The river is dammed by the
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in four locations, all in
Western North Carolina:
Chatuge Dam,
Mission Dam (not owned by TVA),
Hiwassee Dam, and
Apalachia Dam. The river features Class I through Class III rapids, depending on water levels. After exiting the mountains through a gorge, the Hiwassee broadens, meandering through rural
Polk and
Bradley counties in Tennessee. It is crossed by a bridge carrying US-411 soon after it exits the mountains.
U.S. Route 11 passes over the river at
Calhoun and
Charleston, Tennessee, where local industries such as
Bowater Newsprint Mill and Arch/Olin Chemical use river water in their operations. At this point the river interfaces with the impoundment of
Chickamauga Dam (located in
Chattanooga, Tennessee). Many
marshes and
wetlands surround the main channel, providing rich habitats for wildlife and areas for hunting and fishing.
Interstate 75 passes over the river on the border of
McMinn and Bradley counties. The Hiwassee continues westward; it is crossed by
SR 58's bridge on its way to its confluence with the Tennessee River. This area of the river is enjoyed by boaters, fishermen, and water skiers. Major tributaries include Valley River,
Nottely River, Coker Creek, Big Lost Creek, Spring Creek,
Conasauga Creek, and
Toccoa/Ocoee River. ==Etymology==