Ocoee River rafting is widely celebrated as the ultimate whitewater adventure, not just in Tennessee, but across the United States. This legendary river gained fame even before it was selected as the official whitewater course for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Featuring the most continuous class III and IV rapids of any North American river, Ocoee River rafting delivers an exhilarating, high-energy ride through the breathtaking Ocoee River Gorge. Get ready for an unforgettable journey full of thrills, splashes, and scenic beauty.
Ocoee River Rafting
White Water Thrills on the Ocoee!
Ocoee River Rafting Options
Middle Ocoee Trip
From $55.99
The Middle section of the Ocoee River is often referred to the Lower or the Traditional. Most visitors who come to Tennessee for white water action choose the Middle Ocoee. With continuous rapids throughout, it’s sure to not only get you wet but leave you with a lifetime of rafting stories.
Upper Ocoee Trip
From $55.99
For many years, the tempestuous rapids of the Ocoee were one of the best kept secrets in the Southeast. Until the 1996 Summer Olympics. Enter, a new age of Ocoee River rafting! Forever, the landscape of Tennessee adventure and whitewater was changed.
Full Day Trip (Double Trouble)
From $103.99
When you just can’t decide which section to experience on the Ocoee River, our suggestion is to simply choose both! The Full-Day experience, we affectionately have named “Double Trouble”, will be exactly the thrilling whitewater adventure you’ve been searching!
The Legendary Ocoee River – Ultimate in Whitewater
Rolling Thunder River Company has become the go-to choice for Ocoee rafting, backed by over 40 years of experience delivering top-tier whitewater adventures. Since 1977, more than one million guests have trusted Rolling Thunder to create unforgettable Ocoee River rafting experiences. In fact, we have 4.9 ★ rating from over 1198 reviews and over 2500 reviews on TripAdvisor. and counting online. Our goal is to ensure you feel your time and money were well spent—and, more importantly, to ignite a newfound passion for whitewater rafting.
Ocoee rafting isn’t just thrilling—it’s a high-value, low-cost adventure that perfectly complements a visit to these majestic mountains. Featuring two exciting sections of surging whitewater, the Ocoee River is the premier rafting destination in the Southeast. Choose a half-day trip to tackle one section or an all-day adventure to experience both sections—either way, your Ocoee rafting journey will be unforgettable.
Upper & Middle Ocoee
With two separate “hang onto your helmet” sections of surging whitewater, the Ocoee River produces the most continuous stretch of class III and IV rapids of any river in the country. The river is dam-controlled and has two separate sections for rafters to tackle – the Upper Ocoee and the Middle Ocoee. Many refer to the “Upper” as the “Olympic” section. You will also hear some people refer to the “Middle” section as the Lower or the Traditional section.
Half Day Trips & Full Day! This trip is available as half day (choosing one of the sections) or full day (doing both sections on selected days!). Either is an exciting way to spend part of your vacation in the Blue Ridge mountains. Our river rafting center is just 15 minutes from Blue Ridge, GA. You’ll will find an abundance of restaurants and lodging nearby. Our trip schedule will show you which days each section is available.
Go here to find more Ocoee rafting details to figure out which trip fits you best: Middle Ocoee vs Upper Occee.
Pricing
Seasonality coupled with your desired trip type will determine pricing on the Ocoee. Speaking generally, double trouble trips start at $103.99. Middle Ocoee and Upper Ocoee trips are bit more affordable and begin at around $55.99.
For more detailed pricing, please visit this page: Ocoee Pricing in Detail.
Additional Info
There is a lot you could digest before rafting the Ocoee. The Ocoee attracts hundreds of thousands of rafters each season. It has become a popular destination for people seeking fun and adventure. Rolling Thunder River Company has earned its reputation with every trip as a safety-conscious provider of high-quality river adventures. We hope you join us for the ultimate in Ocoee River rafting.
We’ve done our best to compile 40+ years of experience into a detailed section of our website that both answers questions and give visitors more information about the region.
If you’d like to dig deeper into the Ocoee River, go here: Ocoee River More Detail.
Photos – have you been on a trip with us? Get your pictures here.
Frequently asked questions
The Ocoee River features Class III and IV rapids, making it an exciting and moderately challenging rafting experience. It is suitable for adventurous beginners and experienced rafters.
Wear quick-drying clothing such as swimwear or athletic gear, along with secure footwear like water shoes or sandals with straps. Avoid cotton and flip flops.
Yes, guided rafting trips on the Ocoee River are safe for beginners who are comfortable in the water and follow their guide’s instructions.
Most Ocoee rafting trips last between 3 and 5 hours depending on the section of river and trip type.
Ocoee River Rafting Center
20 Hughes Street
McCaysville, Georgia 30555
CAUTION! GPS devices are very unreliable once you are in the mountains. Please do not depend on them to get you to our Centers. Our driving directions will be your best bet! We are conveniently located near: Chattanooga, TN, Blue Ridge, GA, Cleveland, TN, Ducktown & Copperhill, TN.
From Knoxville
(Approx. 3 Hrs.) Heading south on 1-75 take exit 25 in Cleveland Tenn. You will loop around Cleveland on highway 40 east, following signs for Rt. 64 towards Ocoee Tenn. Rt. 64/74 east will bring you through the Cherokee National Forest, Ocoee lake and the Ocoee River. Once you have passed the river you will come to Ducktown, TN and see an BP gas station on your left and a BP and Hardees on your right. Directly after the Hardees, veer to your right onto Rt. 68 south to Copperhill Tennessee. You will go five miles into Copperhill. In Copperhill, go through two lights and come to a three way stop sign. At the stop sign, go straight. You will be on 60 S heading towards Mineral Bluff and will have crossed over into Georgia. Rolling Thunder will be 1/2 mile on your left and parking is on the right next to the river.
From Asheville
(Approx. 3 Hrs.) Head West on I-40 & go to exit 27. You’re now on highway 19/74 West, approximately 50 miles from our Nantahala outpost. Follow signs through Waynesville, Sylva, and Cherokee. Continue on 19/74 and go10 miles past Bryson City. 4-lanes go to 2, stay left and you will see sign entering Nantahala. You will pass Rolling Thunder’s Nantahala Outpost on your right. Stay on 19/74 West. You will pass through the Nantahala Gorge. Continue on 74 west into Andrews. In Andrews, 2 lanes go back to 4. Continue to Murphy. In Murphy, Hwy 19/74W changes names into Hwy 74/64W, but keep going straight to the Tennessee State line. Cross over into TN and 3 miles later you will see an overpass. Go under it, then make your first left on 68 South. You will go about 5 miles into Copper Hill, Tenn. Go through two red lights to a three way stop sign. At the stop sign, go straight. You will be on 60 S heading towards Mineral Bluff and will have crossed over into Georgia. Rolling Thunder will be 1/2 mile on your left and parking is on the right next to the river.
From Atlanta
(Approx. 1 1/2 Hrs.) from the north side of Atlanta. Take I-75 North to exit 268 (Canton exit) to pick up I-575 North. I-575 becomes Zell Miller Parkway and is also called GA 515. Continue on 515 through Blue Ridge, GA. Turn left on Hwy. 60 (runs beside a Valero station) towards Mineral Bluff. Go approximately 10 miles and Rolling Thunder will be on the right.
From Chattanooga
(Approx. 1 ½ Hrs.) Heading south on 1-75 take exit 25 in Cleveland Tenn. You will loop around Cleveland on highway 40 east, following signs for Rt. 64 towards Ocoee Tenn. Rt. 64/74 east will bring you through the Cherokee National Forest, Ocoee lake and the Ocoee River. Once you have passed the river you will come to Ducktown, TN and see an BP gas station on your left and a BP and Hardees on your right. Directly after the Hardees, veer to your right onto Rt. 68 south to Copperhill Tennessee. You will go five miles into Copperhill. In Copperhill, go through two lights and come to a three way stop sign. At the stop sign, go straight. You will be on 60 S heading towards Mineral Bluff and will have crossed over into Georgia. Rolling Thunder will be 1/2 mile on your left and parking is on the right next to the river.
