Middle Ocoee Whitewater Rafting near Chattanooga

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Free cancellation

1/3

Duration3h 30m

GroupUp to 54

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

The rapids that made the Ocoee famous: Double Trouble's huge waves, Tablesaw's frenzied current, Hell Hole's boat-drenching punch.

Middle Ocoee whitewater rafting near Chattanooga is a 3.5-hour activity on the nation's most-popular river trip, with 1.5 hours spent paddling intermediate rapids in the Smoky Mountains just below the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course. All specialty rafting equipment—helmet, life vest and paddle—is included; participants must be at least 12 years old, and minors require an adult. The trip does not include a riverside lunch, and you'll spend time in preparation and shuttle alongside the river itself.

The Experience

What makes the Middle Ocoee the most-popular whitewater run in the country is the near-constant action: you're paddling through a greatest-hit compilation of rapids, each one named for what it does. Double Trouble hits you with huge waves. Tablesaw throws fast, frenzied currents at the boat. Hell Hole lives up to its name with a punch that drenches everyone aboard. The river sits just outside Chattanooga in the Smoky Mountains, located directly below the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course, and the intermediate difficulty means the intensity stays "just right"—exciting without requiring expert technique.

The full trip runs 3.5 hours from start to finish. Of that, 1.5 hours is spent on the river itself; the rest covers trip preparation, safety briefing and the shuttle to and from the put-in. You'll dress for getting wet and wear shoes that stay on your feet—flip-flops won't work. All specialty rafting equipment comes with you: helmet, life vest and paddle are included, so you show up ready to paddle. Bring dry clothes and shoes for after the trip; changing rooms and showers are available at the takeout. In cool weather, skip heavy cotton and wear synthetic or wool instead.

Participants must be at least 12 years old for this run, and anyone 17 or under needs an adult in the boat with them. A live guide leads the trip in English and handles the technical calls on the water—reading the current, timing the paddle strokes, positioning the boat through the biggest rapids. This trip does not include a riverside lunch, so plan accordingly if you're making a full day of it.

What’s included

All specialty rafting equipment including helmet, life vest and paddle.
a live guide leading the trip in English.
changing rooms and showers at the takeout.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Nantahala Outdoor Center

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Chattanooga and want to reach the rapids without driving yourself—the included shuttle picks you up near the city and handles transport both ways.