So, you’ve booked your very first whitewater rafting trip and you’re wondering what to expect. First of all — congratulations! It’s going to be a blast. Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River is one of the best ways to add excitement and adventure to your summer and is a must-do Tennessee whitewater rafting experience.
If it’s your first time, questions are normal. What should you bring? How should you prepare? What do you need to know before hitting the river? To help, we’ve put together a few simple tips to make sure your first Ocoee River whitewater rafting trip is fun, safe, and unforgettable.
1. Don’t Worry About the Weather on the Ocoee River
We get asked all the time if we raft in the rain, and the answer is yes! Rafting on the Ocoee River is still a blast—even in wet weather. You’re already getting splashed, so a little rain just adds to the fun.
2. Plan Ahead and Arrive Early for Your Rafting Trip
Our trip times run on Eastern Standard Time, so if you’re coming from Central Time, be sure to plan ahead. Arriving early gives you time to check in, get geared up, and relax before your trip. Plus, there’s plenty to do around the outpost—grab a snack from the café, hang out at the picnic tables, relax at the pavilion, jump into a game of volleyball, game of horseshoes or cornhole. We also have a full retail store and trip photos are always playing.
3. Hydrate Before Your Tennessee Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Summertime in Tennessee can be hot, especially during peak rafting season. Staying hydrated before your Tennessee whitewater rafting trip helps you feel your best on the river. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your trip.
4. Dress for Ocoee River Rafting Success
Flip flops and tank tops may feel like summer essentials, but they don’t work well on the river. We clean and sanitize all our gear, but we recommend wearing quick-drying, synthetic clothing for comfort. Avoid cotton layers when possible, and don’t forget a towel and a change of clothes for after your Ocoee River rafting trip.
5. Wear Proper Footwear for Whitewater Rafting
You’ll walk a short distance at the put-in and take-out, and the riverbed is rocky. Sturdy, secure footwear is important. Old tennis shoes work great, and Chacos or Crocs are fine as long as the heel strap fits snugly. Flip flops and bare feet are a no-go. If you forget your shoes, water shoes are available for purchase in our office.
6. Use Sunscreen on Your Ocoee River Rafting Trips
Use Sunscreen on Your Ocoee River Rafting Trip Tennessee sunshine can be intense. Apply sunscreen with a solid SPF so the only souvenirs you take home are photos, a t-shirt, and a big smile—not a sunburn.
7. Leave Valuables Behind—The River Loves Souvenirs
The Ocoee River has expensive taste. Phones, cameras, and jewelry have all disappeared before. Leave anything you don’t want to lose safely in your car. If you wear glasses, secure them with an eyeglass retainer before heading out. You can leave car keys in the office!
8. Enjoy One of the Best Tennessee Whitewater Rafting Experiences
Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River is approachable for all skill levels, and our guides love introducing first-timers to the thrill of the river. Follow these eight tips, and you’ll have a solid foundation for an incredible day on the water and a true Tennessee whitewater rafting adventure. One last tip, many first-timers start with the middle Ocoee River Trip.
