Middle Ocoee Whitewater Rafting near Chattanooga

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.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 54

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

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.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

34 verified traveler reviews

5 ★34

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the Middle Ocoee and the other Ocoee sections near Chattanooga?

The Middle Ocoee is the most-popular run in the country and sits just below the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course. It's an intermediate trip with continuous exciting rapids (Double Trouble, Tablesaw and Hell Hole are the signature ones), and big, splashy water that most rafters consider the right balance of intensity and fun.

How much of the 3.5 hours is actually time on the river?

You'll spend 1.5 hours paddling the Middle Ocoee itself. The remaining 2 hours covers trip preparation, safety briefing and the shuttle to and from the put-in.

Do I need to bring my own rafting gear or is it provided?

All specialty rafting equipment is included: helmet, life vest and paddle come with the trip. You just need to bring dry clothes and shoes for after you're done, and wear water shoes or secure footwear on the river.

Can my 12-year-old go rafting on the Middle Ocoee?

Yes, participants must be at least 12 years old. Anyone 17 or under needs an adult in the boat during the whitewater rafting activities.

Is lunch included in the Middle Ocoee trip?

No, this trip does not include a riverside lunch. Plan to eat before or after the 3.5-hour activity.