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The Ocoee River in Tennessee

The Ocoee River, located in southeastern Tennessee, is a popular destination known for its whitewater rafting and scenic beauty. Flowing through the Appalachian Mountains, the river stretches for about 93 miles and is part of the Hiwassee River watershed. The river is divided into two main sections: the Upper Ocoee and the Middle Ocoee.

The Upper Ocoee is renowned for its challenging Class III-IV rapids and gained international fame as the site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater slalom events. The Middle Ocoee is slightly more moderate with Class III rapids, making it a favorite spot for recreational rafting and kayaking. This section is especially popular due to its consistent water flow, which is regulated by releases from the Ocoee Dam.

In addition to its adventure sports appeal, the Ocoee River is surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Cherokee National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The river’s name is derived from a Cherokee word meaning “apricot vine place,” reflecting the region’s rich cultural and natural history.

Exciting River Rafting

"The Ocoee River has thrills like no other place in Southeast Tennessee."

John

Rafter

Two Sections of the Ocoee River

Upper Ocoee River

Rafting on the Upper Ocoee River is an exhilarating adventure that attracts thrill-seekers from around the world. This section of the river, located in southeastern Tennessee, is famous for its intense and challenging whitewater rapids, which range from Class III to Class IV. The Upper Ocoee is particularly known for its technical and demanding rapids, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience for even seasoned rafters.

The journey typically begins near the Ocoee Dam No. 3, where the controlled water releases ensure optimal rafting conditions. As you navigate the river, you’ll encounter a series of heart-pounding rapids with names like “Godzilla,” “Humongous,” and “Roach Motel,” each offering unique challenges that require precise maneuvering and teamwork. One of the highlights of the Upper Ocoee rafting experience is paddling through the Olympic section, the site of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics whitewater slalom events. This stretch of the river features expertly engineered rapids that test your skills and provide an unmatched rush of excitement.

Throughout the trip, rafters are surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Cherokee National Forest, with its lush greenery and rugged landscapes providing a scenic backdrop to the adventure. The combination of intense rapids and breathtaking scenery makes rafting on the Upper Ocoee a memorable and rewarding experience. Whether you’re an experienced rafter looking for a new challenge or an adventurous spirit seeking a thrilling outdoor activity, the Upper Ocoee River promises an unforgettable whitewater adventure.

Middle Ocoee River

Rafting on the Middle Ocoee River is a thrilling yet accessible adventure, perfect for both novice and experienced rafters. Located in southeastern Tennessee, this section of the Ocoee River is renowned for its consistent, exciting rapids and beautiful surroundings. Spanning five miles, the Middle Ocoee offers a continuous series of Class III rapids, providing an ideal balance of excitement and safety.

The rafting trip begins just below the Ocoee Dam No. 2, where water releases ensure a steady, reliable flow. As you set off, you’ll quickly encounter a series of exhilarating rapids with names like “Grumpy’s,” “Double Trouble,” and “Tablesaw.” Each rapid presents its own unique challenges, requiring teamwork and quick reflexes to navigate the swift currents and waves. The Middle Ocoee is characterized by its continuous whitewater, giving rafters little time to rest between rapids and ensuring a heart-pounding adventure from start to finish.

One of the key features of the Middle Ocoee is its accessibility to a wide range of rafters. The rapids are exciting enough to thrill experienced rafters, yet manageable for those who are newer to the sport, making it a popular choice for families, groups, and adventure seekers of all levels. Along the way, rafters are treated to stunning views of the surrounding Cherokee National Forest, with its lush forests, rocky outcrops, and diverse wildlife enhancing the experience.

Rafting on the Middle Ocoee offers not only the rush of conquering powerful rapids but also moments of serene beauty as you float between the turbulent sections. The combination of adrenaline-pumping action and scenic tranquility makes this stretch of the river a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the best of what Tennessee’s great outdoors has to offer.

The Olympic Course on the Ocoee River in SE Tennessee...

The Olympic course on the Ocoee River, located in southeastern Tennessee, is a world-renowned stretch of whitewater that gained international fame during the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. This section of the Upper Ocoee River was specifically engineered to host the whitewater slalom events, making it a premier destination for advanced whitewater enthusiasts and competitive kayakers.

Spanning approximately half a mile, the Olympic course is characterized by its highly technical and challenging rapids, which range from Class III to Class IV. This course was meticulously designed to test the skills of the world’s best paddlers, featuring rapid sequences and obstacles that demand precise navigation and split-second decision-making. Key rapids on the course include “Mickey’s,” “Godzilla,” and the formidable “Humongous,” each presenting unique challenges with powerful waves, drops, and tight turns.

The engineering of the Olympic course involved strategically placed boulders and man-made features to create a consistent and formidable whitewater environment. The controlled water releases from Ocoee Dam No. 3 ensure that the course maintains its challenging conditions, providing an ideal training ground for both competitive paddlers and adventurous rafters looking for a high-octane experience.

In addition to its technical challenges, the Olympic course is set against the stunning backdrop of the Cherokee National Forest. Rafters and kayakers navigating the course are treated to the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, with its dense forests and rugged terrain adding to the overall experience.

Rafting or kayaking the Olympic course on the Ocoee River offers a unique opportunity to follow in the wake of Olympic athletes, tackling the same rapids that once tested the world’s best. Whether you’re a competitive paddler seeking to hone your skills or an adventure seeker looking for a thrilling whitewater experience, the Olympic course on the Ocoee River promises an unforgettable challenge.

How many people raft down the Ocoee annually?

The Ocoee River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the United States, attracting a substantial number of visitors annually. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 250,000 to 300,000 people raft the Ocoee River. This high volume of rafters is a testament to the river’s thrilling rapids, scenic beauty, and reputation as a premier location for whitewater adventures. The Middle Ocoee, in particular, is renowned for being one of the most frequently rafted sections of river in the country, contributing significantly to these visitor numbers.

When is the best time to go rafting in Tennessee?

Now is always the best time to go the Ocoee River. Rafting is limited to late Spring through early Fall. For the 2024 season , rafting can be done from April 20th to October 5. We always suggest double checking before planning a trip down the beautiful Ocoee River.