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Ocoee River – General Information

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General Information

Ocoee River whitewater trips are available as half day or full day trips and is an exciting, fun way to spend part of your vacation time in the Blue Ridge mountains. Our river rafting meeting area is just 15 minutes from Blue Ridge, GA where you will find an abundance of restaurants and lodging options.

We have a more detailed explanation between the two sections, here: Upper Ocoee vs Middle Ocoee. If you don’t care to dive too deep into it, here is a brief overview:

UPPER

This 5 mile section will take you through the actual one mile Olympic whitewater course which was used during the 1996 Olympics. This section is only open for rafting on a limited number of weekends during the summer. Our trip schedule will show you all of your options on any give date. You’ll meet in your face rapids such as Godzilla and Humongous.

Trip Details:

  • Minimum Age: 12 years of age.
  • Guided: A certified guide will be in each raft.
  • Adventure Level: Exciting but not extreme.
  • Trip Length: 5 miles on the river.
  • Time on River: Allow three and a half hours for the entire process; about an hour and half to an hour and forty-five minutes on the river.
  • Price Includes: A certified guide, all equipment, splash jackets if needed, transportation to and from the river and any applicable taxes, river fees, etc.

MIDDLE

With the thundering roar of the dam behind you, you will launch your raft into the five miles of surging river called the Middle section. Just minutes after launching your raft into the river, you will meet your first rapid of the trip-the class IV known as Grumpy’s. From there it is almost non-stop action until you finish your trip with a drenching ride through Hell Hole. Our trip schedule will show you all of your options on any given date.

Trip Details:

  • Minimum Age: 12 years of age
  • Guided: A certified guide will be in each raft
  • Adventure Level: Exciting but not extreme.
  • Trip Length: 5 miles on the river
  • Time on the River: Allow three and a half hours for the entire process; about an hour and half to an hour and forty-five minutes on the river
  • Price Includes: A certified guide, all equipment, splash jackets if needed, transportation to and from the river and any applicable taxes, river fees, etc.

DOUBLE TROUBLE / FULL RIVER

You will raft both the Middle and the Upper sections in the same day and stop for a delicious catered lunch on the river.

  • Minimum Age: 12 years of age.
  • Guided: A certified guide will be in each raft.
  • Adventure Level: Exciting but not extreme.
  • Trip Length: About 10 miles total on the river.
  • Time on the River: Approximately six hours-three hours on the river.
  • Price Includes: A certified guide, all equipment, splash jackets if needed, transportation to and from the river and any applicable taxes, river fees, etc.

PRICING

Go here for detailed pricing information. We have a couple options on the Ocoee depending on section, time of season and length of trip. For this reason, we have a page dedicated to pricing.

Raft Types & Guides

The Ocoee River is a moderate but not extreme river rafting experience, as white water is concerned. The rafts used are best-in-class, self-bailing rafts. Also, every single raft on our Ocoee trips are helmed by a certified professional river guide. We do not rent or allow guests to man their own rafts.

SELF BAILING RAFT

Anywhere from 4 to 7 people can enjoy paddling this raft down the river. These rafts have three thwarts. These are the most stable of our fleet of rafts – virtually impossible to turn one over.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL GUIDES

Our guides are well-spoken, fun and full of knowledge about the Ocoee River and surrounding region. But above that, the are incredible river guides trained to captain your raft. The river itself is amazing but our thousands of five-star reviews come because of our outstanding guide team!

What to Bring

Protective Footwear

  • For your safety, all rafters must wear securely fitted shoes.
  • Tennis shoes, water shoes or sandals with heel straps are fine. Flip flops or bare feet are not acceptable.

In Warmer Weather

Quick drying shorts and a tee shirt. You don’t want to wear heavy clothes such as sweat pants or blue jeans. Quick-drying materials such as nylon are a good choice.

In Cooler Weather

If the weather is cooler, try to wear polypropylene or synthetic fleece fabrics. Cotton is not a good choice during chilly weather.

Wetsuit Rentals

On the Ocoee River, we do not rent wetsuits – nor would you really need them!

If it Rains

In the event of rain, we will provide rain jackets free of charge.

Eyewear (Glasses or Sunglasses)

If you feel you must wear glasses of some kind, at least secure them with a string or head strap. We sell head straps at our rafting centers as well as inexpensive sunglasses.

Other Things to Bring

  • Bring a towel. You will get wet!
  • Dry clothes and shoes.
  • Plastic bag for your wet clothes.

What NOT To Bring On The River

  • Valuable jewelry
  • Cell phones, wallets or expensive cameras
  • Car keys (trust us on this one!)

Camping & Lodging

Being the most popular white water destination in all of the USA, Blue Ridge, Georgia has plenty of options for lodging. Most of our Ocoee rafting guests stay at one of these below. However, our preferred North Georgia cabin rentals come from Mountain Escapes.

BED & BREAKFAST

CABIN RENTAL COMPANIES

CABIN RENTALS BY OWNER

CAMPGROUNDS

LODGE

HOTELS / MOTELS

TREEHOUSE

 

If you have any other questions about the Ocoee River, our rafting trips on the Ocoee or questions about the region – please contact us. We’d love to help!

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Choose from one of our amazing rivers below and begin your adventure!

booking button for Nantahala rafting
Ocoee river rafting booking button
Toccoa tube rental reservation button

Or call us for more info:

1-800-408-7238