White Water Rafting Stories from the Ocoee River
At Outland Expeditions, every trip down the Ocoee River creates lasting memories. From families seeking adventure and groups celebrating special occasions to first-time rafters and whitewater enthusiasts, our guests consistently praise the excitement, safety, and professionalism that define the Outland experience. Read their stories below and discover why Outland Expeditions has been one of the most trusted names in Ocoee River rafting for over 45 years.
We had a fantastic time white water rafting with Outland Expedition! The entire experience was top-notch from start to finish. Their team was incredibly helpful and supportive — from booking our tickets, to smoothly rescheduling when we ran into a time zone mix-up, to guiding us safely down the river. Even with the rain, we had an absolute blast! Special shoutout to Alex, our guide, who made the trip fun, safe, and memorable. Super professional crew all around. Highly recommend this adventure!
Outland Expeditions knocked it out of the park!! Our mid-year retreat was held in Chattanooga, with the exclamation point on the entire retreat being a rafting trip down the Ocoee River!
Upon arrival to the facility, I noticed how easy it was to navigate. The grounds were clean and well-organized, and the staff were helpful in outfitting us properly and safely. We grabbed our gear and seats on the bus for a rafting tour we will always remember and talk about for years to come!
Our fabulous, entertaining guide, Aiden, totally “made” this trip with his outgoing personality, knowledge of the area, and confidence in his rafting/guide abilities! We even looked back while we were spinning (intentionally-as per his instructions ) and he was doing a handstand in the boat! Are you kidding me? Now that’s trust and commitment to provide a fun experience for his passengers!
We will return to Outland Expeditions and bring some friends so that they can experience the thrill of white water rafting with us!
Had an absolutely fantastic experience with Outland Expeditions on the Ocoee! We originally booked the half-day trip but ended up extending to the full day mid-trip and it was totally worth it. The team was super accommodating about the change, which made the day even better.
Our guide, Mitch, was awesome, knowledgeable, fun, and made us feel safe while keeping the energy high the entire time! We stopped halfway for a barbecue lunch, which hit the spot and gave us a chance to relax before heading back out on the water.
The entire staff was friendly and welcoming, and their gift shop has some of really high quality t shirts, hats, and other merchandise. Highly recommend this outfitter if you’re rafting the Ocoee!
Outland Expedition was truly an amazing experience. This was our 7th time white water rafting but our first with Outland and it truly was our favorite one so far.
Our guide Rae was the highlight of the trip. Her energy and personality matched our group so well. We could not be more thankful we got her as our guide. She deserves a raise ASAP.
Overall, we rate this place as a 10/10 and 5 stars!
God is good!!!
Unforgettable Adventure with Outland Expeditions!
We had the best time white water rafting with Outland Expeditions! From start to finish, the trip was organized, safe, and an absolute blast.
Our guide, Rae, was nothing short of amazing. She was knowledgeable, funny, and made everyone in our raft feel confident and comfortable—even when the rapids got wild! You can tell she truly loves what she does, and her energy made the whole experience even more fun.
The river was beautiful, the rapids were thrilling, and the whole team at Outland was professional and welcoming. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure with awesome guides, this is it. We’ll definitely be back—and we’ll be asking for Rae!
We booked a middle river trip with Outland yesterday, which was Saturday, July 5, 2026. Only one of us had ever been of the six that were on the trip. Most of us were very apprehensive about going on this trip!
From the time we got there to the time we left this family was top shelf. The staff was great!
Our guide was probably the smallest guy they have his name was Alex and he was absolutely fantastic. Great kid, great personality, took care of all of us like we were his own family. What a wonderful, wonderful person they’ve got guiding on the Ocoee river!
We will go back many times, but we will never use anybody other than Outland.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time of year to go white water rafting on the Ocoee River?The best time to go rafting on the Ocoee River depends on the experience you’re looking for, but you really can’t go wrong during rafting season. Spring offers cooler temperatures, beautiful mountain scenery, and smaller crowds, while summer brings warm weather, sunny days, and the most popular rafting conditions for families and groups. Fall is a favorite among many guests thanks to comfortable temperatures and stunning fall colors. Because the Ocoee River is a dam-controlled whitewater river, rafting conditions remain consistent throughout the season, ensuring an exciting adventure from spring through fall. For the best availability, we recommend booking early for summer weekends and holiday dates.
- How much does it cost to go white water rafting on the Ocoee River?Looking for affordable Ocoee River rafting? Outland Expeditions offers whitewater rafting trips starting at just $36 per person for a half-day adventure on the Middle Ocoee River. For the ultimate experience, our Full Ocoee trip combines both the Upper and Middle Ocoee sections for a full day of world-class whitewater rafting starting at $90 per person. We also offer group discounts, youth group packages, and private rafting trips for families, corporate outings, churches, and special events.
- What is the difference between the Middle and Upper Ocoee River sections?The Middle Ocoee: Experience five miles of nonstop whitewater excitement featuring more than 20 Class III and IV rapids. The Middle Ocoee is our most popular rafting trip, offering the perfect balance of adventure and fun for first-time rafters and seasoned thrill-seekers alike.
The Upper Ocoee: Features the actual 1996 Olympic Whitewater slalom course. It is slightly more demanding, offers bigger drops, and can be combined with the middle section for a full river, 10-mile expedition.
For more in-depth information on how to choose the right experience for you, read our Upper vs Middle Ocoee River guide.
- Do I need prior white water rafting experience?Yes! Ocoee River rafting is safe and enjoyable for first-time rafters and beginners. Every trip with Outland Expeditions is led by a highly trained, professional rafting guide who provides a comprehensive safety briefing, paddling instruction, and expert guidance throughout your adventure. Before launching, all guests are outfitted with type V PFD, helmets, and paddles. With over 45 years of experience on the Ocoee River, our team is committed to providing a fun, exciting, and safe whitewater rafting experience for every guest.
- What should I wear and bring for an Ocoee River rafting trip?You will get completely soaked so dress accordingly.
Warm weather: Swimsuits, boardshorts, and synthetic, quick-dry t-shirts.
Cool Weather: Layer with synthetic fleece, nylon, or wool. Avoid cotton completely, as it traps cold water against your skin. Outland Expeditions provides splash jackets at no additional charge for cold days.
Footwear: Secure footwear (river sandals, water shoes, crocs, Teva’s, Chaco`s and old sneakers)
- Are there age or weight restrictions for rafting on the Ocoee River?To raft the Ocoee River, all participants must be at least 12 years old, as required by Tennessee state regulations. While there is no specific weight limit, guests must be able to comfortably fit into our safety equipment, including a life jacket and helmet, and be physically capable of paddling and following guide instructions. If you have questions about age, size, or physical requirements, our team is happy to help ensure the trip is a great fit for you.
- Do rafting trips still run when it rains?Yes. All trips run rain or shine. Because you are guaranteed to get wet during the trip anyway, rain does not impact the experience. Trips are only delayed in the event of severe, unsafe weather conditions.