WA-NI Village

WA-NI Village is a boat ramp access point on Cherokee Lake, the impounded waters of the Holston River near Rutledge in Grainger County, Tennessee. Cherokee Lake offers a more controlled paddling environment compared to the free-flowing sections of the Holston River downstream, with significantly slower water conditions suitable for various water activities. The Holston River system is a major waterway with substantial flow averaging nearly 4,900 cubic feet per second, making it an important regional water resource for both recreation and navigation.

As a designated boat ramp facility, WA-NI Village provides access to Cherokee Lake's 137-mile stretch of the Holston River impoundment. Paddlers and boaters should be aware that while the lake provides calmer conditions than the river's free-flowing sections, the moderate average water velocity of approximately 5 feet per second and the substantial drainage area of 3,642 square miles means water levels and conditions can change based on upstream dam operations and weather events. This location serves boaters of various experience levels seeking access to this major Appalachian waterway.