Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting Chattanooga: Class III-IV Rapids

Five Miles of Class III & IV Rapids Without the Usual River Hazards

You get a 3.5-hour whitewater trip on five miles of Class III-IV rapids with all gear, transportation, and instruction included. The guides are trained and certified beyond what most companies require, which means they can customize the intensity to your group and handle the river with confidence. No experience needed, ages 12 and up. Book for a day when you want something physical and real, not a polished resort experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Middle Ocoee Whitewater Rafting Adventure

• Receive all equipment provided
• Travel to the Middle Ocoee River
• Learn rafting techniques and safety
• Raft five miles of class III and IV rapids
• Customize ride intensity with guides
• Return from river to starting point

The experience

You wonder if you'll actually stay in the boat. The Ocoee River doesn't have the undercuts and sieves that make most rapids feel like a gamble: the water moves fast and hard, but it's designed in a way that lets guides push what non-professionals can handle. That's the whole point here. OAR trains guides longer than other companies do, and they're the only outfit on the river that requires every guide to finish an EMR certification and Swiftwater Rescue class. It means they can take you places other companies won't, and they know how to handle it if things go sideways.

The trip itself is 3.5 hours total, which includes transportation to and from the river, so you're not spending half the day driving. You show up, get fitted with a helmet and PFD, and head out with five miles of Class III and IV whitewater ahead. The guides teach you what you need to know on the way: how to hold the paddle, how to brace, how to read the water. If you've never rafted before, that's fine. If you've done it a hundred times, they'll still dial the intensity to what your group actually wants. Some people want to stay dry and feel the adrenaline from the spray. Others want to get thrown around. The guides can read that and adjust.

All the gear comes with you: paddles, helmets, life jackets, the boat itself. You don't rent anything separately or show up wondering what you're supposed to bring. Ages 12 and up can go, and the fitness level doesn't matter much. The river does the work. The whole crew has to work together to make it down, which is partly why people remember this trip. It's not a solo experience. You're paddling with whoever came with you, and by the end of those five miles, you've either figured out how to move as a unit or you've got a story about why you didn't.

What’s included

• All required gear (helmet, life jacket, paddle, and boat) plus transportation to and from the river.
• Instruction in whitewater techniques and safety before you launch.
• Lunch is provided on the Full excursion option.
• Guides are trained and certified in emergency response and swiftwater rescue.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDepartures at 09:15, 11:45 and 14:15

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 89 years) · Senior (90 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (12 to 13 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 500

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Outdoor Adventure Rafting

Is this one for you?Right for groups or solo travelers ages 12+ who want a physical day on real whitewater without needing experience first: the guides handle the expertise, and the river's natural design means you can push harder than you'd expect without the hidden hazards that make other rapids feel risky.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (12 to 13 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

Do I need whitewater rafting experience?

No. Guides teach you the techniques and safety skills you need before you push off. The trip is designed for all levels.

What's included in the price?

All equipment (helmet, PFD, paddle, boat), transportation to and from the river, and guide instruction. Lunch is included on the Full excursion option.

How long is the actual trip?

3.5 hours total, including transportation and time on the water.

What's the age requirement?

Ages 12 and up. Pregnant travelers are not recommended for this trip.

Can I choose how intense I want it to be?

Yes. Guides customize the experience to your group. You can stay in the boat and enjoy the ride, or push harder if you want a wilder experience.

Is this wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the trip is wheelchair accessible.

What if I'm not in great physical shape?

The trip is suitable for all fitness levels. The river and the guides do most of the work. You just need to paddle with your crew.