Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River began in 1977 when TVA stopped diverting the water to produce power and began putting it back in the riverbed. That section of the Ocoee, now called the Middle Section, begins at Ocoee Dam #2 and ends just below Ocoee #2 Power plant - a roughly 5 mile run. After the Olympic kayak events in 1996 TVA began releasing water into the Upper Section, beginning at Ocoee #3 Power plant and ending at the put-in for the Middle Section. Many rafters run both sections together with a stop for lunch between the two.
The Ocoee has become one of the most popular rafting rivers in the country with approximately 200,000 commercial rafters annually. Several factors have led to this popularity - 1) the water release means there will be enough water during times of drought and 2) it is close to several large urban areas including Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. Most of all though, the Ocoee is just fun. Dropping over 260 feet in five miles, there is little flat water on the whole river meaning nonstop action.
There is water in the Middle Section for rafting 112 days/year. Of these, the Upper Section runs 20 days, so the Full River run is available only on those days. Before planning a trip, consult the release schedule to make sure it is a rafting day.
With 14 rapids rated Class III-IV on the Middle Section, outfitters on the Ocoee River put a guide in each raft making it suitable for beginners. Also, the State of Tennessee requires that each participant be 12 years old or older. Outfitters supply all necessary equipment, do a pre trip orientation and provide transportation to the river and back. However, you need to make a reservation as trips do fill up especially on weekends and during the summer. If you want to experience the Ocoee when fewer people are there, try coming on weekends (especially Sunday) in the spring or fall. For a really special treat, come on one of the weekdays during September and October (consult schedule!) - it's worth taking a day off from work.
Because the Ocoee is located in southeast Tennessee and at a relatively low elevation (~1000 ft.), weather on the Ocoee is pleasant all season long. For those occasions when it's not, outfitters provide, sometimes at extra cost, wet suits and other protective clothing. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the fall season making rafting during the fall leaf season a very special experience.
Visit www.raft.com or other links found here for more information.
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