Conasauga River Blue Hole
For an unusual viewing experience, try viewing fish in the Conasauga River. Slip on a mask and snorkel and swim slowly in the still, deep pools or scan the shallows.
You’ll find a variety of fish and maybe a turtle in their natural habitat along this stretch of Conasauga State Scenic River. Always wear a personal flotation device and snorkel with a partner. Conasauga Trail #61 parallels the river.
General Information
Brilliantly colored fish are as close as your face mask as you snorkel through the crystal clear waters of the Conasauga River. The great variety, colors and numbers of fish in the Conasauga amaze even those who have snorkeled on marine coral reefs. At least 39 species of fish have been identified at the viewing site. That number of species is higher than in the entire Columbia River System. It is recommended that you bring a snorkel and mask and wear old sneakers or water shoes with socks. Be alert to signs of hypothermia.
There are numerous hiking trails in the area, including the Conasauga River trail which leads to the Fish Viewing site. Camping is available at dispersed sites along the river off of Forest Service Road 221. The Big Frog Wilderness is only a few miles away and across the state line in Georgia is the Cohutta Wilderness, both offer camping, hiking and fishing opportunities. Cottonwood Campground is also located just across the state line in Georgia.
Fish ID information found here: www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r08/cherokee/publication/Snorkeling_Site_ID%27s2.pdf
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.9949
Longitude: -84.6408
Directions
From Interstate 75:
Take I-75 to Cleveland, TN exit #20 (Cleveland by-pass). Take the bypass 6.5 miles to US 64 east (towards Ocoee); follow US 64 8 miles to Hwy 411. Turn right (south) onto 411. Travel 6.7 miles on US 411 and turn left onto TN 313 at the BP and Marathon gas stations (Ladd Springs Road which becomes Willis Springs Rd.). Travel 4 miles until the pavement ends, then bear right on gravel Forest Service Road 221 (Pea Vine/Sheeds Creek Rd.). Continue for 4.7 miles as the road climbs and winds until you reach the Conasauga River Trail Head (#61) parking lot. Turn right into the parking area. Travel time from Chattanooga is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Travel Considerations
The site location can be found on Google maps by searching for Conasauga River Snorkeling Hole (Ocoee TN) or Conasauga River Trail. Once you leave Hwy 411 you will lose cell service for the rest of the trip. It is helpful to print a map of the driving directions from google before you leave. If you are unsure on how to get to the snorkeling site, please call or email the day before and we will help you. The roads in the area can become difficult after storms and passenger vehicles and 12-passenger vans are preferred over low-clearance vehicles and large school buses.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Viewing Wildlife Info
What to see: Brilliantly colored fish including darters, minnows and bream are as close as your face mask as you snorkel through the crystal clear waters of the Conasauga River in the Cherokee National Forest. The great variety, colors, and numbers of fish in the Conasauga River amaze even those who have snorkeled on marine coral reefs. At least 39 species of fish have been identified at the viewing site on the Cherokee National Forest. That number of species is higher than in the entire Columbia River system.
Where to go: Any site in the Conasauga River on National Forest lands will allow you to see numerous species of fish in clear, clean water with a backdrop of scenic mountains. Access the site at the Conasauga River Trailhead, located at the juncture of FS Road 221 and Trail 61. This site has a large, deep (7.5 feet) pool, tumbling riffles, and smoothly flowing glides offering a variety of habitats and fish. To get to the Conasauga River (about 1 hour from Cleveland, Tn.), travel east on US hwy 64 to US hwy 411. Turn south onto 411 and drive about 7 miles. Turn left onto TN road 313 (Ball Play/Willis Springs Rd) at the brown wildlife viewing sign. Travel 4 miles, then bear right onto gravel FS Road 221 (Peavine/Sheeds Creek Rd). After 4.7 miles turn right into the parking area for the Conasauga River trail. A short trail leads from the parking lot to the Fish Viewing Site.
When to go: Fish are present in large numbers any time of the year but consider water temperature for your comfort. From late April through June, water temperatures will be in the ’60s (deg F). Many of the fish will be in peak color because they are attracting mates and spawning. By July water, temperatures will begin to reach 70 deg F. Further warming will continue through August with high water temperatures reaching more than 80 deg F. Opportunities to snorkel continue into September but the fish will be less colorful and the water temperatures will fall back into the 60s.
For your enjoyment and safety: Always snorkel with a partner and wear safety flotation gear. Be alert to hypothermia during cool weather. Wet suits are recommended for all times to provide warmth and protection from rocks. Bring a snorkel and mask and wear old sneakers or “water shoes” with socks. Be alert to lightning storms. Do not collect or disturb any of the animals or the river bottom by truning rocks – observe them without bothering them. Pack out any trash and food scraps from the area. This area is a remote part of the Forest. No water or toilet facilities are available. Have fun but be prepared to rough it!
