachia Powerhouse to Reliance
5.6 mi
III-IV Upstream from here (22.5 mi from take-out) 1. Dries: Turtletown Creek to Apalachia Powerhouse
5.7 mi 32 ft/mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
I-II 51 mi away US Route 64 at Hayesville to US Route 64 west of Peachridge
22.3 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Charleston boat ramp provides public access to the Hiwassee River, a large headwater stream in southeastern Tennessee. This section of the Hiwassee River is classified as a "Large River" with a total length of 146.59 miles, an elevation drop of 2,451 feet, and an average flow of 4,890 cubic feet per second.

Paddlers and small boaters can use the concrete boat ramp to launch onto the Hiwassee River, which flows through the scenic Cherokee National Forest. The river in this area has an average gradient of 16.7 feet per mile, providing a mix of moving water and slower sections. Nearby recreation areas include the Tennessee State Park at Reliance, which offers additional river access points. Boaters should exercise caution when launching and navigating the river, as conditions can vary depending on water levels and flow.

While specific details about hours of operation or fees are not available, the Charleston boat ramp provides a convenient put-in for those looking to explore the upper reaches of the Hiwassee River by kayak, canoe, or small motorized boat. Paddlers should research river conditions and plan accordingly for a safe and enjoyable trip on this scenic Tennessee waterway.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Cherokee National Forest Located within
Amenities
parking
restrooms