Ocoee River Rafting Trips
They don’t call our Ocoee River rafting trips “the nation’s most popular” for nothing. Because this Ocoee rafting trip is an outdoor adventure you’ll not want to miss. Join us for 5 miles of exciting rapids and quality fun on the Middle Ocoee River. Summer’s perfect outing for you, first-timers, friends, families or groups. Share the experience, a high-quality multigenerational day of fun. It’s time to raft the Ocoee River, an extraordinary adventure for everyone! Located minutes from Chattanooga, two hours from Atlanta, Knoxville. Birmingham, Nashville and Huntsville are three hours away. Full-day and half day trips available.
Quest Expeditions offer professionally guided Ocoee River Rafting trips on one of the most famous whitewater rivers in the country, delivering unforgettable Ocoee white water rafting adventure for families, groups, and thrill-seekers.
Our Ocoee Whitewater Rafting Trips
Middle Ocoee River rafting trips run through a scenic river gorge in the Cherokee National Forest. Here, the whitewater promises waves of fun, big smiles and thrills. Share the challenge of paddling through 17 major rapids with colorful names such as Grumpy, Broken Nose, Second Helping, Double Trouble, Tablesaw, Diamond Splitter and more. This Ocoee River trip will leave you and friends with an inspiring experience. Great for youth outings, family fun, group trips and teens love the excitement. The powerful flow of this dam-controlled stream assures you a trip full of non-stop action.
Full Ocoee River Trip, the perfect full day adventure. Ten miles of high excitement, famous rapids, the 1996 Olympic Course, a riverside lunch, and America’s favorite 5 miles of whitewater on the middle Ocoee section. This Ocoee rafting trips is available on Saturdays mid May through Mid September.
Why the Ocoee River is Famous for Rafting?
The Ocoee River is famous for its controlled dam-releases, consistent rapids, fun big waves, mountain scenery and two exciting trips. We specialize in Ocoee River trips with a half day outing of family friendly fun or a full-day of high excitement on a ten mile Ocoee rafting adventure, we got you covered.
Why Quest Expeditions in Famous for Ocoee Rafting Trips!
40 plus years of commercial white water experience on the Ocoee River
Highly trained, safety-focused and fun Ocoee guides
Top-rated gear and equipment
Convenient Ocoee location near major highways and cities
- Superior Facilities with Cafe, Store, Conference Room, Pavilion
- Group Lodging Onsite, Hotel 1 minute away
Ocoee River Trips Available Dates
April 2025
Where is the Ocoee River located?
This beautiful whitewater river is located in southeastern Tennessee, flowing through the high country of the Cherokee National Forest. It runs for approximately 93 miles, beginning at the Tennessee, Georgia state line and flowing through Polk County Tennessee before merging with the Hiwassee River near Benton, Tennessee. The river is well-known for its commercial Ocoee River rafting and outdoor adventure opportunities. The river is situated primarily in the Cherokee National Forest between Copperhill and Ocoee Tennessee.
If you’re traveling to Quest in Ocoee, Tennessee it’s approximately 110 miles from Atlanta, GA, which takes about 2 hours from the north side of Atlanta. From Nashville, TN, it’s about 160 miles a 2.5-hour drive depending on traffic. The river is even closer to Chattanooga, TN, located just 40 miles away, less than an hour drive. We are also an easy drive from Birmingham and Huntsville Alabama. Families each season plan an Ocoee whitewater trip traveling I-75 with plans to stop in Cleveland, Tennessee for a day. Quest Expeditions is only 15 minutes from I-75.
Our Ocoee River rafting trips offers some of the best whitewater in the United States. There are two main sections, each five miles. Our Middle Ocoee whitewater trip is the most popular with 17 major rapids. A quality day outing and value priced for families. The upper offers the exciting Olympic Course on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months. It also provides various opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, camping, fishing and hiking, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers.
How are Ocoee Rapids Rated and What to Expect ?
Our Ocoee River trip is famous for providing thrilling white water action and family friendly fun. The Ocoee is on the upper middle scale of difficulty. Expect numerous Class III and IV rapids, an exciting challenge that’s just right—wildly fun but doable. Expect non-stop waves with playful rapid names, warm water fed by the upstream lake, tons of shared laughs, and you’ll get wet! Quest Expeditions is an easy access from major cities. Here’s what you’re in for:
What are CLASS III and IV Rapids?
Class III Rapids: These rapids have moderate, irregular waves, and require maneuvering in fast flowing water. Expect to be splashed with big waves and paddle continuous whitewater.
Class IV Rapids: These are more difficult and have powerful, technical, fast-moving water with large drops and waves. These rapids require paddling with fast decision-making. You’ll enjoy the fast pace of these rapids. Your guide will provide guidance and instructions through the excitement.
- There will also be time to swim is calm spots, take photos and take in the surrounding natural beauty of the Ocoee River gorge.
The river is famous for hosting the whitewater events during the 1996 Summer Olympics, specifically on the Upper Ocoee section. The river is divided into two whitewater sections:
- Middle Ocoee rafting: Known for its continuous Class III and IV rapids, suitable for for a great day trip with lots of action.
- Full Ocoee River Trip: We combine the upper and middle sections of the Ocoee for a full day of rafting with a riverside lunch.
- Overall, the difficulty of the rapids on the Ocoee River makes it a popular destination for first-timers, experienced paddlers, families and groups.
Can a beginner raft the Ocoee River?
No experience is required to raft the Ocoee. However, participants should be able to paddle a few minutes at a time over a 2 hour period. You should be in good health and comfortable in moving water, walking on uneven terrain and being splashed from waves.
Ocoee Rafting Whitewater Rafting Options
We offer both Middle Ocoee and Upper Ocoee trips:
Middle Ocoee: A 5-mile stretch of continuous class III-IV whitewater action — the most popular whitewater trip in the country!
Full Ocoee River Trip the best day trip in the Southeast, ten miles of whitewater, the Olympic Course, riverside lunch and the famous middle Ocoee River.
Upper Ocoee: Home of the 1996 Olympic whitewater course — a must for thrill-seekers.
What to Bring on Your Ocoee River White Water Rafting Adventure
- Moisture-wicking clothes: Wear athletic wear or a swimsuit that you don’t mind getting wet.
- Appropriate shoes: Water shoes or sturdy sandals with straps are essential for keeping your feet secure while rafting.
- Sunglasses with a strap: Protect your eyes from the sun without worrying about losing them.
- Sunscreen: Apply before the trip to avoid sunburn.
- Quick-drying clothes (in cooler months): Dress in lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes that dry quickly.
- Change of clothes: Bring extra clothes to change into after your adventure.
- Dry towel: A towel to dry off after your rafting trip.
- Bag for wet clothes: A waterproof or sealable bag to store your wet clothes after the trip.
- A sense of adventure: Bring your enthusiasm and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
*For a full list see What to Wear White Water Rafting on the Ocoee River.
What Are the Best Seasons to Raft the Ocoee River?
While Summer is always a good choice, Spring and Autumn are very favorable seasons for Ocoee River whitewater rafting trips. Spring sometimes produces higher water, making trips more challenging. And, you can count on Autumn to provide a scenic high country adventure, with a backdrop that screams colors of the fall foliage. Added benefits are the small crowds and the best rate of the year with excellent group rates.
Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Safety Information
Safety is a top priority, participants must be 12 years of age for our rafting trips. You should be comfortable getting splashed with waves and paddling through rapids. All participants must sign a waiver.
- Those pregnant should not go rafting.
- Safety equipment provided by Quest.
- Helmets must be worn at all times.
- Commercial type V whitewater Life Jacket must worn at all times.
- Follow the instructions of your guide.
- Pay close attention to the safety orientation provided before your trip.
- All trips go rain or shine.
Please feel free to call us at 800-277-4537 for more information or reservations. Our staff will be happy to assist you with planning your trip with the finest Ocoee outfitter available. Reserve your trip here: Online Reservations and Middle Ocoee Trip Prices.
Why the Ocoee River is Perfect for Whitewater Rafting
Flowing through the scenic Cherokee National Forest in southeastern Tennessee, the Ocoee River isn’t just a body of water — it’s a destination. With thrilling Class III and IV rapids, rich Olympic history, and natural beauty at every turn, it’s one of the most iconic whitewater rivers in the country.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rafter, the Ocoee offers the perfect mix of adventure, challenge, and fun.
A River with History
Did you know the Ocoee River hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events? That legacy continues today, drawing thrill-seekers from across the country to experience its world-class rapids. Beyond its Olympic fame, the river stretches 93 miles across Tennessee and Georgia — and its upper and middle sections are ideal for guided rafting trips.
What Makes an Ocoee Trip Special?
- Consistent Flow: Thanks to controlled dam releases, you get reliable rafting conditions all season long.
- Unmatched Scenery: Towering rock walls, lush forests, and clear mountain water make every trip visually stunning.
- Quality Rapids: and the Ocoee has a wonderful mix of small fast moving whitewater to class IV rapids.
- Fun: Constant action, an experience that is easily shared with friend, or groups.
- Proximity: Located just a short drive from Chattanooga and two hours from Atlanta, the Ocoee is one of the most accessible rafting rivers in the Southeast.
- Your Outfitter: Choose a quality outfitter, look at websites, look at photos of trips and facilities or join Quest Expeditions and we’ll provide you with the a high quality experience, exceptional highly-trained staff, unsurpassed whitewater experience through 5 decades of commercial white water outfitting.
More About Ocoee River Trips
Let’s Raft Tennessee’s Ultimate Whitewater Rapids
Challenge the Ocoee Olympic Course
After a few miles to gain some experience, the river narrows and excitement run high. You’re bound for the legendary rapids of the Olympic Course. There is nothing else like this section of whitewater in the U.S. By the time you reach the beast of the rapids, known as Humongous, you’ll be smiling, laughing, and hear a few screams! This is the most challenging rapid on the river, where you’ll experience big waves squeezed between large boulders followed by a huge hole.
It’s not all paddling, take in the views of the Cherokee National Forest. Recharge with a riverside lunch that’s anything but basic-build your own sandwich with all the trimmings, peel-n-shrimp, fresh fruit, assortment of chips, cookies, tea, water and lemonade.
After lunch, we’ll take on the Middle section of the Ocoee, providing continuous rapids on the nation’s most popular five mile stretch of whitewater. Before this trip ends, we’ll slow down to take a swim, you have earned it.
Essential Information for Ocoee Rafting Trip
This Full Day Trip is an excellent choice for those looking for a whole day of white water rafting. This trip is only available on Saturdays and Sundays mid May through mid September. Due to the limited availability, this Ocoee rafting trip fills fast, so you should start planning your Olympic sized high country adventure today.
Please allow 7 hours with us for this rafting trip. All participants must be 12 years old to take part in our rafting trips. In addition, rafting trips go rain or shine. Be sure to prepare accordingly. Also, be aware of our cancellation policy. Learn more here: Full River Trip Online Reservations and Rates.
Group rates are for parties of 8 or more and reservations and payment are made by one person. Rates above do not include the 10% Tennessee State Access and Management Fee.
Upper Only trips are only available on a few select weekends. Call for dates.
Reservations and Rates Upper Only Trip.
All participants must sign a waiver and be 12 years of age. Trips go rain or shine. Be sure you are familiar with our cancellation policy.
Visit here for some additional history about the river. Have questions, check our FAQ page, learn more about outfitters.