Ocoee River Paddling
  • two groups of people white water rafting in a river in yellow rafts
    • group of people wearing vests and helmets in a raft going down a river

    Paddling and Rafting at Ocoee River

    Paddling and rafting are among the most popular ways to enjoy Ocoee River State Park.

    Did you know the Ocoee River doesn’t run all day, every day? The Tennessee Valley Authority, in collaboration with Tennessee State Parks and the United States Forest Service, controls the flow of the river by releasing water from the dams. When the dams release water, it creates the whitewater rapids that people come from all over to enjoy.

    The Ocoee River only runs at certain times through a partnership with the TVA. The river is divided into the Upper, Middle and Lower Ocoee and the days of active release vary by area. On non-release days, water levels are too low for whitewater rafting. Visitors looking to whitewater raft on these sections of the river should review the dates of dam release prior to planning their trip to ensure the ability to whitewater raft. Those looking for more of a casual float or paddle should consider the Lower Ocoee throughout the week.

    The most popular areas of the park are the Upper and Middle Ocoee. The Upper Ocoee was the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics and features several Class IV rapids, the largest rapids that the Ocoee River has to offer. The Middle Ocoee offers five miles of Class III and Class IV rapids along the mountains. The Lower Ocoee is best for a more casual float, enjoyable for visitors of all skill levels and appropriate for younger visitors.

    Park Trail Maps
    • Area for white water rafting where there is a slope for rafts to go into water with tons of people and a bridge in the background

    The Upper Ocoee

    The Upper Ocoee releases on weekends only from May until Labor Day. Those looking to do a combo rafting trip on the Upper and Middle Ocoee will need to book during these weekends.

    • Put-In: Upper Ocoee Put-In (#1 on Map)
    • Take-Out: Rogers Brand (#4 on Map)

    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.

    Note: Minimum age for commercial rafting on the Upper Ocoee is 12 years old.

    The Middle Ocoee

    The Middle Ocoee has opportunities for paddlers from March to October.

    • March - Memorial Day: Weekends only
    • Memorial Day - Labor Day: Thursdays - Mondays
      • Please note that those looking to do a combo rafting trip of the Upper and Middle Ocoee will need to book on Saturdays or Sundays.
    • Labor Day - October: Weekends only
    • Put-In: Rogers Branch Put-In (#4 on Map)
    • Take-Out: Caney Creek Commercial Take-Out or Big Creek Public Take-Out (#5 - Caney Creek, #6 - Big Creek on Map)

    The Middle Ocoee is almost a continuous whitewater experience from the put-in at Rogers Branch until the take-out at Caney 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 two hours.

    • people white water rafting splashing against the rough water
    • Person carrying a yellow kayak near a river with a bridge in the background.

    The Lower Ocoee

    The Lower Ocoee releases from Ocoee Dam #1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout June, July, and 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.

    The Lower Ocoee is great for those looking to have a more low-key float experience instead of a whitewater experience.

    See Schedule

    Rafting Safety and Rules

    Personal Flotation Devices:

    • While boating on the Upper and Middle Ocoee, personal flotation devices are required to be worn at all times when water is being released.
    • It is recommended that visitors wear personal flotation devices at all times while on any section of the Ocoee as even still waters can change quickly. Coast Guard-approved, minimal type 3, life jackets are required for all recreational activities along the stream bed in the Ocoee.
    • Please keep an eye on release schedules for the Ocoee River. Review all safety information at the link below.

    Age Restrictions:

    Children are required to be 12 and up to commercially raft the Ocoee River in the Upper and Middle Sections.

    Responsible Recreation:

    • Visitors are not allowed to have aluminum or styrofoam containers while on the river.
    • Practice responsible recreational practices. Details at this link.
    • Please contact our parks for guidance on the different sections that one can paddle between the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers. There are over 30 miles of Blueways with varying degrees of difficulty per section.
    See All Safety Information Here
    • group of people wearing helmets and life vest listening to a ranger instructor on a raft

    No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.

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    More Parks with Paddling

    Other Activities at Ocoee River State Park