Water Activities
Whitewater runs through the mountains of Cherokee National Forest creating deep river gorges, world-class whitewater, premier trout streams, scenic waterfalls and reservoirs with undeveloped shorelines.
The U.S. Forest Service cooperates with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and local outfitter/guides to offer a variety of water-based recreation experiences.
Search for Water Activities Opportunities
Ocoee Whitewater Center
Site Open
 On April 26, 2022, the Ocoee Whitewater Center caught fire and was destroyed. No one was injured in the fire.The Cherokee National Forest, along with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), have reopened…
Parksville Beach
Site Open
This popular swim area is surrounded by grassy areas with picnic tables and benches. Vault toilet and changing facilities available.
Parksville Boat Launch
Site Open
Parksville Boat Launch provides access to the northeastern portion of Parksville Lake. The launch has two ramps - the west ramp is suitable for boats, while the east ramp is shallow and only suitable…
Parksville Lake
The oldest lake in the Cherokee National Forest was created by Tennessee Rural Electric Company in 1910-11. Sometimes known as Lake Ocoee, this lake is controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority…
Pigeon River
Named for the extinct passenger pigeon whose migration routes traversed this area, the Pigeon River is now a popular recreation destination for fisherman and river rafters alike.Fisherman can catch…
Rat Branch Boat Launch
Site Open
Located just East of Hampton, TN, Rat Branch Boat Launch is a popular location for boaters of all sorts. There is a fishing pier on site.    Â
Rock Creek Recreation Area
Site Open
Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the creek that runs alongside this developed recreation site.The picnic facilities, stream-fed swimming pool and bathhouse were originally built by the…
Shook Branch Beach
Site Closed
Shook Branch Recreation Area is located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. This 20-acre site includes a large, grassy area for picnicking, picnic tables with grills, and a…
Sink Mountain Boat Ramp
Site Open
Sink Mountain Boat Ramp is located approx 1 mile on paved Forest Road 298 off TN Hwy 167.
South Holston Lake
Boat, kayak, water-ski and fish the meandering shoreline of this TVA lake. Launch your watercraft from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s ramp on US 421 or from Little Oak Campground off Forest…