The Iconic Olympic Section
2483 Old Parksville Rd
Cleveland, TN 37323
The Upper Ocoee River Olympic Section
Experience the rush of Upper Ocoee River rafting on the world-renowned Olympic Section. This stretch is packed with challenging Class III and IV rapids, beginning with Tombstone, Mikey’s, and the Blue Hole, and leading you to a suspension bridge that marks the start of the Olympic Course. The journey kicks off with Best Ledge, drops you into the swirling waters of Smiley Face, and takes you over the massive Slam Dunk — the largest single drop on the course.
The Upper Ocoee River Olympic Section is only open during scheduled water releases on weekends from mid-May through mid-September, making each trip a rare and exciting event. Since hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic whitewater events, this section has become one of the most famous rafting destinations in the country.
The Middle Ocoee begins just after the end of the Upper Ocoee and boasts 20 Class III and Class IV rapids along its five-mile stretch. Learn more about Middle Ocoee rafting here.
Upper Ocoee Overview
- Trip Length: 3 hours
- River Miles: 5 miles
- When: Saturdays and Sunday in May – September
- 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
Upper Ocoee Release Schedule: Plan Your Adventure
Water releases for the Upper Ocoee River Olympic Section take place on weekends from mid-May through mid-September, creating optimal rafting conditions. Whether you book a five-hour or six-hour day, you’ll take on the same course that tested Olympic athletes, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cherokee National Forest.
Other Options on the Ocoee River
Classic Middle Ocoee River Trips
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:
- 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 trip lasts approximately 3 hours. You must be 12 years old or older to raft this section of the Ocoee River
Our full-day 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 quick 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.
More Information
Who Should Raft the Upper Ocoee River – Olympic Section?
(min age 12)
If your group wants the remote wilderness experience packed with Olympic action, sustainable eco-tourism history, and group bonding experiences then consider the Upper Ocoee River. Yes, the rapids are the biggest on the Ocoee. That’s why Outland vets only the best guides for this section keeping rafters safe and challenged.
You are in a gorge floating through a forest in the middle of nowhere with your life in the hands of a mountaineer thinking, “This is most awesome thing I’ve ever done…”
First Impressions
The bus winds around cliffs into the deepest section of the Ocoee Gorge a buzzing anticipation builds. A trip leader seems to be a master at scaring you with a bagful of local folklore. You spot what looks like swift rapids as an assortment of river mountaineer guides wave you over for life-preserving paddle strokes training. They call themselves professionals, but you’re not so sure. Then in a blink, “Pick up the raft, slide it in the water, get in, ALL FORWARD…” What! No warmup, the raft goes from zero to river speed into a forest. The guide shrugs saying, “Be ready. If we get pinned in Bush Gardens you could swim, then I’ll have to rescue you.” This is awesome. This is Outland Expeditions.
Upper Ocoee River Action
The Upper section is often distinguishable by the Ocoee’s most remote wilderness zone followed by the most continuous whitewater on the 1996 Olympic course. Your crew must work together as a team to navigate and conquer (hopefully) the challenging rapids such as Tombstone, Mikey’s, and the Blue Hole. Every part of your body senses the remoteness as you drop waterfalls, then celebrate surviving with your new best friend. Remember that mountaineer. She laughs as she helps your friend up from the raft floor. These rapids are bigger than you expected.
A peaceful float and swim drifts under a large suspension bridge signaling the end of the wilderness section. “Eddy out! This is the 1996 Olympic Course section. It’s about to get REAL.” You think, “What does she mean about?” Drifting the pool toward Best Ledge you’re on the edge of your seat paddle ready and hear, “Give me some SPEED! ALL FORWARD!” Five hard strokes and your raft drops. Water punches your face, and you get up to celebrate. No time, “PADDLE. ALL FORWARD!!!” You’re off-course with Smiley Face seconds away, “ALL FORWARD…DIG IT IN!” It was an easy hit, drift, and relax as the guide laughs. She points out the painted smiley face on a rock. You listen like never before to your guide, “Next, is the biggest single drop on the course – Slam Dunk – Are You READY?” Then before you answer, “GIVE ME SPEED! ALL FORWARD!” Your crew surges forward… This is awesome. This is Outland Expeditions.
Environmental History
The Upper Ocoee is rich in history as it once drained the nation’s most infamous Copper ore smelting basins. Catastrophically, Copper Hill and Copper Basin clear-cut forests from the mid-1800s to late 1900s to fuel giant copper smelting pots. Copper hills and basin were a baron red landscape from the copper oxides causing problematic erosion and acid rain. Eventually, environmental reclamation projects during the late 1900s began changing the landscape, and new sustainable models were launching.
1996 Olympic Course and Sustainable Eco-Tourism Successes
When the 1996 Atlanta Olympics needed a whitewater course, the Ocoee River’s easy location, controllable levels, perfect gradient, and challenging whitewater attracted international funding and Olympic crowds. Constructed features were safe to navigate, providing the Olympians excellent whitewater. Environmental advocates and the region gained a sustainable eco-tourism model. Today, the whitewater section attracts rafters, kayakers, and tourists from around the globe.
How is the Olympic Section different from other parts of the Ocoee
It is a concentrated sequence of technical features with quick decision making and tight lines. You will practice precise paddling and rapid repositioning between drops rather than long pools or extended recovery water.
Where are the best spectator viewpoints for friends not rafting
Two popular spots are near the suspension bridge that signals the start of the Olympic Course and along public pull offs where the whitewater is audible. Your confirmation can note current viewing access so supporters can plan photos and cheering.
How does seating placement in the raft affect the experience
Front seats get the earliest hits and the most splash. Middle seats offer stability and a balanced view of the route. Your guide may place stronger paddlers up front for punchy entries on the Olympic features.
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 trip today through our online reservation system or call us directly at (800) 827-1442 for more information.