Access:
Good luck. We have yet to find any public access on these rivers short
of being airdropped into the river by helicopter. This method is preferable to illegally crossing through someone’s private property though, as Tennessee law clearly states that all trespassers may not only be shot, but also kicked repeatedly in the junk in the town square, which is way worse than being shot (depending on your junk, that is).
Local Culture:
The references to Deliverance have been a little over-
done when talking about Appalachia. I consider East Tennessee closer to The Postman meets Water World. If you like post-apocalyptic landscapes populated by roving bands of flesh peddlers, then by all means visit the Tri-Cities area. If not, I’d probably steer clear.
Seasons:
They all suck.