Before water release
After water release
Middle River on the Ocoee
Hell Hole on the Ocoee
The Ocoee River, America's only Olympic River, begins in Copperhill/McCaysville where a simple name change at the Georgia/Tennessee state line divides it from the Toccoa River. The Ocoee River runs northwest out of the Copper Basin Area to the Tennessee River. It is one of the South's most popular whitewater rivers. Class III and IV rapids make it one of the nation's most challenging stretches of water. Anyone over the age of 12 can enjoy the rapids of the Ocoee on guided raft trips offered by professional outfitters. The Ocoee River is also open to individuals for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. Please be aware of the dangerous rapids.
The Ocoee river is separated into three parts. The Upper Ocoee, site of the 1996 Olympic course; the Middle Ocoee, with commercial rafting since 1976; and The Lower Ocoee (below Parksville Dam), great for lazy tube floats, swimming or boating. The Ocoee Whitewater Center, located on Highway 64 along side the Ocoee River, includes the Olympic race channel, a native plant garden, paved walkways on both sides of the river, pools of water perfect for wading and feeding fish, a visitor & information center & a gift shop. Numerous hiking & biking trails leave from the whitewater center
The Middle Ocoee is the nation's most popular whitewater rafting run, while the Upper Ocoee boasts intense whitewater of 1996 Olympic fame. From beginning to end, this east Tennessee river's fast-moving waters will get you soaked, smiling and laughing with delight. The Ocoee is a dam-released river with consistent flows and pleasantly warm water. Check the water release schedule or your rafting company for avavilable days to raft and kayak.