Ocoee River
Release Schedule

2026 Ocoee Release Calendar

The Ocoee River dam system consists of three TVA – (Tennessee Valley Authority) owned hydroelectric dams, numbered 1, 2, and 3, which generate electricity for the area. Ocoee No. 1 Dam, the farthest downstream, forms Parksville Reservoir. Ocoee No. 2 Dam uses a unique wooden flume to direct water for power generation and also releases water for our Classic Middle Ocoee River Trips. Ocoee No. 3 Dam, the most upstream, was built during World War II and provides a critical section of the river for whitewater sports, including the 1996 Olympic whitewater venue and our Full River Ocoee Trips.

The Ocoee Outfitters work with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and TVA to create a schedule of guaranteed releases on the Ocoee River. While these releases are guaranteed, they may change in times of extreme weather and high power demand.

Ocoee No. 2 dam releases water only on weekends in the spring and fall. Water releases are five days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. We never have water on Tuesdays or Wednesdays on the Classic Middle Section of the Ocoee in the summertime. 
Psst… but watch out for the “secret week” in late September/early October as we have water all week long.

Ocoee No. 3 spills into the Upper Section of the Ocoee River to allow us to run our Full Ocoee River Trips. These releases are weekends only and run late May through mid-September. 

Check out the calendar below to pick your perfect date for some thrilling Ocoee whitewater rafting!