Ocoee River Hiking
  • view of water flowing down a river surrounded by trees with a dam in the distance
    • Winding path through a lush green park with dense trees.

    Hiking at Ocoee River

    Sugarloaf Mountain Day Use Area

    Ocoee River State Park features a short, paved, ADA-accessible trail along the river for visitors. This serene trail offers a spectacular view of Dam #1 and the Lower Ocoee.

    With a put-in for the Lower Ocoee, a playground, and picnic tables, Sugarloaf Mountain Day Use Area is a fantastic place for families to enjoy. 

    Trails

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    • Goforth Creek Trail

      Ocoee River State Park
      Distance
      3.70 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      This 3.7-mile one-way trail is a secluded trail home to waterfalls and swimming holes.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Lower Ocoee

      Ocoee River State Park
      Distance
      7.70 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Water
      Sugar Loaf Public Put-In to Nancy Ward Gravesite. The Lower Ocoee releases from Ocoee Dam #1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout June - August. These waters are relatively calm, with Class Rapids of I or II, and able to be used for more casual floats and paddling sessions.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      paddle

      Middle Ocoee

      Ocoee River State Park
      Distance
      5.50 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Water
      Rogers Branch Public Put-In to Big Creek Public Take-Out. The Middle Ocoee is almost a continuous whitewater experience from the Put-In at Rogers Branch until the Take-Out at Big Creek. The flow level can vary between 1200 and 1800 cubic feet per second (CFS). The whitewater section from the wooden diversion dam to Ocoee No. 2 Powerhouse has an average drop of 54 feet per mile and is considered a Class III and IV river. When taking a rafting trip on this section of the river approximate time on the water is 2 hours. Minimum age for commercial rafting on the Middle Ocoee is 12 years old.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      paddle

      Old Copper Road Trail

      Ocoee River State Park
      Distance
      4.70 mi.
      Difficulty
      Moderate
      Surface
      Natural
      Accessible from the Ocoee Whitewater Center, this 4.7-mile one-way trail will give you great views of the Ocoee Dams #1 & #2 and the Ocoee Flume line.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Mountain Biking

      Rhododendron Trail

      Ocoee River State Park
      Distance
      3.30 mi.
      Difficulty
      Moderate
      Surface
      Natural
      This 3.3-mile one-way trail is great for visitors looking to view the lush forest and small waterfalls.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Upper Ocoee

      Ocoee River State Park
      Distance
      4.75 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Water
      Upper Ocoee Public Put-In to Rogers Branch Public Put-In. The Upper Ocoee River experience begins at Ocoee Dam No. 3, where the river runs parallel with the historic ‘Old Copper Road’. At this starting section of the river, you will encounter Class II whitewater and seclusion in the wilderness. The whitewater excitement continues with the thrilling Olympic whitewater section of the Ocoee River, where you will encounter Class IV whitewater. Rafters will experience Class III and Class IV rapids on this stretch of the Ocoee. Minimum age for commercial rafting on the Upper Ocoee is 12 years old.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      paddle

    Ocoee River State Park is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, home to over 700 miles of hiking trails.

    Learn More

    Nearby Trails

    There are many popular hiking trails in the nearby Cherokee National Forest.

    Old Copper Trail: Accessible from the Ocoee Whitewater Center, this 4.7-mile one-way trail will give you great views of the Ocoee Dams #1 & #2 and the Ocoee Flume line. Learn more here.

    Rhododendron Trail: This 3.3-mile one-way trail provides an excellent view of the lush forest and small waterfalls. Learn more here.

    Goforth Creek Trail: This 3.7-mile one-way trail is a secluded trail home to waterfalls and swimming holes. Learn more here.

    Trail Definitions

    • Cross Slope 

      Describes the degree of incline from one side of the trail path to the other; measured as a percentage. Cross slope aids in water drainage and impacts the overall trail stability.   

    • Grade  

      Describes the rise in elevation over a horizontal distance on the trail; measured as a percentage.  Higher percentages represent a steeper grade indicating a more challenging ascent or descent for hikers.    

    • Standard Ramp Grade

      Serves as a reference guide for the grade of the trail.  Standard Ramp Grade is 8.3% across all trail assessments.  

    • Surface 

      A characteristic of the trail expressed in terms of material type, grading, compaction, and roughness of the path. Possible surface types include soil, gravel, paved, and mulch.   

    • Tread Width    

      Represents the horizontal distance from one edge of the trail path to the other; measurements can vary.  Tread width helps to determine the amount of space a hiker has to pass through. Obstacles on the trail can alter the remaining tread width.   

    • Trail Types: Loop

      Trail returns at or near the point from which you started. 

    • Trail Types: Network 

      Offers multiple route options within one trail, and each route is connected

    • Trail Types: Out and Back

      This type of trail travels out to an endpoint where hikers turn around and travel back to the starting point.   

    • Trail Types: Stacked Loop

      A loop trail contained completely within another trail.   

    Learn More About Trail Accessibility Information

    Need a Map?

    Explore our collection of printable and digital trail maps, organized by park. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or paddling, you’ll find the resources you need to navigate confidently.

     

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    Other Activities at Ocoee River State Park