Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on one of America’s most popular whitewater destinations — the legendary Ocoee River in Tennessee! Whether you're a first-time rafter or a seasoned thrill-seeker, our professionally guided trips deliver non-stop action, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of splash-filled fun.
Choose between half-day and full-day excursions, including the world-famous Olympic course used in the 1996 Games. With waves, drops, and Class III–IV rapids around every bend, the Ocoee is the ultimate ride for adrenaline lovers.
Book now and make your next outdoor experience one to remember!
Distance & Duration: ~5 miles of rafting, roughly 3 hours total.
Rapids: Continuous Class III–IV whitewater—but suitable for those new to rafting .
Highlights: Navigate scenic Cherokee National Forest through rapids like Double Suck, Tablesaw, and Broken Nose .
Trip Details: Includes guide, PFD, helmet, paddle, and bus transport to the river .
Why choose it?
Reddit users often recommend the Middle Ocoee as an ideal first run:
“The middle is a playground with the right guide… you’ll have a blast” .
Great for families, beginners, or those seeking action-packed fun without being overwhelming.
Total: 10 miles of rafting over ~5.5 hours, including a riverside lunch .
Best of Both: Combines the adrenaline of the Upper section with the steady excitement of the Middle .
Ideal For: Experienced paddlers or adventurous beginners looking to maximize their day on the water.
Distance & Rapids: After a gentle warm-up, expect intense Class IV+ rapids—including Mikey, Blue Hole, the Olympic Course, and Hungry Mother .
Experience Level: Great for families, beginners, or those seeking action-packed fun & challenging whitewater thrills .
Season & Availability: Dam-controlled releases typically run only weekends or holidays—check the calendar .
Trip Type | Duration | Rapids Class | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Middle Ocoee | ~3 hours | Class III–IV | First-timers, families, moderate thrill-seekers |
Combo (Full Day) | ~5.5 hours | III–IV+ (Upper & Middle) | Full-day adventure; mix of challenge & fun |
Combo is excellent if you’re up for it, but start with the Middle if you’re unsure.
Middle is considered one of the most fun runs—action-packed without the complexity of the Upper.
Middle Ocoee: Great for beginners offering non-stop Class III–IV rapids in a scenic setting.
Combo Trip: Best value for those wanting the full Ocoee experience—both sections + lunch.
Minimum age: 12; max weight: 265 lbs; must be in good physical condition.
Essential gear: PFD, helmet, paddles, bus transit included; bring secure footwear and clothing that can get wet .
Ranked one of the top rivers for whitewater rafting you will not want to miss out on the Middle Ocoee trip. It offers offers the most continuous stretch of Class III-IV Rapids in the country! Tumbling through a spectacular scenic gorge in the Cherokee National Forest, the Middle Ocoee plunges 269 feet over five miles. Paddlers must maneuver around treacherous boulders, crashing waves and a drop over steep ledges.
Let our guides help you experience the thrill of rafting the Middle Ocoee, from the put-in at Grumpy's to the final wave at Hell Hole. No matter what your skill level or previous experience may be, your professional High Country Adventures guide will deliver you through the wild and wooly rapids of Double Suck, Tablesaw and Broken Nose— in one piece!
The Upper Ocoee played host to kayakers around the world for the 1996 Olympics. The Olympics may be long gone but the rapids remain and so do the thrills.
From the put-in, you will float downstream through a sublime wilderness setting with scenic mountain vistas and easy warm-up rapids. As you get comfortable with the challenges of whitewater rafting, the anticipation begins to build for the longer more powerful rapids lurking downstream.
An angry roar from up ahead soon draws your attention from the scenery as you approach the first big drop, a maelstrom named "Mikey" for its appetite (it really will eat anything). Paddle hard for those who survive the giant pour-over at "Mikey" immediately find themselves battling the continuous waves and large (unavoidable) hydraulics of the "Blue Hole" rapid.
After a few moments to catch your breath, you will find yourself hurtling down the most distinctive rapids in the Eastern U.S., the 1800-foot-long Olympic course that continues to challenge the world's best paddlers. 35 million dollars were spent prior to the '96 games to engineer this steep stretch of riverbed into a veritable whitewater heaven, where rapids like "Smiley Face," "Slam Dunk" and "Humongous" simply blend into one unforgettable roller-coaster ride.
Haven't had enough yet? Well, the Upper Ocoee saves its best for last. Just downstream from the Olympic Course, you will face "Hungry Mother," the largest rapid on the entire Ocoee River. If "Mikey" didn't eat you already, be very wary around his mother! She packs one serious punch for a grand finale you will never forget!