3 HOURS
5 MILES
20 RAPIDS
CLASS III & IV
AGES 12+
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT whitewater rafting on the ocoee
half day middle ocoee trip overview
The Middle Ocoee River is a premier paddling destination that features 5 continuous miles of thrilling Class III & IV whitewater – attracting adventurers from all around the world. This action-packed, heart-racing section keeps the splashes coming around every corner with rowdy rapids like the Accelerator, Table Saw, Hell’s Hole, and more. Its high energy flow is an instant hook for fresh paddlers that keeps them returning year after year.
PRICING FOR MIDDLE OCOEE RIVER RAFTING
$65 PER PERSON
$57 PER PERSON (GROUP RATE)
We can easily accommodate up to 50 guests. Group discount is applied at checkout.
STATE PARK FEES
A 10% TN State Park Management Fee is added to every trip.
RAFTING PHOTOS ADD-ON
For an epic image of river rafting and your trip down the Ocoee, pictures are available for purchase by individual photo or entire albums.
TRIP TIMES, SEASON & MEETING PLACE
Everyday except Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
| DATE | TRIP TIME | CHECK IN BY |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 21 - May 10 | 12:00 PM | 11:30 AM |
| May 16 - Sept 13 | 10:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| May 16 - Sept 13 | 2:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Sept 4 - Oct 3 | 12:00 PM | 11:30 AM |
MEETING PLACE & AMENITIES
1248 US-64, Ocoee, TN 37361
Arrive 30 minutes before your adventure down the Ocoee River Tennessee starts at our small, but mighty outpost. Tucked away in the trees, our mid-capacity digs and private parking area offer guests seclusion – away from the high season chaos.
Clean bathrooms, showers, and changing areas keep everyone comfortable – while communal picnic tables offer a space to hang. For more information about what to bring, view the checklist below.
Need Ocoee River directions and driving guidance?
what gear & transport is included?
We’re here to make sure your first guided white water rafting experience is just as stellar as every send after. That’s why our guided rafting trips set you up for success from the very beginning – with top-notch safety gear and premium equipment. Here’s what you get when you float with the best:
- Raft
- Life Jacket / PFD
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Transportation to/from river
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Floating the Middle Ocoee River is an action-packed adventure suitable for both whitewater beginners and more advanced rafters.
For you and everyone else to get the most out of your experience, we ask that you check a few boxes first – especially the white water rafting age limit for Tennessee and the weight limit for white water rafting.
- Max. weight 265-275 Ibs per guest
- Relatively good health
- Competent swimmer
- State law requires kids to be at least 12 years old
WHAT TO WEAR & WHAT TO BRING
When you’re going whitewater rafting, what to wear is really important. While we recommend wearing fuller-coverage sun gear (that you don’t mind getting wet!) it is not advisable to don bikini-style or equivalent bottoms. Our crew will be the first to tell you – “raft-booty” is real...and brutal.
WHAT TO WEAR (& BRING)
Close-toed water shoes
Fuller-coverage sun protection
Shorts
T-shirt/workout shirt
Dry clothes
Towel & toiletries
Medical necessities
Sunglass retainers
Plastic bag
Water
Sunscreen
WHAT NOT TO WEAR (OR BRING)
❌ Jewelry
❌ Flip flops (or non-water shoes)
❌ Bikini bottoms (without shorts!)
❌ Pets
❌ Cell phones
❌ Cameras
MIDDLE OCOEE PUT IN & TAKE OUT
The Middle Ocoee River put-in is located right off U.S.64 in the Cherokee National Forest. It’s a hot start for paddlers, with the first rapid only feet from launch. Powerhouse provides one last punch of fun – the final rapid before a 3/4 mile float to the take-out site.
MIDDLE OCOEE PUT-IN
Ocoee Dam #2 site
MIDDLE OCOEE TAKE OUT
Just below Ocoee Number 2 Powerhouse
OCOEE RIVER RAPIDS
middle ocoee rapids overview
The Middle Ocoee rapids are renowned as the most continuous stretch of Class III & IV rapids on the east coast. Each rapid has a unique “personality” and energy, requiring specialized navigation techniques that are second nature to our world class guides. With over 20 rapids cascading through this 5 mile stretch of Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest, the Middle Ocoee River offers world class whitewater rafting access to folks of all skill levels.
START: GRUMPY'S LEDGE
A stretch of rapids that were once named after Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, it is now abbreviated appropriately to Grumpy’s Ledge. Any over-boarders in this early challenge are likely to spend the rest of their trip feeling “grumpy.”
EARLY RUN: DOUBLE SUCK TO DOUBLE TROUBLE
Two back-to-back ledges keep you on your toes through Double Suck’s punchy portion. Then, after a float through Hell’s half mile of boisterous waves, you arrive at the Class III rapid of Double Trouble, which boast the biggest waves on the Ocoee River (and the best photo opp!).
MIDDLE: DOLDRUMS
By now you’ve definitely had your thrill – and you’re ready to chase some chill. This half mile of water is so laid back, you’re invited to get out of your boat and lay back. Your guide will let you know if and when it’s safe to hop out of the boat.
SPICY STRETCH: TABLE SAW TO DIAMOND SPLITTER
Then it’s on to Table Saw, where there was once a submerged boulder that sent out a spray of water resembling its namesake. While the boulder has since washed away, Class III rapids remain here as you head straight to Diamond Splitter, dividing the current.
FINISH: HELL'S HOLE & POWERHOUSE
Pick up speed through Sling Shot and Cat’s Pajamas before testing your mettle at one of the most legendary rapids: Hell’s Hole. On the other side you move towards Powerhouse, the final push before take-out.
RAFTING SAFETY TIPS
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE RIVER
We take every measure possible to ensure your experience with whitewater rafting is safe. All Cascade Outdoors guides have received extensive annual training in River Safety, Whitewater Rescue, First Aid, and CPR. But, most importantly, they are highly experienced, confident rafters who are able to communicate safety measure effectively to every guest. Ahead of each trip, boaters participate in a high-level overview provided by their guide, along with rafting safety tips and guidance that comes from hundreds of trips down the Ocoee.
Please review the participation requirements for rafting on the Ocoee River before booking your trip.