Hiwassee Outfitters?

[CalebJ]

Does anybody know when they open for the season? I emailed them a couple of weeks ago and have called a few times but never gotten anyone, so I'm assuming they aren't open yet. Was hoping to set up a mail drop and crash in their bunkhouse. If not, any other recommendations on a place to shower and charge a phone around that location without having to hitch hike off trail?

[CalebJ]

Reliance Fly and Tackle sounds promising and is close enough for an easy end of day walk from the trail. Any reason not to use them?

[nastynate]

The river starts running regularly on May 24th. I'm sure they'll be open by then.

[CalebJ]

I'm hoping to pass through around 4/30th, so that's a bit of a problem. :-)

[nastynate]

They use to leave the bathhouse open year round for paddlers to warm up and get a hot shower. No clue if they still do. Gee Creek campground is just down river a bit. They have a nice bathhouse with outlets open year round.

[SGT Rock]

Hiwassee Outfitters has never been good about returning calls and emails in my experience. I personally prefer Reliance Fly and Tackle. And they operate year round.

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[CalebJ]

Thanks for the heads up. Also seeing several strongly negative reviews online about campground experiences at HO. I'll give Reliance a call tomorrow and arrange the stay and maildrop. Thanks!

[Desert Reprobate]

They aren't opening an outfitter at the Hiawassee Budget Inn this year? Give the motel a call and they should know.

[CalebJ]

That motel is a shade over 70 miles off the trail. Not quite what I'm looking for, but thanks! :-)

[Razor]

Desert Reprobate ----Yes the outfittter @ the Budget is open this year --He was asking about stops on the BMT @ the Hi River --hence the 70 miles he referenced and not the mileage we are used to .

[SGT Rock]

It does get confusing with Hiwassee River and also places like Unicoi Gap where there is one on the BMT and one on the AT and they are no where near each other.

[Desert Reprobate]

I didn't notice we were talking about the BMT. So many places back there with the same name.

[CalebJ]

Definitely. Sorry if my response above seemed snarky. It wasn't my intent, but looking back it could be interpreted that way. I really did appreciate the suggestion of a possible place to stay.