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Ocoee River Rafting
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Rafting & Adventure

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Ducktown, TN· Ocoee River

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Released from Ocoee Dam #2 on a published summer schedule, the Olympic and Middle Ocoee sections are among the best commercial whitewater in the eastern US.

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Places to Stay Near Ocoee River Rafting

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Travel guide

About Ocoee River Rafting

The Ocoee River cuts through the Cherokee National Forest in southeast Tennessee and was the whitewater venue for the 1996 Olympics. Two distinct sections — the Middle Ocoee for classic Class III–IV runs and the Upper Ocoee for the technical Olympic course — make it one of the most consistent rafting destinations in the eastern US thanks to scheduled TVA dam releases.

Why visit Ocoee River Rafting

Release days run regularly from spring through early fall, so trip planning is unusually predictable. Families and first-timers stick to the Middle Ocoee; experienced paddlers add the Upper for the Olympic rapids. Photographers love the gorge from the Highway 64 pullouts. Most outfitters run half- and full-day trips with shuttle and gear included, and many add ziplines or rappelling for a packed itinerary.

What to do nearby

Blue Ridge, Georgia is twenty minutes south and adds the scenic railway, Mercier Orchards, and downtown dining. Copperhill and McCaysville straddle the state line at the railway's turn-around. The Hiwassee River north of Reliance offers calmer paddling, and the Cohutta Wilderness brings serious backcountry hiking.

Where to stay near Ocoee River Rafting

Cabins along Highway 64 between Ducktown and Copperhill put you within ten minutes of the Middle Ocoee put-ins; Blue Ridge stays add walkable dining and wineries for the off-river half of the trip. Stay Near's rankings weight river proximity, hot tubs for sore shoulders, and walkable dining — add 'rafting' and 'hot tub' to the experience bar to see the list re-sort for an Ocoee trip.

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Frequently asked questions about Ocoee River Rafting
Is the Ocoee River good for first-time rafters?
Yes — the Middle Ocoee is a strong introduction to Class III–IV whitewater. Most outfitters take guests 12 and up.
When does the Ocoee River run?
TVA scheduled releases generally run weekends from late spring through early fall, with additional midweek days in summer. Check the current release schedule before booking.
How long is an Ocoee rafting trip?
Middle Ocoee trips run about two hours on the water; full-day Upper + Middle combos run four to five hours.
What should I bring rafting on the Ocoee?
Swimsuit, secured water shoes or sandals, a change of clothes, and sunscreen. Outfitters provide helmet, PFD, and paddle.
How far is the Ocoee from Blue Ridge, GA?
About twenty to twenty-five minutes from downtown Blue Ridge to the Middle Ocoee put-in.

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