Flowing through the heart of southeastern Tennessee, the Ocoee River is a natural and historical treasure. From its beginnings in the Cherokee National Forest to its time on the Olympic stage, this river has stories worth knowing.
The Ocoee River offers endless adventure — from whitewater rafting and kayaking to fishing and hiking. But how much do you really know about this natural wonder? Let’s take a look at some surprising Ocoee River facts that might just make you see it in a whole new way.
🛶 Ready to go from facts to firsthand experience? Check out our Ocoee River rafting trips and plan your next adventure.
1. The Ocoee River has 2 Names
This river stretches 93 miles across 2 states, which is why it has 2 names! About 60% of the river is in Georgia, where it is called the Tocca River. When the river reaches the state line in McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, it then becomes the Ocoee River. The rest of the river continues until it empties into the Hiwassee River.
2. The Ocoee River Was the First Olympic Whitewater Venue in the U.S.
You may already know this fun fact—the Ocoee River in Tennessee hosted the Canoe and Kayak Competition during the 1996 Olympics. This was the only Olympic venue outside of Georgia that year, and the athletes stayed in The Olympic Village at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. The Ocoee section used in the Olympics features two of its largest rapids—Godzilla and Humongous.
3. Rafters use only 11% of the Ocoee River for Whitewater Adventures
Although the river is 93 miles long, only a portion of it is used for white water rafting. The area between Ocoee Dam #2 and Dam #3 is the section where most rafting excursions take place because of the rapids.
💡 Want to experience this exhilarating stretch? Book your Ocoee River trip here.
4. The Ocoee River’s Whitewater Was Once a Dry Riverbed
A long time ago, water was diverted down a 5-mile wooden flume to a powerhouse for hydroelectric power. A rockslide damaged the flume in September 1976, sending a large amount of water into the Ocoee Riverbed for the first time since the flume’s construction in 1913.
5. People almost didn’t use the Ocoee for whitewater rafting
When the flume was damaged in 1976, it took many years to complete the construction of it. In 1983, workers completed the flume and prepared to divert water from the middle section of the river again. Eventually, Congress reached an agreement to release water for 116 days each year for the next 35 years, allowing guests from around the world to continue enjoying whitewater rafting.
6. Ocoee Means “wild apricot” in Cherokee
You might spot wildflowers called maypops in this area of Tennessee—people also know them as wild apricots. The word “ocoee” is Cherokee for this type of flower.
7. The Middle Section of the Ocoee River is the Most Popular Place to go Rafting in the US
There are several places where you can go white water rafting in the United States, but the middle section of the Ocoee in Tennessee is the most popular! On average, there are over 200,000 people who go commercial rafting and 10,000 people who raft privately.
Now you know a little more about the Ocoee River in Tennessee! Does learning more about this beautiful river make you want to experience it in person? Learn all about our Ocoee white water rafting trips and book your next excursion today!
Plan Your Ocoee River Adventure
Now that you’ve learned a few fun facts about the Ocoee River in Tennessee, why not make your own memories on the water? Our guided rafting trips give you a front-row seat to the river’s beauty, history, and excitement.
Bonus Resource:
Want to dig even deeper into the region? Visit the US Forest Service’s page on the Ocoee River Area.
