Recreation
APGI operates and maintains, solely and/or in cooperation with state and federal agency partners, more than 30 recreation areas at the four-development Tapoco Project. These public recreation areas provide opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping. Santeetlah Reservoir is the only reservoir that has private access and commercial recreation facilities. At the remaining three reservoirs, Cheoah, Calderwood, and Chilhowee, there are no private recreation facilities, no commercial recreation facilities, and no shoreline development. These reservoirs are generally less developed and provide a more primitive recreation experience.
Recreation Sites on Santeetlah and Cheoah Reservoirs
Recreation Sites on Calderwood and Chilhowee Reservoirs
In 2006, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the Tapoco Project Recreation Plan. The Plan outlines many improvements to existing recreation areas and many new areas and/or facilities. A few of these enhancements are highlighted below.
Recently, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) in cooperation with APGI built a new boating and fishing access area on Cheoah Reservoir. The new boat ramp and fishing pier are located in the Lewellyn Branch area of Cheoah Reservoir and are handicapped-accessible.
APGI also recently completed canoe/kayak portages around Cheoah, Calderwood, and Chilhowee Dams to enable through paddling on the Little Tennessee River from Fontana Dam to Tellico Reservoir. The Mainstem reservoirs at the Tapoco Project offer a highly desirable wilderness travel experience for the touring canoeist/kayaker for many reasons: the primitive setting; undisturbed view sheds with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and plunge pools; abundant wildlife; and clean, clear, and cold water. Five new, primitive campsites on Calderwood Reservoir provide through-paddlers, and other recreationists, opportunities for an overnight stay. The campsites are only accessible by water and include a tent pad(s), fire pit, picnic table, and lantern pole.
- The take-out at Cheoah Dam is approximately 250-ft above the dam, which is located at River Mile 51.2, on river right. The portage follows Highway 129 to below the dam, where it crosses Highway 129. The put-in is located at the existing Magazine Branch boat access area on Calderwood Reservoir.
- The take-out at Calderwood Dam is approximately 400-ft above the dam, which is located at River Mile 43.7, on river right. A series of stairs leads to an existing dam access road. Paddlers must take the access road up to Highway 129 and drive to the put-in below the dam at the Calderwood Village access area.
- The take out at Chilhowee Dam is located at the north entrance to Chilhowee Dam, which is located at River Mile 33.6. The portage follows Highway 129 to below the dam and the put-in is approximately 300-ft below the dam.
Canoe/Kayak Portage Map
