Ocoee River Safety
  • group of people wearing helmets and life vest listening to a ranger instructor on a raft

    • Ocoee River Safety Information

    The Ocoee River State Park is internationally known for its whitewater. Through a partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), water for the Upper Ocoee is released on weekends all summer. The Middle Ocoee, which boasts an exhilarating experience with nearly five miles of almost consecutive rapids is released five days per week throughout the summer.

    The Lower Ocoee, which is a much more mellow section of river, offers scheduled release days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer, but also has many unscheduled release days all summer long.

    See Park Maps

    • group of white water rafting instructors on and near rafts that are grouped together

    Paddling Ability and Safety

    It is imperative that all visitors follow safety protocols and monitor the conditions of the river prior to and during their visit. This includes ensuring that you have the proper equipment to paddle/raft or have booked with an outfitter to rent their equipment.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office and our staff is here to help you make the most of your time with us.

    For the general schedule of recreational release days, please view this link, but note that this link does not account for power outages or flooding:

    See Recreational Release Schedule

    Age Restrictions: All children must be 12-years-old or older to commercially raft the Ocoee River.

    Lake Levels

    The TVA provides active updates about their water levels on their website. Using the link below, use the drop down menu to select the dam you would like to see updated information on (Ocoee #3 - Upper Ocoee, Ocoee #2 - Middle Ocoee, Ocoee #1 - Lower Ocoee).

    Check Lake Levels
    • View of concrete slope for rafts, a narrow bridge, and of a river that has a small drop
    • several rafts on the ground with people in groups behind them or people getting ready to get in the water

    Personal Floating Devices

    While rafting or paddling 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 (whether paddling, rafting, or swimming) 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 review the release schedules for the Ocoee River for more information.

    Check Lake Levels

    Another way to stay ahead of the water levels is to download the TVA app.

    TVA Lake Info App

    Responsible Recreation

    Visitors are not allowed to have aluminum or styrofoam containers while on the river.

    Contact the park for guidance on paddling sections along the Hiwassee and Ocoee rivers. The Blueways span more than 30 miles, with varying levels of difficulty.

    Learn More
    • two women wearing helmets and vests on opposite sides of a raft, carrying it into the water on a cloudy day

    Helpful Items to Bring

    Here are some items that will help you make the most of your trip:

    • Map
    • Whistle or sound signaling device
    • Certified life jacket for each person
    • Photo identification
    • Drinking water (not in a glass container)
    • Flashlight
    • First aid kit
    • Insect repellent and sunscreen
    • Extra clothes and waterproof bags
    • Mobile phone (be aware of coverage limitations)
    • Fishing license if you intend to go fishing

    If you are using an outfitter, please abide by their rules and constraints (like bringing bags) and what they suggest to bring as they may already have certain items, such as life jackets, for you.

    Other Activities at Ocoee River State Park