Most of the Tennessee Valley Authority's developed recreation areas and six dam reservation campgrounds will re-open by the end of the day on Friday, May 15. That includes operations on the Ocoee River to allow for whitewater rafting.
They've been closed since March to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Restrooms, large-group pavilions and playgrounds will remain closed even in those areas that have reopened.
TVA is asking visitors to continue to follow safe social distancing and other public health guidelines.
Seventeen TVA recreation areas are re-opening but some will remain closed due to construction and needed repair work.
The Pickwick recreation area is only partially re-opening due to ongoing repair work from spring flooding.
Four additional recreation areas will remain closed due to maintenance and repair activities unrelated to COVID-19: Kentucky Dam West Bank Road (walk-in access to fishing areas is permitted), Raccoon Mountain, Tellico and the Wilson Dam Rockpile Recreation Area
Managed campgrounds at TVA’s Cherokee, Douglas (headwater and tailwater), Melton Hill, Pickwick and Watauga dams will open for the season on May 15. More information about campgrounds will be posted on this website.
In coordination with the state of Tennessee and the U.S. Forest Service, TVA is also resuming some recreational releases on the Ocoee River to support commercial whitewater rafting and kayaking.