Ocoee River
Rafting
Ocoee River Rafting – Best Tennessee Whitewater Rafting since 1993
Welcome to Ocoee River rafting in Tennessee, an activity for outdoor adventurers, nature lovers, and everyone looking for non-stop fun. The Ocoee River is an amazing gem hidden inside the southern Appalachian Mountains and home to some of the best whitewater on this side of the Mason-Dixon line. Just 1 hour from Chattanooga, 1.5 hours from Knoxville, and 2 hours from Atlanta, the Ocoee is one of the most accessible world-class whitewater rivers in the Southeast. Adventures Unlimited has been guiding rafting trips on the Ocoee since 1993.
With Class III and IV rapids over two different stretches of waterways, the Ocoee River year after year is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in America. The Ocoee is a dam-controlled river, guaranteeing great water levels all season long with crashing waves, exciting rapids, and amazing scenery. So, round up your friends and family and come join us for a day trip or multi-day getaway on the Ocoee River Corridor. You don’t want to get left behind.
Classic Middle Ocoee RIVER Rafting
Middle Ocoee RIVER Rafting Details
- Cost: $42-$60 pp (Discounts for 10+)
- No experience necessary, just your sense of adventure.
- Trip Length: 5.5 Miles
- Time on Water: about 2 hours
- Total Trip Time: 3.5 – 4 Hours
- Minimum Age: 12 years old
- Expert, fun guides!
America’s Most Popular Whitewater!
This adventure is located on the world class Ocoee River in the beautiful Cherokee National Forest in southeast Tennessee. Over 5.5 miles, you’ll drop more than 270 feet through over 20 named rapids including Grumpy’s Ledge, Roller Coaster, Table Saw, and the crowd-favorite Double Suck on America’s most popular whitewater river. After almost two hours of heart-pumping fun, we float into the take-out for our ride back to Adventures Unlimited. Your dry clothes await you as well as the photos from your Ocoee whitewater adventure. No experience is necessary. Every raft is led by a certified guide, and the minimum age is 12 years old.
Full Ocoee River Rafting
Full Ocoee River Rafting Details
- Cost: $120 pp (Discounts for 10+)
- No experience necessary, just your sense of adventure.
- Trip Length: 10 Miles
- Time on Water: about 4 hours
- Total Trip Time: 5.5 - 6 Hours
- Minimum Age: 12 years old
- Expert, fun guides!
The World’s Only Natural Olympic River
The world came to the Ocoee River during the 1996 Olympics to experience these huge rapids, and you can too! Our Full River Adventure starts five miles upstream of the Classic Middle Ocoee Adventure just below the remote TVA Ocoee Dam #3. The Mighty Ocoee winds through the Cherokee National Forest, lulling you with scenic calm before the action hits fast. Then, rapids like Mikey’s Ledge, Let’s Make a Deal, and the Olympic course’s Class IV challenges, like the famous Humongous, bring nonstop excitement. After a riverside lunch break, the adventure continues on the Middle Ocoee, known as “America’s Most Popular Whitewater.”
Group Rafting Ocoee Trips and Retreats
Adventures Unlimited runs group rafting on the Ocoee for parties of any size from 10 to 100+. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted rates on both Middle and Full Ocoee trips. Plan your corporate retreats, family reunions, church groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties, school trips, and more! With our rafting, large cabin rentals, bungalows, easy tent and RV camping, and the iconic Bus Bar & Grill, your whole trip can be planned with AU from start to finish. Enjoy outdoor activities, live music, and a comfortable place to rest your head with all your favorite people! Options for small and large groups available.
Ocoee WHITEWATER Rafting FAQ
Do I need experience for Ocoee River Rafting?
No! There is no experience necessary for rafting the Ocoee River. Each raft is led by a certified guide.
Who can participate in Ocoee River rafting?
Since no experience is necessary, almost everyone can raft the Ocoee. Every raft is accompanied by a certified guide who conducts a safety orientation prior to the trip. All participants are expected to participate/paddle in the rafting adventure. The State of Tennessee requires all rafting guests on the Ocoee to be twelve years of age and older.
Why Try Ocoee River Rafting?
Ocoee River rafting delivers nonstop Class III–IV rapids, warm water, and one of the most exciting whitewater experiences in the Southeast. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and accessibility, making it ideal for first-timers, families, and groups looking for an unforgettable Ocoee River State Park adventure.
Why is the Ocoee River the most popular whitewater rafting Tennessee has?
The Ocoee River is the most popular whitewater rafting destination in Tennessee because it combines consistent dam-controlled flow with thrilling Class III-IV rapids and easy access for all skill levels. It also made history as the site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events as the only time a natural river has ever been used for Olympic slalom competition, setting it apart from all other man-made Olympic courses. And today, you can experience the Olympic course yourself on a Full Ocoee River rafting trip!
Does AU have lodging near the Ocoee River Corridor?
Yes! Our Ocoee Resort has everything you need to plan a fun trip to the Ocoee River. With camping, bungalows, and large cabin rentals, you can choose the getaway adventure that matches your needs. And with an on-site bar and restaurant, you can relax with a cold drink, delicious meal, and live music after a fun day on the river.
Is there a weight limit for Ocoee River rafting?
No. However, each guest must be in good health, have a chest size no larger than 56 inches to fit into the Type V PFD and be able to actively participate in the sport of whitewater rafting. If you have concerns, please have a discussion with your physician prior to your trip.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Everyone must sign a liability waiver before they can go rafting with Adventures Unlimited. Our waivers are digital and all group leaders are sent a link to your digital waiver. Check with them about a link to your waiver prior to arrival at AU.
Do I have to wear shoes whitewater rafting Tennessee?
Shoes are HIGHLY recommended while rafting on the Ocoee River. You will walk on gravel at several locations along the river and shoes also make it easier to brace in the boat. Old tennis shoes, aqua socks, fancy sport sandals are all good options as they are secure on your feet. Flip flops should stay in the car for the ride home.
What should I wear when Ocoee River rafting?
Everything you wear on your rafting trip WILL GET WET so plan accordingly. In the summertime, rafting gear should consist of a swimsuit, shorts, maybe a t-shirt, and some SUNSCREEN. When the weather is cooler, plan on bringing some extra gear. Think synthetic materials like nylon, lycra, and polyester pants/leggings, pullovers, and maybe some wool socks when you are packing your bag. Leave the cotton hoodies in the car for after the trip.
How do we get from Adventures Unlimited to the Ocoee River?
Everyone parks their car at Adventures Unlimited and checks in for the trip. Once we call the trip, do an orientation, and grab our gear, we all load up on a bus and travel up to the Ocoee to start our adventure.
How long is the bus ride to raft the Ocoee river?
We travel 17 miles East on Highway 64 to the put-in for the Classic Middle Trip and an additional 4 miles if we are heading to the put-in for the Upper Ocoee River.
Can we drive our cars to the Ocoee River put-in?
No. While there is parking at the put-in for the Classic Middle Trip, there is no way to get you back up to your car after the trip. There is no parking at the take-out for the Classic Middle Trip. There is no parking at the put-in for the Upper Ocoee Trip either.
Can we bring snacks and drinks Ocoee River rafting?
No, this just ends up being litter in the river.
What time do we show up for our trip?
Please plan on arriving at Adventures Unlimited 15-30 minutes prior to your trip time. This allows plenty of time for check-in, changing of clothes if necessary, and the last-minute trips to the restroom. And always remember, Adventures Unlimited operates on Eastern Standard Time.
Do I have to know how to swim for whitewater rafting Tennessee?
No. No one can swim in the traditional fashion in the Ocoee River. Your raft guide will teach you how to swim on your back with your toes on the surface of the water and pointed downstream. It is similar to sitting in a recliner.
Do you still raft the Ocoee River if it is raining?
All of our trips go rain or shine.
Should I tip my guide?
Gratuities are appreciated but not expected.
Will I fall out while Ocoee River rafting?
Maybe. We cannot guarantee that you won’t fall out of the boat, but if you listen to your safety speech and learn how to brace in the boat correctly, the odds of staying in the boat greatly increase.
What is the difference between the Middle Ocoee and the Full Ocoee trip?
The Middle Ocoee is a 5.5-mile trip covering America's most popular whitewater stretch about 3.5-4 hours total, starting at $42/person. The Full Ocoee adds the Upper Ocoee Olympic course upstream for a 10-mile, full-day adventure at $120/person, including a riverside lunch.
How far is the Ocoee River from Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Knoxville?
Adventures Unlimited on the Ocoee River Corridor is approximately 1 hour from Chattanooga, TN; 1.5 hours from Knoxville, TN; and 2 hours from Atlanta, GA. The address is 522 Highway 64, Ocoee, TN.
Prepare for your Ocoee River Rafting Trip
Now that you’ve explored answers to the most commonly asked questions, it’s time to prepare for your trip! We have a helpful guide with six tips to ensure you and your group are prepared for your Ocoee River rafting experience.