The Ocoee Whitewater Rafting trip isn’t your average float down a lazy river. It’s a full-day adventure that’ll test your mettle against class III and IV rapids, navigating powerful hydraulics and steep chutes. But it’s not all white-knuckle thrills – you’ll also enjoy a catered lunch along the riverbanks, fueling up on sandwiches, chips, and refreshing drinks as you take in the breathtaking Appalachian scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned whitewater enthusiast or looking to try something new, this guided tour promises an unforgettable experience. Just be prepared to get wet and work together as a team.
Key Points
- A 10-mile whitewater rafting adventure on the Ocoee River in Tennessee, navigating through class III and IV rapids with over 20 challenging features.
- Includes a catered picnic lunch with sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, and beverages, served on the riverbanks.
- Guided tour with safety briefing, equipment fitting, and instruction on paddle techniques and maneuvering the raft.
- Suitable for participants aged 12 and older who meet the physical fitness requirements for the class III and IV rapids.
- Tour duration is 5 hours and runs on weekends from mid-May through September, with the starting point at Ocoee Dam No. 3.
Activity Overview
The Ocoee Whitewater Rafting adventure is a full-day excursion on the Ocoee River, spanning 10 miles of raging rapids. This thrilling activity offers participants an opportunity to conquer intense class III and IV big water rapids.
The trip begins at the Ocoee Dam No. 3 and takes rafters through the Middle Ocoee section, which features over 20 challenging class III and IV rapids.
Throughout the journey, a catered picnic lunch is provided, including sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, sweet tea, and lemonade.
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is available on weekends from mid-May to September, making it an ideal summertime adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ocoee.
Rafting Experience
While the Ocoee Whitewater Rafting adventure begins at the Ocoee Dam No. 3, it takes rafters through the Middle Ocoee section, which features over 20 challenging class III and IV rapids.
Rafters can expect an intense experience, navigating through:
- Huge waves and powerful hydraulics
- Narrow channels with sharp turns
- Sudden drops and steep chutes
- Powerful diagonal currents
- Massive boulders and rocks that require skilled maneuvers
This section of the river is renowned for its big water rapids, providing an adrenaline-fueled journey that will test the skills and nerves of even the most experienced whitewater enthusiasts.
Ocoee River Location
Located in southeastern Tennessee, the Ocoee River flows through the Appalachian Mountains, offering whitewater rafters a thrilling natural setting for their adventure.
Originating from the Ocoee Dams, the river’s Middle Ocoee section winds through a dramatic gorge, providing a challenging, adrenaline-fueled journey.
The river’s class III and IV rapids, which include over 20 intense features, promise an exhilarating experience for experienced rafters.
Whether you’re taking on the Ocoee for the first time or you’re a seasoned whitewater enthusiast, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a true test of your skills as you navigate the river’s powerful currents and exciting obstacles.
Guided Tour Details
A guided tour provides participants with an experienced river guide who leads them through the Ocoee River’s thrilling rapids. Guides offer expert instruction on proper rafting techniques and safety protocols, ensuring visitors have a fun yet secure adventure.
Throughout the trip, guides also point out the river’s natural surroundings and wildlife, enhancing the overall experience.
The guided tour includes:
- Detailed safety briefing and equipment fitting
- Instruction on paddle techniques and maneuvering the raft
- Navigation through the river’s class III and IV rapids
- Pointing out interesting geological formations and wildlife
- Providing a catered picnic lunch to enjoy on the riverbanks
Picnic Lunch Menu
The picnic lunch includes a variety of tasty and satisfying items to refuel rafters after their thrilling journey on the Ocoee River. It features freshly-made sandwiches, crisp chips, sweet cookies, ripe fruit, and refreshing sweet tea and lemonade. The menu offers a well-rounded selection to appeal to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Sandwiches | Choice of turkey, ham, or vegetarian |
| Chips | Assorted flavors |
| Cookies | Chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin |
| Fruit | Seasonal selections like apples, oranges, and bananas |
| Beverages | Sweet tea and lemonade |
The picnic lunch provides a delicious and energizing midday break to fuel adventurers for the rest of their Ocoee River exploration.
Tour Duration and Availability
This thrilling Ocoee River rafting adventure lasts a full 5 hours, operating on weekends from mid-May through September.
Participants can expect an exhilarating journey navigating over 10 miles of raging class III and IV rapids on the Middle Ocoee section.
The tour is available on weekends only, with the following key details:
- Tour duration is 5 hours
- Runs from mid-May through September
- Departs from the Ocoee Dam No. 3 starting point
- Includes a catered picnic lunch
- Suitable for participants 12 years and older
Age and Health Restrictions
Children must be at least 12 years old to participate in this Ocoee River rafting adventure, as the activity isn’t suitable for younger individuals.
Pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, and those with pre-existing medical conditions aren’t recommended to take part in this thrilling but physically demanding excursion.
The whitewater rapids on the Ocoee River can be quite intense, with class III and IV rapids that require a certain level of physical fitness and agility.
The tour operators prioritize the safety of their guests, so these age and health restrictions are in place to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
What to Expect
Full River Ocoee Whitewater Rafting Trip With Catered Lunch
What to Expect
Guests can expect an exhilarating 5-hour tour on the Ocoee River, where they’ll navigate over 10 miles of raging class III and IV whitewater rapids.
After departing from the Ocoee Dam No. 3, the guided excursion will take adventurers through the Middle Ocoee section, which features more than 20 intense rapids.
A catered picnic lunch with sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, sweet tea, and lemonade is included to refuel participants during the thrilling journey.
Guests can anticipate:
- Adrenaline-pumping rapids
- Stunning natural scenery
- Experienced, knowledgeable guides
- Opportunity to work as a team
- Unforgettable memories
Recap
The Ocoee Whitewater Rafting trip offers an exhilarating journey through class III and IV rapids, complemented by a catered picnic lunch.
With experienced guides navigating the powerful river, adventurers can enjoy the breathtaking Appalachian scenery.
Whether you’re a whitewater enthusiast or seeking an adrenaline-filled experience, this full-day adventure isn’t to be missed.
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