Tucked away in the rolling hills of Southeast Tennessee, the Upper Ocoee River delivers an unmatched whitewater rafting experience with a legendary backstory. Known as the only natural river course ever used in the Olympic Games, this 1.5-mile stretch was transformed for the 1996 Summer Olympics into a precision-engineered, high-intensity whitewater course.

Unlike artificial whitewater parks, the Olympic section of the Upper Ocoee was designed directly into the riverbed, blending the natural energy of the river with man-made obstacles. The result? One of the most exhilarating whitewater runs in North America, offering high-volume rapids, quick technical turns, and drops that demand total focus and teamwork.

And when it comes to making the most of your journey down this historic section, no one does it better than Outland Expeditions, the leading outfitter with decades of experience on the Ocoee River.

What Makes the Upper Ocoee So Unique

While the Middle Ocoee is famous for its accessibility and consistent Class III rapids, the Upper Ocoee Olympic section ups the ante with Class III-IV whitewater that draws paddlers from across the country. It’s not just the intensity of the rapids that make it special—it’s the combination of Olympic legacy, engineering, and raw Appalachian beauty that leaves a lasting impression.

You’ll navigate a series of formidable rapids with names as intense as the experience itself: “Godzilla,” “Humongous,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” and “Callahan’s Ledge.” Each presents unique challenges, from tight technical channels to explosive drops and swirling hydraulics. This is rafting that requires active paddling, constant communication, and nerves of steel—all under the watchful eye of a skilled guide.

But it’s not all heart-pounding action. In between rapids, you’ll catch your breath and take in the towering forests and rugged ridgelines of the Cherokee National Forest, which wraps the river in a lush, green embrace.

Limited Access, Maximum Thrill

What truly sets the Upper Ocoee apart is its limited availability. The river only flows through this section on specific weekends each year, when water is released from the dam upstream. This seasonal access makes every trip feel like a special event. Rafters must plan ahead to ensure they catch one of the few opportunities to run this section during the summer.

Outland Expeditions helps take the guesswork out of the planning process, offering detailed calendars, quick booking, and clear communication so you can focus on what matters—getting on the river and making memories.

Outland Expeditions: A Leader on the Ocoee

With roots deep in the Ocoee community, Outland Expeditions has been guiding adventurers through this river for over four decades. Their longevity in the region isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a promise of professionalism, safety, and passion.

Trips with Outland include all the essentials:

A complete gear setup including PFDs, helmets, and paddles
A comprehensive pre-trip safety orientation led by licensed guides
Transportation to and from the river
A guided rafting experience filled with instruction, insight, and fun

Their guides aren’t just there to steer the boat—they’re river experts, storytellers, and safety leaders who know how to adapt to the unique needs of each group. Whether you’re rafting with friends, co-workers, or adventure groups, Outland’s team will make sure your Olympic rafting experience is as smooth and safe as it is exhilarating.

What to Expect on the Upper Ocoee River Trip

Rafting the Upper Ocoee Olympic section is a half-day adventure that begins at Outland Expeditions’ riverside basecamp. After check-in, guests are outfitted with high-quality rafting gear and given a thorough safety briefing. Then it’s off to the river for a ride through a gauntlet of dynamic whitewater features that build in intensity with each rapid.

Expect to paddle hard, get soaked, and cheer as you tackle obstacles like:

“Let’s Make a Deal”: A maze of boulders that requires precise teamwork
“Smiley Face”: A deceptive rapid that earns its name through surprise drops
“Godzilla” and “Humongous”: Two back-to-back, adrenaline-charged rapids that offer serious splash and excitement
The Olympic Slalom Course: Still visible, this technical section is the crown jewel of the run

Each rapid demands attention and effort, but also offers moments of triumph and pure joy. By the time you reach the calm takeout waters, you’ll have a story that few people can tell—you rafted the same stretch tackled by Olympic athletes.

Who Should Try This Trip?

The Olympic section of the Upper Ocoee is not a beginner’s river, but it’s ideal for:

Adventurers with some rafting experience
Groups seeking a high-impact team bonding experience
Thrill seekers looking to level up from Class III rivers
Anyone craving a new kind of outdoor challenge in a historic setting

If you’re new to rafting, Outland offers Middle Ocoee trips that are beginner-friendly, or a full-river trip that lets you warm up before hitting the big stuff upstream. But if you’re confident in your paddling or up for a bold leap forward, the Upper Ocoee delivers unmatched rewards.

Beyond the Rapids: The Cherokee National Forest Experience

One of the best-kept secrets of the Upper Ocoee rafting trip is the scenic value. As you move through the river corridor, you’ll be surrounded by the Appalachian foothills of the Cherokee National Forest. It’s not unusual to see herons, hawks, or even a black bear lumbering through the trees on the hillside.

The forest offers a stark contrast to the energy of the river: peaceful, untouched, and expansive. After the rapids, you’ll return to basecamp with a new appreciation for how adventure and serenity can coexist in one unforgettable outdoor escape.

Why Now is the Time to Book

The Upper Ocoee Olympic section doesn’t run daily—it’s a seasonal attraction with limited availability from May through September, and only on specific weekends. This means spots fill up quickly, especially for groups or holiday travelers.

By booking early, you not only guarantee your seat in the raft—you give yourself something to look forward to. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a bachelor party, or a corporate retreat, there’s nothing quite like rafting through Olympic-level rapids with a team of experienced guides and a full day of laughter, challenge, and accomplishment.

Make Your Adventure a Reality

The Upper Ocoee River Olympic section isn’t just a river run—it’s a badge of honor for whitewater adventurers. It’s where natural power meets human engineering. Where history and adrenaline collide. And where every rapid tells a story you’ll remember long after the spray has dried.

If you’ve ever wanted to paddle like a pro, test your teamwork on Class IV rapids, and conquer one of the Southeast’s most famous river sections, this is your moment.

Book your trip with Outland Expeditions and experience the best of Tennessee whitewater on the legendary Upper Ocoee River Olympic course. Search “Ocoee River Olympic rafting tours” to secure your adventure today.

Explore the Olympic Rapids of the Upper Ocoee River