Ocoee Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee

Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting Trip Options

Start your extraordinary escapade amidst the captivating Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, where the Ocoee River gracefully winds its way for an impressive 93 miles. Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of this enchanting locale, nestled within the Cherokee National Forest. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled voyage as you navigate the exhilarating Ocoee Whitewater Center, renowned for hosting the esteemed 1996 Olympic canoe and kayak slalom competitions. It comes as no surprise that the Ocoee River has claimed its title as the preeminent Whitewater Rafting River in America! 

Our Ocoee River whitewater rafting experience covers a thrilling 10-mile stretch, encompassing over 20 distinct rapids that will captivate both seasoned paddlers and novices alike. With an Upper and Middle section, each offering its own unique whitewater allure, you have the option to combine both for a full day of unparalleled paddling action.

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Smoky Mountains as you embark on an unforgettable whitewater rafting adventure. Rest assured, our team of experienced and certified guides will ensure your safety throughout this wild escapade. If this sounds like your ideal summer journey, secure your spot in the raft now! Thanks to the controlled release of water from the dam, we guarantee excellent water levels year-round. Discover our selection of whitewater rafting trips below and let the excitement begin!

Middle Ocoee River Trip

  • March - October

    Availability

  • Class III - Class IV

    Difficulty

  • 12 Years or Older

    Age Requirements

  • 3 Hours

    Time

Upper Olympic Ocoee River Trip

  • May - September

    Availability

  • Class III - Class IV

    Difficulty

  • 12 Years or Older

    Age Requirements

  • 3 Hours

    Time

what to wear rafting

Full Ocoee River Trip

  • March - September

    Saturdays & Sundays

  • Class III - Class IV

    Difficulty

  • 12 Years or Older

    Age Requirements

  • 6 Hours

    Time

Classic Middle Ocoee River Trip

Classic Middle Ocoee River Trip

This 5 mile-long Ocoee whitewater rafting excursion is ideal for large groups, particularly outdoor education programs and families. It’s our most popular trip. We run our Classic Middle Ocoee Trips from March until October. The rapids you’ll paddle through on this half-day rafting trip range from Class III to Class IV, including:

  • Grumpy
  • Broken Nose
  • Slice & Dice
  • Moon Chute
  • Double Suck
  • Double Trouble
  • Flipper
  • Table Saw
  • Diamond Splitter
  • Slingshot
  • Cat’s Pajamas
  • Hell’s Hole
  • Powerhouse

The Ocoee river rafting trip lasts approximately 3 hours. You must be 12 years old or older to raft this section of the Ocoee River

Olympic Ocoee River Trip

Olympic Ocoee River Trip

Our three-hour-long upper river trip starts at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, a whitewater course snaking through a narrow strait. The first of its kind, the center was home to the 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak Slalom competitions. From the whitewater course, our Upper Ocoee River rafting trip blasts through these ten consecutive Class III and Class IV rapids:

  • Mikey’s
  • Let’s Make a Deal
  • Blue Hole
  • Smiley’s
  • Slam Dunk
  • Clahan’s Ledge
  • Humongous
  • Godzilla
  • Roach Motel
  • Edge of the World

We offer this trip on weekends from May through September. You must be 12 years old or older to raft the upper section of the Ocoee River.

Full Ocoee River Trips

Our full Ocoee river rafting trip combines both the Upper and Middle sections of the Ocoee River. Packing more than 20 class III and IV rapids into six hours of adventure. Our guides stop midway through the trip and grill you lunch on the riverside. The full Ocoee River Whitewater trips book up quickly so be sure to reserve early.

The Full River runs on Saturdays and Sundays from March thru September. You must be 12 years old or older to raft the full Ocoee River.

Full Ocoee River Trips

Chattanooga White Water Rafting Experience

For those seeking an exhilarating white water adventure near Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Ocoee River offers one of the premier rafting experiences in the United States. With its proximity to Chattanooga, white water rafting enthusiasts can enjoy world-class rapids just a short drive away. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a first-timer, the Ocoee’s combination of Class III and IV rapids provides a perfect balance of thrill and challenge. Many visitors to Chattanooga choose this adventure to add a memorable, adrenaline-filled activity to their itinerary.

Why Choose White Water Rafting in Tennessee?

White water rafting in Tennessee, particularly near Chattanooga, offers more than just adrenaline-pumping rapids. The natural beauty of the Cherokee National Forest, the rich cultural history of the Cherokee people, and the scenic backdrop of the Smoky Mountains create an unforgettable setting for any outdoor enthusiast. The Ocoee River’s reputation for consistent water levels, thanks to dam releases, ensures that rafters can enjoy optimal conditions year-round. This makes Tennessee an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced rafters seeking an unforgettable whitewater adventure.

Contact Us to Learn More About Our White Water Rafting Tennessee!

Book your trip today through our online reservation system or call us directly at (800) 827-1442 for more information.

Before you reserve your Ocoee River rafting trip with Outland Expeditions, please make sure all the members of your party have a clean bill of health.

Read Our Ocoee Trip Reviews!

98% of guests rate our Ocoee Rafting Trip 5 stars!

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1619 reviews
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Jessie Peoples
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August 5, 2023 This is our fourth year rafting with Outland Expeditions. Needless to say it was as fun as the previous three years! The staff members were very professional, accommodating and friendly. I look forward to our next visit. July 31, 2022 This is our third year (in a row) rafting with Outland Expeditions. The past three years our group went from 6 to 17 to 36 people. The staff and river guides are friendly, accommodating, personable and extremely knowledgeable of the river. Kudos to Outland Expeditions, we had a fantastic time. We look forward to next year. July 25, 2021 Last year rafting, my group had six people. Throughout the year, we talked with friends about what an awesome experience we had with Outland Expeditions. This year the group grew to 17 people. No one was disappointed, everyone had a blast and is already talking about next year. So, there is no doubt the group will grow. Outland Expeditions has an awesome group of people. August 2020 We went this past weekend and had an absolutely amazing experience rafting with Outland Expedition! The equipment was great, the pre-trip safety meeting was informative. During the bus ride, one of the river guides told us about each section of the river. Ian W. was our guide and he was AWESOME! We learned the history of the Ocoee and surrounding areas while also joking and having a great time! We did the full day trip and it was well worth it, can’t wait to go back!
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Becca Yi
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Our guide Anthony was amazing! He kept us afloat and alive. Couldn't recommend Outland Expeditions enough. Dakota was super helpful, friendly, and accommodating. I will DEFINITELY be back with friends and family for the next trip! Thank YOU!!!
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Mandie Gassett
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Great experience! Can't wait to do it again
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Stay See
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This was our first time white water rafting for my husband and I and we are hooked. Our guide was Ally, she was funny and knowledgable but most importantly, kept us safe while rafting. Overall Outland Expeditions is on top of it. They are organized on time and have friendly staff that are helpful and knowledgable in the activity/sport. We will definitely return and can't wait to take friends and family. Make sure you tip your guide because they deserve it.
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Ruilin Layer
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Great experience, I strongly recommend!
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Jesse Greenwald
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I would have given five stars, but most of us lived
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TIM HODGES
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VERY PROFESSIONAL STAFF, CLEAN, POLITE, GREAT EXPERIEANCE!!