As it carved a gorge through the Appalachians over centuries, the Ocoee River was home to Cherokees, settlers and copper miners. Today, the Ocoee River is a TVA power source and a refuge for wildlife within a national park and as one of the best places in America for whitewater rafting. While some of the rapids occur naturally, others form around potholes, making the Ocoee River one of the most intense whitewater rafting rivers in the southeast.
Upper Ocoee
The upper Ocoee is around six miles long, and due to damming by the TVA, you should visit on release days when water is freely flowing down the river. It is on the upper portion of the Ocoee that the 1996 Olympic kayaking competition was held. The first rapid you face is the two-tiered Mikey's Ledge that leads you into Blue Holes.
Near the end of the upper Ocoee, you take on the Roach Motel rapids, a three-hydraulic rapid with enormous waves. The Roach Motel leads you to a blind drop at the End of the World where you fall three to six feet, depending on the dam schedule.
Olympics
The Olympic portion of the Ocoee runs through the middle of the river's upper portion and consists of five class III and class IV rapids: Smiley's, Slam Dunk, Callahan's, Humongous and Godzilla.
Middle Ocoee
The middle portion of the Ocoee river is the section most whitewater rafting companies guide their guests down. Although still a challenging course, it is not as intimidating as the upper portion.
There are several rapids throughout the middle Ocoee. Some of the most memorable include Broken Nose, one of the river's most challenging class III rapids with a huge wave pushing you down three drops into a large hole; Table Saw, a series of boat-bucking waves caused by granite relocation during a flood; and the seven- to eight-foot waves and a large hydraulic at Hell's Hole.
Safety
Adventurers know that the Ocoee is not a beginner's river. Whitewater rafting down it with little to no experience is not safe. Most whitewater rafting companies require not only sturdy lifejackets and closed shoes but also a helmet, as well. There have been several injuries and fatalities on the Ocoee over the years, so it is important to understand the inherent risks of whitewater rafting and to behave responsibly in order to avoid them as much as possible. Most whitewater rafting guides are CPR and First Aid certified and have vast experience navigating the river. If it is your first time, definitely go with a company, group raft and certified guide.
Rafting Companies
Many whitewater rafting companies capitalize on the thousands of fun seekers traveling to the Ocoee every year. Just a few include Ocoee Rafting, the Ocoee Adventure Center and Outdoor Adventure Rafting. These companies offer trip packages and provide trained river guides, and some offer lodging options and dining.
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