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River Tours & Experiences FAQ
How long is the half day?
The half day Midde Ocoee Whitewater Rafting Tours are 3 hours and 5 miles long paddling through 20+ Class III and IV rapids.
How long is the full river Olympic Course trip?
The full river Upper and Midde Ocoee Whitewater Rafting Tour is 6 hours of testing your mettle through Class III, IV & V rapids along a 10-mile stretch. This adventure includes lunch.
What’s included in the half day tour?
Half day Middle Ocoee River Tours are 3 hours and 5 miles long that include:
- Life Jacket
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Spray Jacket
- Transportation to/from river
What’s included in the full river tour?
Full day Upper & Middle Ocoee River Tours are 5.5 hours and 10 miles long that include a buffet-style homemade lunch* with all the trimmings at the Olympic Course in between each section.
The full day trip also includes all equipment & transportation:
- Life Jacket
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Spray Jacket
- Transportation to/from river
* Vegetarian options available. For more specific dietary requirements, please call us.
What’s the difference between a half day and full river whitewater rafting trip?
The half day tour is exclusively the Middle Ocoee River (5 miles of Class III & IV rapids) whereas the Full River Ocoee River Olympic Course encompasses the Middle Ocoee River trip PLUS the Upper Ocoee and Olympic Course for a total of 10 miles of Class III, IV and V rapids.
What happens when it rains? Do you cancel due to weather?
Heck no! Everyone loves some liquid sunshine. In fact, sometimes it’s even better when it rains! We offer epic adventures rain or shine all season unless it’s lightning. If you are concerned about your reservation due to lightning, please call us and we’ll confirm.
Is rafting safe?
We make every effort to ensure you have a safe trip. We have one of the best safety records on the river and our guides receive extensive training every year in River Safety, Whitewater Rescue, First Aid and CPR. However, whitewater rafting is an inherently dangerous activity. We highly recommend that all guests are competent swimmers and weight below 275 pounds.
Please call us if you have specific concerns or are wondering if your medical condition could make you ineligible for rafting.
I've never rafted before and I'm not athletic at all! Can I still go?
Experience is certainly not necessary as we’ll teach you everything you need to know. You will need to help paddle the raft and you may swim in the river so we recommend all rafters be in reasonably good physical condition. All our trips can be customized depending on the approach you wish to take. We can accommodate for the more adventurous or for those wishing to take the trip a little more slowly.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Can I bring lunch or a drink on the raft?
No. Once you’re in the raft, you’ll be paddling and there is no place to keep things dry. Please plan to eat/drink before or after your trip. We have picnic tables at our outpost if you’d like to bring a picnic for after your trip. If you are taking a full day rafting trip, we will provide your lunch and drinks.
Read about all of the amazing local restaurants and businesses to venture out to during your trip to the Ocoee River.
I have an allergy/dietary requirement and I’m coming on the full day tour. Can you accommodate this?
We can accommodate vegetarians in our riverside lunch. If you have a specific dietary requirements, please contact us here to discuss your options.
Will I get wet?
Absolutely! Be sure to dress appropriately, please see our 'What should I wear' question below for further details. Don’t forget to leave anything you don’t want to get wet at home like watches, cameras, fancy sneakers, etc.
Will I fall out the raft?
You might, people fall out all the time and that’s part of the fun! Your rafting guide will take care of you every step of the way.
What should I wear?
We provide all the safety gear and rafting equipment you will need. However, dress appropriately. Generally, all you need in the warm months is a bathing suit (sporty bathing suit bottoms recommended; no bikinis), waterproof sunscreen and a pair of sports sandals or old sneakers. When it’s cooler outside, bring along a pair of fleece pants or a fleece jacket. (Hint: Synthetic fleece and wool stay warm even when wet, but cotton loses its insulation value.) Also, remember to bring a towel, shower supplies and dry clothes for a hot shower in our bathhouse after your trip!
What should (or shouldn’t) I wear / bring?
We recommend wearing quick-dry items like wool, fleece, or polyester. For the temperate climate of the Ocoee River, we recommend bathing suits or shorts (no bikinis because the combination of rubber and water will leave you with ‘raft booty’ - meaning pimples all over your bum), t-shirts or workout tops, and water shoes. Flip flops are denied. It’s best to have close-toed shoes or shoes specifically designed for watersports.
For before, during and after your trip, we recommend bringing:
- Waterproof Sun Protection
- Dry Clothes
- Towel
- Shower Supplies
- Inhalers
- Sunglass Retainers
- Plastic Bag
- Water
For before, during and after your trip, we recommend bringing:
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- Phones (in waterproof cases)
- Cameras
Sadly, pets are not allowed on any excursion.
If you happen to forget any of these items, we have inventory in our gear shop for purchase.
What should I do with my glasses during the trip?
If you wear prescription glasses please make sure they’re secured with a leash (like chums or croakies) and bring a spare pair if possible.
I have a medical condition or disability. Can I still raft?
Please contact us here. Depending on your condition, we may be able to find a way to provide you with a safe and enjoyable rafting trip. We do not recommend rafting for those who are pregnant.
My child is under 12 years old. Why can't they raft?
Tennessee state law requires that all rafters be at least 12 years old to raft the Ocoee River. This is not our rule and we can’t make any exceptions. There are many nearby activities that you and your child can do while the rest of your group rafts if you decide to bring them along.
What do I do with my valuables while I raft?
We suggest that you leave all valuables locked in your vehicles at our Outpost location. We’ll gladly look after your keys so you’ll have no worries while taking on the rapids!
Can I bring a camera with me?
We don’t recommend bringing a camera with you as there is a strong possibility it will get wet and damaged. Plus we want you to be totally immersed in your whitewater adventure.
Don’t worry though, our professional photographer will be on hand ready to capture all your rafting memories. You can review all of the high-resolution photographs back at the outpost after the tour. Looking is free, but to take them home costs $20 for 3 photos or $45 for every snap of your trip, approximately 20 photos
Can I bring alcohol on my trip?
No, for obvious safety reasons we do not allow any alcohol consumption or possession on our Cascade Outdoors rafting trips.
Can I bring my pet?
No. Rafting on the Ocoee River is not a pet-friendly activity. We are certain that they would prefer to stay at home while you enjoy your adventure!
Outpost, Guides & Amenities
Where are you located?
Cascade Outdoors is located at:
1248 US Highway 64
Ocoee, TN 37361
How do I get to the outpost?
From Atlanta:
- Take I-75 North to Exit #293 which is Highway 411
- Get onto Highway 411 North, towards Chatsworth (after approximately 65 miles to Highway 64/74)
- Then get on Highway 64 East
- We are about 3 miles on the right at the corner of Hwy 64 and Cookson Creek Rd. Look out for the Whitewater Grill.
From Nashville:
- Take the I-40 E/I-65 South
- Get on I-24 Eastbound or US-74 East in Bradley County
- Next Take Exit 20 from I-75 North
- Keep left at the fork to continue on I-40 E
- Follow signs for I-24 East Knoxville/Chattanooga
- Drive to US-64 East US-74 East in Polk County
- Use the right lane to merge onto US-64 E. We’ll be on your right hand side!
From Knoxville:
- Simply take the I-75 South to Exit #25 which is Highway 60 (a.k.a. 25th Street)
- Take Highway 60 South through the town of Cleveland
- Then get onto Highway 64 East
- There will be a sign saying ‘To Ocoee’
- Go 10 miles on Highway 64 East.
- You can find Cascade Outdoors on the right at the corner of Highway 64 and Cookson Creek Rd.
- Look out for the Whitewater Grill.
What time zone are you located?
We are on Eastern Standard Time. Please remember this when booking your trip.
Do you have shower facilities for after my trip?
Yes! We’ve got hot showers available at our outpost location which you can use once you’ve finished your rafting adventure! Please don’t forget to bring a towel, shower supplies and a dry change of clothes.
Are there lockers? Where can I store my belongings?
We do not have lockers, but we accommodate as best as we can in our private location with little non-rafting foot traffic (ie. no campgrounds on site, etc). We recommend leaving large items in the trunk of your locked vehicle(s)*. For personal effects such as phones and car keys, we welcome all guests to leave them at our registration desk and retrieve them after your experience.
*We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Can you tell me a bit more about your guides?
Of course! We pride ourselves on having the best, expertly trained guides on the Ocoee River to ensure you feel prepared and secure on the water. All of our guides have been personally scouted by Cascade Outdoor’s owner, Kip Gilliam, who has over 20 years rafting experience and has competed in the World Championships!
Cascade Outdoors’ guides have all completed state-approved Advanced First Aid, CPR & Wilderness First Responder training courses. All of our guides have 5+ years of whitewater experience and have tackled rivers of all classes all over the world. They will always be prepared for whatever the Ocoee River or the weather may throw at you!
Learn more about them here!
Where can I stay after rafting?
There are many camping and lodging facilities nearby. Please contact us here if you’d like some recommendations.
What else is there to do while I'm visiting the Ocoee?
If you still want to do something on the water, you might try tubing down the lower Ocoee, funyaking on the middle Ocoee, or taking a kayaking lesson. In addition, the Ocoee region offers unparalleled natural resources, including extensive mountain biking trails, hiking trails, fly fishing, horseback riding, and other adventures. If you’re interested, we can help you plan a complete trip.
Reservations & Policies
Do I need a reservation?
Yes! Call 1-800-338-7238 to make a reservation. We can often accommodate last-minute reservations but it is best to call us as far in advance as possible, particularly for larger groups. Please book early to reserve your spot and time.
What payment does Cascade Outdoors service?
Reservations are paid in full in advance. We accept Visa, Mastercard and checks.
Are walk-ins welcome?
We’d love to take everyone! Unfortunately sometimes we can’t. We recommend that you call us to find out if we’re sold out for the day.
I'd like to go rafting with my church group, scout troop, business or other large group. Can you accommodate us?
Absolutely. We offer substantial discounts for groups and are happy to help arrange lodging, meals, or additional activities for your group. Please contact us here to discuss your trip.
What is your cancellation policy for groups less than 15 people?
Like the mailman, we raft through rain or shine! Everyone loves some liquid sunshine. In fact, sometimes it’s even better when it rains! We offer epic adventures rain or shine all season unless it’s lightening. If you are concerned about your reservation due to lightning, please call us and we’ll confirm.
Full refunds will be given for cancelations or reductions in group size made 14 days prior to the scheduled trip.
Cancelations or reductions made 7-13 days prior to the trip will receive a 50% refund.
Unfortunately, we CANNOT offer refunds for cancelations or reductions in group size made less than 1 week prior to the scheduled trip, regardless of the circumstances.
Our trips leave the outpost at the scheduled time. You should check-in for your trip at least 30 minutes prior to your trip time. Failure to arrive at the designated time constitutes cancelation and will result in forfeiture of your deposit and/or payment.
Please call us for accurate directions as we cannot be responsible if you get lost! We do not make refunds for inclement weather, unless we determine conditions are unsafe. Rain checks will NOT be issued.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us!
What is your cancellation policy for groups of 15 people or more?
We understand the complexities of organizing a large group activity. Generally, we ask that you submit a deposit of 50% within 30 days of making a reservation and the remainder 30 days prior to your trip date.
Trips scheduled less than 30 days prior to a trip date are to be paid in full at the time the reservation is made. We accept checks, Visa, and MasterCard. All payments are fully refundable up to 14 days prior to your trip date. We do not, however, offer refunds for cancelations made less than 7 days prior to the scheduled trip.
Please call us when you make your reservation if you are unsure about your group size or about how our refund policies apply to your group.
Do I have to sign a Waiver?
Yes, every single person who comes rafting with us will be required to sign a waiver before the trip. Any participant under 18 years of age will need to have a Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
What is your safety and liability policy?
Your safety is our number one concern! Therefore, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule trips in the event of unsafe weather or water conditions beyond our control. Please be patient with us, as we can’t control floods or the TVA release schedule and we are only interested in YOUR safety. Full refunds will be issued if we cancel a trip due to circumstances beyond our control.
Kindly note that to protect their safety and in accordance with state regulation, children must be 12 years or older to raft on the middle or upper Ocoee.
Our guides are professionally trained and will make every effort to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. However, whitewater rafting is inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. Before your trip, you will be asked to sign a liability waiver.
Finally, we reserve the right to refuse to take anyone rafting who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For more information about all of our policies, click here.
Ocoee River & Cherokee National Forest
What does Ocoee mean?
In this area of Tennessee, you’ll see wildflowers called maypops. These beauties are also known as “wild apricots” which is “ocoee” in Cherokee.
What’s the history of the Cherokee National Forest?
Any of our guides will tell you all about it during your adventure, but in the meantime, check out this brief history of the Cherokee National Forest in our blog.
How long has commercial whitewater rafting been a staple of the Ocoee?
The most famous river in the country almost didn’t happen! The Middle Ocoee used to be dry, but a massive rock slide in 1976 heavily damaged the 5-mile wooden flume line that originally diverted the middle section’s waters to a powerhouse downstream (to make hydroelectric power). Since then, the water has flowed consistently down the river bed since the Dam’s construction in 1913.
Kindly note that to protect their safety and in accordance with state regulation, children must be 12 years or older to raft on the middle or upper Ocoee.
Our guides are professionally trained and will make every effort to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. However, whitewater rafting is inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. Before your trip, you will be asked to sign a liability waiver.
Finally, we reserve the right to refuse to take anyone rafting who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For more information about all of our policies, click here.
Other
I have a question that isn’t answered here. How can I get in touch?
We love to hear from you, please contact us here and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
ASK US ANYTHING!