The Most Popular Section of the Ocoee River
2483 Old Parksville Rd
Cleveland, TN 37323
Middle Ocoee River
The Middle Ocoee River stands as a globally renowned hotspot for thrilling whitewater escapades. A thrilling whitewater rafting encounter was born in the late 1970s when the Tennessee Valley Authority Flume Line lost its ability to transport the Ocoee River’s water to the powerhouse for turbine rotation. As a result, the water found its way back into the riverbed, etching its name in the annals of white water rafting!
So, what should you anticipate? Brace yourself for five miles of invigorating Class III and Class IV whitewater, adorned with colossal waves and breathtaking mountain vistas. Traverse seventeen challenging rapids, plunging 56 feet per mile, as you venture through a majestic gorge nestled within the Cherokee National Forest. Every season, families, communities, and corporate groups gravitate toward Ocoee, seeking an indelible river adventure.
No prior rafting experience is required as our skilled guide will expertly lead the expedition, ensuring a safe and memorable journey. Get ready to embark on an indelible river adventure that showcases the thrilling essence of Ocoee River rafting.
Looking for an epic day of thrills? How about merging your Middle Ocoee River white water rafting escapade with an exploration of the Upper Ocoee? Brace yourself for the ultimate 10-mile adventure through the exhilarating white waters of the Southeast! Discover the best that Tennessee’s Ocoee River rafting has to offer and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on the heart-pounding excitement of Ocoee River whitewater rafting!
Overview
- Trip Length: 3 hours
- River Miles: 5 miles
- When: June, July, August trips are offered daily except Tuesday and Wednesday
- Class: III-IV
- Minimum Age: 12 years
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(All times local time)
- Five hour day: 9 am – 2 pm
- Six hour day: 9 am – 3 pm
- Eight hour day: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Other Options on the Ocoee River
Olympic Ocoee River Trip
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!
- 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.
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!
More Information
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.”
Contact Us to Learn More About Our Trips
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.