Ocoee Whitewater Rafting

Ocoee Whitewater Center

The Ocoee Whitewater Center, near Ducktown, Tennessee, was the canoe slalom venue for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.The Olympic race course was built in the dry riverbed of the Upper Ocoee river. The Upper Ocoee is the 3.5 mi (5.6 km) section between Ocoee Dam #3 and its downstream powerhouse. The Middle Ocoee is the 4.5 mi (7.2 km) section between Ocoee Dam #2 and its downstream powerhouse. The same river in Georgia, upstream of the lake behind Dam #3, is called the Tocoa River. The river was narrowed by two-thirds, and natural boulders were moved and cemented into place to create the drops and eddies needed for a slalom course. It is the only in-river course to be used for Olympic slalom competition. A visitor center, parking lot, and suspension foot bridge were part of the Olympic construction project.

Today, the course is watered only on summer weekends, for use by guided rafts and private boaters. The hanging slalom gates have been permanently removed. Because the river rarely has water, the Center, now operated by the U.S. Forest Service, serves primarily as a site for hiking, mountain biking, conferences, weddings, and receptions. It receives about 300,000 visitors a year.

Ocoee River rafting trips run on weekends only in the months of April, May, September and October. During June, July and August, we run trips daily except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (please click on Calendar to view our schedule).

Rafting Companies

Ocoee Adventure Center:  Phone:  1-888-723-8622.  Website:  www.ocoeeadventurecenter.com. No experience is necessary to enjoy the fun of Ocoee Whitewater rafting in Tennessee. Choose from many activities Join us for a Full Ocoee River rafting trip with the best riverside lunch around! Learn to whitewater kayak in one of our kayak instruction clinics. Go for a guided mountain bike ride in the Ocoee River area or on over 80 miles of trails in the Cherokee National Forest. Take a guided hike to a mountain-top vista or to a hidden waterfall. If you want to combine a raft trip with other activities, take your choice of a half day trip on the Middle or Upper Ocoee River. We have all the elements and activities to put together an experience of a lifetime whether you’re looking for a weekend of fun or a weeklong active vacation!

Ocoee Rafting Company: Phone: 1-800-251-4800.  Website:  www.ocoeerafting.com. As the oldest company on the Ocoee River, we have provided guided whitewater rafting adventures for 30 years. Since 1976 Ocoee Rafting has welcomed you to miles of challenging and exciting Class III and IV rapids on one of the country’s premier rivers. Experience Ocoee River Rafting and feel the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. The Ocoee River in Tennessee has become the most popular whitewater rafting adventure in America with over twenty continuous rapids and many play spots for miles of endless fun and adventure. Located in the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River flows through a beautiful gorge surrounded by scenic wildlife and natural wonders.