Brought to you by Adventures Unlimited – where the fun doesn’t stop when the rafting ends.
Let’s face it—there’s way too much fun to be had in Ocoeeland to only stay for a day! So, we’ve put together a flexible, multi-day itinerary to help you soak up the best of what our region has to offer. From baby sloths to mountain-top glider flights, this is your launchpad to explore the hidden gems of Polk County and beyond.
Day 1: River Rafting & A Campfire Chill
- Tackle the Ocoee River: Start your trip off right with a whitewater rafting adventure down the Ocoee River. With Class III-IV rapids, this is Tennessee adrenaline at its finest.
- Campground Chill Time: After the ride, head back to Adventures Unlimited, toss a hammock between a couple of trees, dig into your cooler, and unwind with a snack and something cold to sip.
- Campfire Vibes: Settle in with friends around a fire pit. Bring out the marshmallows, play some tunes, and relive the day’s wild moments!
- Nightlife: No need to venture off property for a great evening out! We’ve built a beach bar in the mountains. Repurposed rafting busses have been transformed into an Ocoee Staple! Live Music every weekend all Summer long! The Bus Bar and Grill serves up a hefty Breakfast Buffet on Saturday and Sunday Morning from 8-11:30 and offers a full selection of Lunch and Dinner options to help fill everyone’s cravings after a big day on the river!
Day 2: Animal Encounters & Wild Wonders
- Conquer the Full River with The AU Crew:
10 miles of world class whitewater is waiting! During this adventure bring your appetite, as the Catering team from The Bus Bar and Grill will be waiting for you at the half way point of the trip with a Riverside pulled BBQ pork lunch, complete with vegetarian baked beans, housemade cole slaw, chips, soft Hawaiian rolls, pink lemonade, and always a sweet treat too!
- Ocoee Riverside Farm:
Off the beaten path and into the wild! Spend time with exotic animals like:
Sloths (yes, real ones you can meet!)
Baby zebras
Kangaroos
Camels
Horseback riding adventures
Whether you spend the whole day or just a couple of hours here, it’s an unforgettable stop that’s perfect for families or anyone who loves animals.
- Relax and Reset: After the farm, take some downtime back at your bungalow, cabin, RV site, or tent at Adventures Unlimited. Or take a dip in a nearby swimming hole. There are several swimming holes that help you cool off!
Parksville Beach or Mac Point Beach: Located along the banks of Parksville Lake there are two public beaches. Each unique, but both help you cool off! (Take cash, as its $4 a car to park) Picnic Tables and restroom facilities are available.
Ocoee Whitewater Center: On the weekends, the Upper Ocoee is pumping with whitewater and absolutely not suitable for swimming, but excellent for watching the action! However, when the Ocoee #3 Dam System is not releasing water the whitewater center is full of waterslides created by the rocks in the riverbed and lots of deep pools filled with cool water!
Hiwassee State Park: Nestled in Delano, 12 miles from AU. Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, and a boat ramp, perfect for wading in the chilly waters of The Hiwassee River.
Ocoee State Park: Need to let the little kids burn off some energy! A fabulous playground, picnic tables and charcoal grills that are located riverside on the lower Ocoee River. Closes at dusk and free entry.
Day 3: Sky-High Thrills & Local Sips and MORE WHITEWATER
Explore the Hiwassee River – At Your Own Pace
Looking to keep the adventure going? Trade the guide for your own paddle and head just a short drive away to the Hiwassee River for a self-guided paddling experience that’s perfect for all skill levels.
At Hiwassee Outfitters, you can rent the vessel of your choice—from rafts to kayaks—and enjoy a relaxing but scenic float through one of East Tennessee’s State Scenic Rivers. After a quick shuttle ride to the river put-in, you’ll begin your journey downstream, winding your way through gentle rapids and lush forest landscapes.
- Local Tip: We highly recommend trying an inflatable kayak (affectionately known as a duckie). They’re stable, playful, and perfect for making the most of the Hiwassee’s easy-going whitewater.
This is a fantastic option for those looking to:
Add a second day of adventure,
Ease into paddling at their own pace, - Or simply unwind after a high-adrenaline day on the Ocoee.
Float your own boat—literally—and take in the serenity, sunshine, and clear mountain water of the Hiwassee River. It’s the perfect contrast to the thrill of the Ocoee and a great way to round out your whitewater weekend.
- Ocoee Gliderport:
Just 10 minutes from Adventures Unlimited, this is one of the region’s most underrated gems. Glide silently above the Cherokee National Forest in a tandem glider for an experience that’s both thrilling and peaceful. The views? Absolutely unbeatable. - Savannah Oaks Winery:
After soaring through the sky, bring it back to the ground with a relaxing wine tasting. Enjoy a flight of wines made from grapes grown right here in Polk County. Pair it with artisan cheeses from Sweetwater Valley Farms (psst… the Garlic Veggie cheese is our fave!)
Day 4: Trails, Bikes, Mountain Drives & Forest Explorations
- Hit the Trails at the Ocoee Whitewater Center:
Bring your mountain bike (or rent one nearby) and explore miles of forested trails suitable for every skill level—from beginner loops to expert-level challenges. The trails here are well-marked and beautifully maintained, winding along creeks and ridgelines in the Cherokee National Forest. - Scenic Must See Mountain Drives
- The Cherohala Skyway is a scenic National Forest Byway that winds through the mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, offering some of the most breathtaking drives in the southeastern United States.
- Length: About 43 miles (69 km)
- 23 miles in Tennessee
- 20 miles in North Carolina
- Endpoints:
- Tellico Plains, Tennessee (west end)
- Robbinsville, North Carolina (east end)
- Highest Elevation: Around 5,400 feet (1,646 m) near the Tennessee–North Carolina border
- The Skyway follows TN-165 and NC-143, sweeping through the Cherokee National Forest (hence “Chero-”) and the Nantahala National Forest (“-hala”).
- It’s famous for its long, graceful curves, panoramic overlooks, and minimal commercial development — there are no gas stations, restaurants, or motels along the byway itself.
- The road is paved and well-maintained, but it’s remote, so drivers are advised to fuel up and bring supplies before setting out.
What You’ll See- Vast mountain vistas: Rolling layers of blue ridges stretching for miles.
- Dense hardwood forests: Especially spectacular in autumn, when the leaves blaze with color.
- Wildlife: Black bears, deer, wild turkey, and a wide variety of birds.
- Waterfalls & hikes: Access to trails like the Huckleberry Knob Trail (the highest point in the Unicoi Mountains) and Falls Branch Falls.
Who Loves It- Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts prize The Skyway for its smooth pavement and sweeping turns.
- Photographers, leaf-peepers, and hikers visit year-round for the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Seasonal Notes- Open year-round, but snow and ice can make parts of it hazardous or temporarily closed in winter.
- Autumn (late October–early November) is the most popular season for visitors due to fall colors.
- Bonus Ideas:
- Pack a picnic and chill by the river at the Whitewater Center
- Stop into local shops or art galleries in downtown Copperhill/McCaysville (just a short drive away)
- Take a sunset stroll or light hike for a slower-paced end to your day
Mix, Match, or Extend Your Stay!
The best part? There’s no wrong way to explore Ocoee.
Use this itinerary as a base, then tailor your trip based on what calls to you most:
- Want to raft again? Book a second trip!
- Prefer to keep it low-key? More hammock time.
- Craving adventure? Add ziplining or a paddleboard session, or a pontoon boat rental on Parksville Lake.
- We love to talk about our region and have plenty of more activities up our sleeve! Give us a call and let’s start the planning!
Whether you stay two days or stretch it into a long weekend, Adventures Unlimited is your launchpad for epic Ocoee memories.