Puma Raft Whitewater Rafting Chattanooga High-Adventure Rapids

Ride a narrower raft that handles rapids completely differently.

Private or small-group whitewater rafting in Chattanooga on the Ocoee River's middle section using a Puma raft: a narrower, shorter boat that surfs and maneuvers through Class III-IV rapids differently than standard rafts. You'll paddle, swim and explore the river with a senior guide for five hours. Bottled water and snacks are provided. Minimum two guests per booking, maximum 24. Must be 12 years old or older. Trips run Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays only.

The experience

The Puma raft is built for a different kind of ride. Narrower and shorter than a standard raft, it responds to the river's moves in ways that change how you experience the rapids. You're not just riding through Class III-IV whitewater. You're surfing it, swimming in it, and exploring the Ocoee middle section with a senior guide who knows how the boat handles. Expect to get wet. The trip runs five hours and includes bottled water and snacks to keep you fueled between rapids.

Groups range from two to 24 people, so you can book a private trip or join others. Either way, you're paddling an active role in the raft, not watching from a bench. The guide handles the major decisions and safety calls, but your paddle and your weight matter to how the boat moves through each rapid. The Puma's design means tighter turns and quicker responses than wider rafts, which is what makes the middle section feel like something new even if you've rafted before.

The Ocoee is a working river. It's released from a dam upstream on a schedule, so water levels and flow change. That's part of what keeps the rapids unpredictable and why the guide's experience matters. Trips depart Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. You must be at least 12 years old to paddle. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks.
• senior guide leading the trip.
• use of a Puma raft for the full five hours on the Ocoee middle section.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 22 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cherokee Rafting

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want to paddle actively in a raft that handles differently than standard boats, or if you've rafted before and want the middle section's Class III-IV rapids to feel new. The Puma's narrower design and the guide's expertise suit paddlers looking for a more dynamic, hands-on experience rather than a scenic float.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 17 years). Children under 16 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between a Puma raft and a regular whitewater raft?

Puma rafts are narrower and shorter, which means they ride and maneuver through rapids completely differently than standard rafts. The tighter design lets them surf and respond faster to the river's moves, giving you a more active, dynamic experience on the water.

Will I actually get wet on this trip?

Yes. The operator states plainly that you will get wet on this trip. Bring a change of clothes and secure anything that can't handle water before you board.

How many people will be in the raft with me?

Groups range from a minimum of two guests to a maximum of 24 per booking. You can book a private trip with just your group or join a larger departure with other paddlers.

What does the five-hour trip include?

The trip includes bottled water and snacks. You'll spend the time paddling, surfing and swimming through the Ocoee middle section's Class III-IV rapids with a senior guide.

What days does this trip run?

Trips depart Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays only. There are no departures on other days of the week.

Do I need rafting experience to book this?

No prior experience is required. The senior guide leads the trip and handles safety decisions. You must be at least 12 years old and able to paddle actively in the raft.