Cherokee National Forest · Cleveland, Tennessee · Polk County
Seventeen named rapids. A 56-foot-per-mile drop. One unforgettable gorge inside Cherokee National Forest. This is why the Middle Ocoee is the most-rafted stretch of whitewater in the Southeast.
The Middle Ocoee River is the most rafted whitewater river in the United States by total trip volume, and the reason is simple: it delivers nonstop action from the moment your raft hits the water to the moment you pull out at the take-out. There are no long flat stretches between rapids, no waiting for the next drop. The Middle Ocoee is a continuous five-mile canyon of ledges, holes, and boulder gardens that demands attention and rewards effort at every turn.
The river flows through a remote sandstone gorge inside the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, Tennessee. The gradient — 56 feet per mile — keeps the current fast and the rapids arriving in quick succession. Seventeen named drops line the route, ranging from lively Class III wave trains that get your crew paddling in rhythm to powerful Class IV ledges that require real coordination and real nerve to run cleanly.
No prior experience is necessary to raft the Middle Ocoee. Outland Expeditions’ certified guides coach every crew through every move from the safety briefing at the put-in to the final rapid at the take-out. What guests bring is willingness — the river takes care of the rest.
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The Middle Ocoee runs entirely within the Cherokee National Forest, the largest national forest in the eastern United States, covering more than 650,000 acres across the mountains of eastern Tennessee. The gorge walls rise steeply on both sides of the river, pressing the water into a narrow, fast-moving channel lined with rhododendron, eastern hemlock, and exposed sandstone bedrock worn smooth by centuries of flow.
The setting changes visibly across the season. In May and early June, wildflowers bloom along the riverbanks and the canopy is still thin enough to let the mountain light reach the water. By midsummer, the gorge closes overhead into a green tunnel that stays surprisingly cool even on the hottest Tennessee days. In September, the first hints of fall color begin showing in the hardwoods above the gorge rim — early autumn trips on the Middle Ocoee are among the most visually spectacular in the region.
Wildlife sightings on the Middle Ocoee are frequent and varied. Great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows between rapids. Bald eagles ride thermals above the gorge rim. White-tailed deer appear on the banks in the early morning and late afternoon. Black bears move through the forest above the river with enough regularity that guides point them out several times each season. River otters, belted kingfishers, wood ducks, and a broad variety of fish species share the water with rafters throughout the run.
The remote character of the gorge is itself part of the experience. Cell service disappears. The highway noise fades. For three hours, the river is the only thing that matters.
Why is the Middle Ocoee River the MOST POPULAR rafting section?
The Middle has got it all with high-speed rapids scaring even the adrenalin junky. Or swimming holes to jump off the raft, dunk-a-friend, or flip. Your guide knows 50 ways to get you out of the raft—spectacular gorge views for the family, wildlife, and guide stories and history galore. Your guide asks, “mild or wild?” before the big ones. Or “who wants to ride the bull?” We call group bonding rescuing your spouse or best friend. Or not, let ’em suffer as you laugh at their bulging “help me” eyes. Don’t worry. Your guide knows where it’s safe and not. Just remember, “wild or mild?” it’s your choice.
"Wild or Mild Action… Who wants to ride the bull?"
The Middle Ocoee so much action it often scares folks, and that’s part of the buildup. But not everyone is an adrenalin junky. Outland guides are masters in the art of entertaining and offer the trip for your needs. Mild rides are for the timider types preferring laughing at swimmers from the security inside their raft. Or how about a tranquil float in the doldrums or a safe rapid to swim. Outland guides will deliver your flavor of adventure, Wild or Mild.
First Impressions.
River guides are world champion storytellers mastering the art of evoking fear, shock, and laughter. The bus ride around those hairpin cliffs overlooking the whitewater doesn’t need help to make it scary. Yet, stories of local culture and the school bus of despair carry legends of lore. Let’s just say our guides love what they do. Approaching the put-in rafters, goose-neck to one side of the bus to see the 50-foot waterfall sliding over the dam and historical wooden flume. Your heart pounds, “are we going to run that?” As the mountaineer yells, “WILD OR MILD?” Game time. Are you ready to bond with your friends like never before?
Beauty & History.
“Is that a train track?” rafters ask as they practice self-preserving paddling commands and worry if they will run the falls. Initially built in 1913, the 1976 rock slide broke the wooden flume releasing the wild water back to the riverbed. Whitewater pioneers began proposing the economic benefits to the Tennessee Valley Authority and negotiated commercial rafting release dates. Morning and late afternoon rafters can see the river turn on and off, also known as “riding the bubble.” Spottings of eagles, deer, bear, heron, ducks, and fish are most common. The remote Ocoee gorge promises beautiful views, flora, and fauna. It’s up to you to smell the roses.
Who Should Paddle the Middle Ocoee?
The minimum age is 12 years old and with a medium intensity spirit of adventure. Outland guides are trained to accommodate both the adrenalin junky (wild) and more conservative (mild) rafters. Make sure to let your guide know your preference, “wild or mild.” We’ll take care of you.
"Can we do it again?" Try an All-day Adventure.
90% of rafters want to go back and raft it again. Your best option is to do the Upper (Olympic section) & Middle Full-Day Combo. Everyone agrees, “we’re glad we did both.”
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. Book your rafting trip today or call us directly at (800) 827-1442 for more information.
Embark on an exhilarating adventure down the Upper Ocoee River, starting at the renowned Ocoee Whitewater Center. This incredible whitewater course winds its way through a narrow passage, and it holds the distinction of hosting the thrilling 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak Slalom competitions. Brace yourself as our three-hour-long Ocoee rafting journey takes you through a heart-pounding series of ten back-to-back rapids, ranging from thrilling Class III to adrenaline-pumping Class IV. Get ready to experience the ultimate Ocoee river rafting thrill!
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.
Experience the ultimate adventure with our complete white water rafting Ocoee River trip. This thrilling excursion combines the Upper and Middle Ocoee River sections, offering more than 20 exhilarating class III and IV rapids. Prepare for six hours of non-stop excitement as you navigate the roaring rapids. As an added bonus, we’ll take a break midway through the trip for a delightful grilled lunch by the riverside. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience – be sure to reserve your spot early, as our full Ocoee River Whitewater trips fill up quickly!
Join us for the Full River experience, available on Saturdays and Sundays from May through September. Please note that participants must be 12 years old or older to partake in the Ocoee River rafting adventure. Take your Tennessee rafting experience to new heights and make lasting memories with Ocoee River rafting. Book your trip now!
