Why raft the Ocoee River?
The Ocoee isn’t just popular — it’s historic.
The river hosted the whitewater slalom events during the 1996 Summer Olympics, putting this stretch of Southeast Tennessee on the global adventure travel map.
Today, it draws:
- First-time rafters
- Corporate groups
- Families
- Bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Youth groups
- Adventure travelers
The river runs on scheduled dam releases, which means consistent rafting conditions throughout the season — a major reason outfitters operate here at scale.
Why we are the best place to stay for rafting
- Only resort with private Ocoee River access
- Cabins and lodges offer a different pace than hotels — especially after a full day on the river
- Our 35 acre resort offers many onsite activities including disc golf, cornhole, ping pong, basketball, and darts.
- Swimming and fishing in the Ocoee River onsite
- Guests get discounts for booking trips with select rafting outfitters by email after reservations are booked.
Guests often structure trips like this:
- Morning rafting trip
- Afternoon rest at the cabin
- Evening fire pit or grilling
Being able to relax around a riverside campfire after high-energy rafting is part of what makes an Ocoee vacation feel complete.
Middle Ocoee River Rafting
Most Popular | Beginner Friendly | Action Packed
- ~3 hours total trip time
- 5+ miles of whitewater
- Class I–IV rapids
This is the stretch most people mean when they say they’re “rafting the Ocoee.”
It’s fast, splashy, and continuous without being overwhelming for first-timers. Rapids like Double Trouble and Diamond Splitter deliver adrenaline while remaining approachable with a professional guide onboard. If you’re only doing one trip, this is usually the one.
Upper Ocoee River (Olympic Section)
High Intensity | 5 miles, but Bigger Rapids
- ~3 hours total trip time
- Runs weekends starting May through mid-September
- Site of Olympic competition
The Upper Ocoee features the man-made Olympic whitewater course — a concentrated burst of technical rapids packed into a short distance.
This section is ideal for repeat rafters or thrill-seekers wanting a more aggressive ride. Still a great experience for first timers.
Full Ocoee River Trip
All-Day Adventure Experience
- ~5.5 hours total
- 10+ miles of rafting
- Combines Upper + Middle
This is the most immersive rafting option — often including a riverside lunch between sections.
Guests staying multiple nights frequently choose this to make rafting the centerpiece of their trip.
Lower Ocoee River Rafting
Scenic | Family Friendly | Relaxed Pace
- Ages 3+
- ~1–4.5 hours total depending on starting point
- Calm water + swim areas
Often called the “lazy river,” the Lower Ocoee trades adrenaline for scenery.
It’s ideal for families, younger kids, or guests pairing a gentle float with other activities like hiking or grilling back at the cabin.
Water flow depends on dam releases, typically afternoons, with guaranteed mid-week releases in season.
Ocoee River Tubing
For the most laid-back river experience, tubing offers a short scenic float perfect for hot summer afternoons.
- ~1.to 4.5 hours depending on starting point
- Calm water
- All ages
Many cabin guests treat tubing as a half-day add-on rather than a full excursion.
Planning Tips for Peak Season
- Book lodging early (May–September fills fast)
- Reserve rafting time slots in advance
- Morning trips = cooler temps
- Afternoon trips = “warmer” water
Holiday weekends sell out first across both lodging and rafting outfitters.
What’s Included With Most Rafting Trips
Standard outfitter inclusions:
- Professional guide
- Helmet
- Personal flotation device
- Paddle
- Raft or tube
Guests should bring:
- Water shoes
- Quick-dry clothing
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Cash tip for raft guide ~$10 per person
Best Ocoee River Rafting Companies
Since Bigfoot Outfitters no longer operates rafting trips directly, guests often ask who we recommend.
When comparing outfitters, consider:
- Check online Google reviews for your rafting company
- Group discounts
- Photo/video packages
- Cancellation policies and trip insurance
- Guests get discounts for booking trips with select rafting outfitters by email after reservations are booked.
- All companies require minimum age limit 12 years old for white water rafting trips by Tennessee state law
