6 Things to Know Before You Go White Water Rafting in Tennessee
We bet you can’t wait to enjoy an exciting adventure on the Ocoee River in Tennessee! If you’ve never been rafting with us before, we have some tips to guarantee you have a great time while you’re here. Here are 6 things to know before you go white water rafting in Tennessee:
1. Reservations Are Recommended
If you know when you want to visit, we recommend making reservations. While they’re not required, they’re the only way to ensure you get the day and time you want for your white water rafting trip. We highly recommend making reservations if you’re coming with a large group, or on a holiday or weekend. Reservations are also a way to guarantee that you’ll be in the same raft with people you come with.
2. Trips Happen Rain or Shine
One thing to keep in mind before planning your rafting trip is that trips run rain or shine! We believe that white water rafting in Tennessee is actually the perfect rainy day activity because you’re going to get wet anyway. The Ocoee River is in a deep gorge, with high ridgelines and trees, so exposure to the rain on the river is minimal. On cool days, we do provide guests with splash jackets and pants at no additional cost. You won’t have to worry about a little rain getting in the way of your adventure!
3. Be Ready for an Adventure
When you come white water rafting on the Ocoee River, be ready for an adventure! This river is rated as a class III and IV white water river. On our Middle Ocoee River Trip, you’ll enjoy 5 miles of exciting class III and IV rapids! Our visitors get to paddle through 17 major rapids for a trip that’s full of non-stop action. There’ll be big waves, big thrills and even bigger smiles!
4. Dress Appropriately
We want you to be comfortable on your rafting trip, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the adventure! In warm weather, it’s best to wear shorts, a bathing suit and a t-shirt. In cool weather, we recommend wearing a wool, fleece or polyester top and pants. Stay away from cotton because it doesn’t have any insulating value once it’s wet. We also provide splash jackets and pants to go over your clothes when the weather is cool. For shoes, you must wear shoes with backs on them. No flip flops are allowed while you’re on the river.
5. Safety is a Top Priority
We want you to know that safety is a priority at Quest Expeditions. Our main goal is to provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience on the river. We take care of your safety so that all you have to focus on is having fun! A trained guide will accompany you on your trip. All of our guides have gone through an extensive on and off river training program, and all are trained in First Aid, CPR and Swiftwater Rescue. All that we ask is that rafters be able to paddle a few minutes at a time over a 2-hour period, be in good health, be comfortable in moving water, and be able to walk on uneven terrain.
6. Nearby Lodging Options
Our rafting outpost is a short drive from Chattanooga, TN, which is full of other exciting activities for you to enjoy! We recommend finding lodging nearby and taking the time to explore all that the area has to offer. You can visit the Cherokee National Forest, Cleveland or Chattanooga! There are several hotels only 15 minutes from our rafting outpost, and several campgrounds available in the Cherokee National Forest and the Hiwassee Ocoee State Park. You’ll have no trouble finding a place to stay that can accommodate everyone in your group!
We can’t wait for you to come white water rafting in Tennessee with us! Now that you’re prepared, you’re ready to book your trip. Take a look at all our rafting trip options and book your adventure!
