Adventure Collective
Thrilling Half Day Rafting on Tennessee's Middle Ocoee River - Chattanooga

Thrilling Half Day Rafting on Tennessee's Middle Ocoee River

Ocoeemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable with physical activity and water exposure.

Overview

Get ready to tackle class III-IV rapids on the stunning Middle Ocoee River in Tennessee. This half-day private rafting trip offers excitement, scenic views, and expert guidance for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Ocoee, Tennessee

Half Day Middle Ocoee River Rafting Trip

Starting at $39 • 3 Hours • Ages 12+ • 5 Miles of Class III to IV Rapids

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About This Adventure

#5 Miles of Class III to IV Rapids

##Rates Ages 12+

  • Guest: $39
  • Group of 15-25 People: $35 Per Person
  • Group of 26-72 People: $32 Per Person

Please Note: On Saturdays in July & August, rates increase $10 per person.

Duration

3 Hours

About

This adventurous trip will have you rafting on the most-visited whitewater river in the United States! You’ll cruise down the scenic Ocoee River while conquering thrilling rapids!

Expect to be expertly navigated through the country’s most popular rafting course! With over 20 Class III and IV rapids on offer, this tour is the most exhilarating way to experience the beautiful Cherokee National Forest and its surroundings. Throughout the day you’ll work with your fellow rafters and guide to tackle some of the course’s most famous rapids including Accelerator, Double Trouble and Tablesaw. Join us for an unforgettable outdoor adventure for the whole family!

##What to Expect of Your Adventure After meeting and getting all the Waivers signed we’ll board the bus for the short journey to our start location. Next our experienced guides will deliver a full safety briefing. You’ll get all your rafting gear and have a chance to ask any questions you might have.

Once you’ve taken a few minutes to practice what you’ve learnt, it’s time to start rafting! The Middle Ocoee is continuous Class III/IV whitewater and it offers lots of places to ‘surf’ and ‘play’. Grumpy’s Ledge will be the first rapid for you to take on!

Next up we’ll hit Washing Machine and Moonshoot. Then it’s onto Double Suck which has the tallest ledge of the tour, a six foot slide with an awesome hole at the bottom. Be prepared to get wet here and don’t forget to smile for the camera! Next up it’s Double Trouble the best play spot on the river.

As you pass through the Doldrums, the rapids become more gentle. If the weather is good, it makes it the perfect place to have a swim. It’s also a great chance to learn more about the history of the Ocoee River gorge and the unique TVA system of dams.

The excitement continues when we hit Tablesaw! By this point, your group will have mastered teamwork when taking on the rapids and you’ll be ready to smash through the waters. This is the course’s longest and most formidable rapid. Expect big waves and frenzied currents before floating down to the infamous Diamond Splitter. Be prepared for a drenching!

Once you’ve tackled all the awesome rapids we’ll get you onto dry land and transport you back to The Outpost. Here, we have hot showers for you to freshen up and you’ll be able to see the professional photos of your Cascade Outdoors trip. We also have a plenty of picnic tables where you can enjoy a post-rafting lunch and get busy planning your next tour!

##Safety Your safety is our number one priority. We pride ourselves on having the best, expertly trained guides on the river to ensure you feel prepared and secure on the water.

  • All our guides have been personally scouted by Kip who has over 20 years rafting experience and has even competed in World Championships!
  • Cascade Outdoors’ guides have all completed a state-approved Advanced First Aid, CPR & Wilderness First Responder training course.
  • During your safety briefing our guides will cover important aspects of rafting including how to stay in the raft, paddle strokes and commands and what to do if you fall out the raft.
  • Our guides are passionate about rafting and will be happy to customize your trip should you want to take on more challenges or take it a little bit easier.
  • All our guides have had experience on whitewater since at least 2011 and have tackled rivers all over the world. They will always be prepared for whatever the Ocoee River or the weather may throw at us!

##Trip Requirements

  • Ages 12+ per Tennessee State Law
  • Max weight 265-275 Ibs
  • Relatively good health
  • Suitable for both whitewater beginners and more advanced rafters!
  • We can accommodate any group size
  • Maximum raft size is 6 people plus an experienced guide
  • Solo visitors welcome. You will be paired with other like-minded rafters for the trip
  • Pets are not permitted

##What to Bring

  • Waterproof sun protection
  • Dry clothes
  • Towel
  • Shower supplies
  • Inhalers
  • Sunglass retainers
  • Plastic bag
  • Water
  • Please DO NOT bring valuables

##What to Wear

  • Bathing Suit/Shorts (no bikinis!)
  • T-shirt • Fleece Clothing
  • Old Sports Shoes (not flip flops)

What's Included

  • Raft
  • Life jacket
  • Helmet
  • Paddle
  • Spray jacket
  • Transportation to the river

Adventure Tips

Wear quick-drying clothes

Opt for synthetic materials like polyester or neoprene that dry quickly and keep you comfortable on the water.

Secure your valuables

Bring a waterproof dry bag or leave valuables behind to avoid losing items on the rapids.

Listen carefully to your guide

Following safety instructions and paddle commands is crucial for a safe and fun rafting experience.

Stay hydrated before the trip

Hydration helps maintain energy levels, especially during warmer months when the sun is strong.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Bald eagles soaring overhead

History

The Ocoee River region hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events and has a rich Cherokee heritage.

Conservation

Local outfitters like Cascade Outdoors follow sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and support river preservation efforts.

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Adventure Hotspots in Chattanooga

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof dry bag

Essential

Protects your belongings from water damage while on the river.

Water shoes or sturdy sandals

Essential

Provides grip and foot protection on wet surfaces and riverbed.

Quick-dry clothing

Essential

Keeps you comfortable and prevents chafing during warm and wet conditions.

summer specific

Neoprene wetsuit or splash jacket

Offers extra insulation and protection on cooler days or colder water.

fall specific