Recreation

Located in the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, Tennessee, the Ocoee River offers various skill levels of kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting. The Ocoee River's Class III and IV rapids make it the most popular whitewater river in the nation and site for the 1996 Olympic Slalom Canoe / Kayak Competion.
In the Olympic Games, the Ocoee River welcomed the world to watch international athletes compete on a whitewater course that has been termed the premier whitewater competitive course in the world. (Read more about this on our Olympic Page)
Yet the Ocoee is not just for Olympians. Every year thousands of people, from first-timers to professional athletes, enjoy the thrill of a run on the Ocoee river. Anyone from age 12 or older can enjoy the rapids of the river on guided raft trips offered by outfitters. The exhilarating, breathtaking course includes rapids such as Double Trouble, Broken Nose, and Table Saw. Because the Ocoee is dam controlled, trips are available Thursday through Monday from Memorial Day through Labor Day and weekends during the spring or fall.
If shooting the rapids doesn't interest you, then why not float the lower part of the Ocoee river. You will find it very relaxing, and surrounded by beautiful scenery. You can lay back and enjoy the wondrous nature of Southeast Tennessee.


photo by: The Guide 1994 (Ocoee Region)

Home Page
Ocoee Page
Hiwassee Page