Outland Expeditions · Ocoee River · Cleveland, TN
Raft every inch of Tennessee’s most legendary whitewater — the Upper Olympic Section and the Classic Middle Ocoee — back to back, with a riverside lunch in between.
Most visitors choose one section of the Ocoee River. The Full Ocoee Experience lets you conquer both — back to back — in a single, unforgettable six-hour day guided by Outland Expeditions.
You’ll start on the Upper Ocoee, the Olympic-pedigree section built for the 1996 Atlanta Games and rarely offered to the public on guided trips. Then you’ll break for a riverside lunch before dropping into the Middle Ocoee — Tennessee’s most-rafted stretch, 5 miles of relentless Class III–IV action famous for rapids like Table Saw, Hell’s Hole, and Diamond Splitter.
Together, the two sections cover 10 miles and more than 20 named rapids. No other trip on the Ocoee River gives you this much whitewater in a single outing. Outland Expeditions handles all transportation between sections, all gear (paddle, helmet, PFD, wetsuit when needed), a certified guide in every raft, and warm showers back at our outpost in Cleveland, Tennessee when you return.
Suitable for confident first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike, the Full River Experience is the benchmark adventure for anyone serious about whitewater rafting in East Tennessee.
The Upper and Middle Ocoee are two very different rivers — different character, different hydrology, different rapids. Running both in one day means you experience the full range of what the Ocoee can throw at you.
Section 1 — Morning:
Built for the Atlanta Olympics, the Upper Ocoee is a compact, technical mile of back-to-back Class III and IV rapids through a narrow granite gorge. Water releases are controlled, flows are precise, and the hydraulics are world-championship caliber. This is the section most companies don’t offer at all.
Section 2 — Afternoon:
Five miles of relentless action through Cherokee National Forest. The Middle Ocoee is Tennessee’s most-loved whitewater run and Outland’s flagship trip — 13 named rapids that build in intensity, culminating in the big drops at Hell’s Hole, Table Saw, and Powerhouse. The river flows along US-64 through Polk County, a canyon unlike anywhere else in the Southeast.
Between Sections:
Between your two sections, Outland Expeditions provides a full riverside lunch at the put-in. Fuel up, dry off, swap stories, and get ready to do it all over again on the Middle River. It’s a restorative break that makes the second half feel like a fresh adventure.
When you book the Full Ocoee River Experience, there are no hidden add-ons and no gear rental fees.
All transportation between the Upper and Middle Ocoee put-ins is handled by Outland Expeditions. You never have to shuttle vehicles.
Paddle, helmet, and Coast Guard-approved PFD included for both runs. Wetsuits provided when water or air temperatures require them.
Swiftwater Rescue certified guides in every raft. Complete safety briefing and paddle instruction provided before each section.
A full midday lunch is provided between the Upper and Middle runs — included in the trip price.
Clean changing rooms, warm showers, and blow dryers at Outland’s Cleveland, TN outpost.
Professional trip photos available for purchase. No camera required on the river.
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If your family has already done the Middle Ocoee and wants more, the Full River Experience is the natural next step. Teens aged 12 and up who have the confidence and fitness for Class IV water will have the time of their lives. Both sections are accessible without prior paddling experience — our guides handle the coaching.
The Full Ocoee is one of the most effective team-building activities available within a two-hour drive of Chattanooga. Shared challenge, forced communication, and genuine adrenaline break down hierarchy and build trust in ways that conference rooms cannot. Outland Expeditions works with corporate groups of all sizes and can customize logistics around your schedule.
If you’re already planning a weekend in Polk County — camping in Cherokee National Forest, hiking the Ocoee Gorge trail, or visiting Ducktown Basin — the Full River Experience is the crown jewel of a Tennessee outdoor itinerary. The Ocoee corridor is one of the Southeast’s most underrated adventure destinations.
Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry athletic shorts as your base layer. Avoid cotton — it stays wet and cold. Synthetic or wool layers work best for cool mornings. Water shoes or old sneakers that can get soaked are strongly recommended; sandals without a heel strap are not permitted on the raft. Outland provides wetsuits when conditions require them at no extra charge.
Apply waterproof sunscreen before arriving — you’ll be on the water for six hours and Tennessee summer sun is intense. Bring a reusable water bottle. Light snacks for the morning are welcome; Outland provides the midday riverside lunch between sections.
You will get wet. Fully wet. Bring a dry bag or leave a change of clothes and a towel in your vehicle. Our outpost has warm showers and changing rooms.
Leave jewelry, expensive watches, and anything you don’t want to lose in your car or at home. Lockers are available at our outpost. Waterproof phone cases are available for purchase.
10 miles. 20+ rapids. One legendary day on Tennessee’s greatest whitewater river. Book your trip today through our online reservation system or call us directly at (800) 827-1442 for more information.
No prior experience is needed. Our certified guides provide a complete safety and paddle-stroke briefing before each section. Participants should be comfortable swimmers and in reasonable physical condition. Ages 12 and up, minimum 90 lbs.
The Upper Ocoee is a shorter, technically intense run through the 1996 Olympic whitewater course — precision hydraulics, sharp drops, and back-to-back action in a narrow channel. The Middle Ocoee is longer and more sustained — 5 miles of big-volume Class III–IV rapids through a stunning canyon with longer pools between drops. The Full Experience gives you both personalities of the river.
The Full Ocoee runs on Saturdays and Sundays from June through August, departing at 9 AM and returning around 3 PM. The Upper Ocoee water release schedule only permits this combination on weekends during peak summer months. Check the booking page for specific availability by date.
Yes. A full riverside lunch is included between the two sections at no additional cost. This is a proper midday meal designed to keep you fueled for the afternoon run on the Middle Ocoee.
Outland Expeditions handles all shuttle transportation between sections. You don’t need to move your personal vehicle. Just follow your guide — we take care of the logistics so you can focus on the river.
Absolutely. Outland Expeditions regularly runs the Full Ocoee for corporate team-building events, school groups, reunions, and private parties. Call 1-800-827-1442 to discuss group pricing, logistics, and custom scheduling for groups of any size.
Whitewater rafting continues in light rain. Trips are only canceled in the event of lightning, severe flooding, or dam-controlled water releases being halted. In the rare case of a cancellation, we’ll work with you to reschedule or refund your trip.
Yes, with appropriate expectations. Twelve-year-olds who are confident swimmers, weigh at least 90 lbs, and are comfortable with physical activity handle the Full Ocoee well. Our guides provide constant coaching and every raft carries certified first-aid trained guides.
This 5-mile-long 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:
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours. You must be 12 years old or older to raft this section of the Ocoee River
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:
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.