Hey there, fellow adventure-seekers and family fun enthusiasts! Ever dreamed of a place where you can raft Olympic-worthy rapids in the morning, zipline through lush forests in the afternoon, and toast marshmallows under a starry sky at night? Well, pack your bags and round up the family, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret: the Ocoee River Corridor in Tennessee.
Nestled in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, this outdoor playground is like Mother Nature’s own theme park, minus the long lines and overpriced snacks. It’s a place where the air smells of pine and adventure, where the sound of rushing water becomes your daily soundtrack, and where “family bonding” takes on a whole new meaning – think less “are we there yet?” and more “can we do that again?!”
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From the moment you arrive at the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, you’ll feel the excitement bubbling up like the frothy rapids of the Ocoee River itself. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s a chance to create those core memories that’ll have your kids (grudgingly) admitting years from now that you were, in fact, the cool parent.
So, whether you’re looking to conquer Class III and IV rapids on the very same river that hosted the 1996 Olympics, soar between treetops on a zipline, or simply teach your offspring the art of the perfect s’more, the Ocoee River Corridor is calling your name. It’s time to trade those screen taps for high-fives, carpool duties for raft seats, and those routine bedtimes for nights spent counting shooting stars.
Ready to dive in? Grab your sense of adventure, and let’s explore the wild, wet, and wonderful world of Tennessee’s best-kept secret. Trust me, by the end of this trip, you’ll be planning your return before you’ve even left the state line.
Note: I had the opportunity to travel here and I can confidently say that it was one of the best outdoor trips we’ve ever taken this year. The Ocoee River truly is a playground for all ages, offering a variety of activities to suit every member of your family. I worked with the team from The Ocoee River Corridor to explore the area and discover all it has to offer. They hosted my trip and provided comps for research purposes and all opinions are my own.
Where in the World is the Ocoee River?
Before you start packing your swimsuits and hiking boots, let’s get our bearings. The Ocoee River Corridor is tucked away in the southeastern corner of Tennessee, making it a perfect escape for families across the Southeast and beyond.
Funny enough the river is named Ocoee in Tennessee, but in Georgia, it’s called the Toccoa River. This is the same river, just different names depending on which state you’re in!
- From Knoxville: A quick 90-minute drive south
- From Atlanta: About 2 hours north (perfect for a long weekend getaway or even a day trip)
- From Chattanooga: Just an hour northeast (practically in your backyard!)
Pro tip: The scenic drive is part of the adventure. I traveled here from Knoxville after visiting Gatlinburg and the Smokey Mountains National Park. The winding roads and gorgeous views made the drive feel like a mini adventure. So plan to play some good old-fashioned car games to get the kids looking out the windows as you wind through the beautiful Tennessee landscapes.
A Splash of History
Now that we know where we’re going, let’s talk about why this area is so special and worth exploring.
The Ocoee River offers some of the most thrilling whitewater rafting experiences in the United States. With class III and IV rapids, this river draws adventure seekers from all over the country.
But it really made a splash (pun intended) during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Yep, you heard that right – your family will be paddling the very same waters as Olympic athletes! The Upper Ocoee was transformed into a world-class whitewater course for the canoe and kayak slalom events. Note, kids must be ages 12 and up to raft the Ocoee River.
The Ocoee River
Today, the Olympic legacy lives on and serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ocoee Whitewater Center, built for the games, burnt down completely in 2022. However, the trails, picnic area, and bathrooms are open and free for visitors. Parking is $3/vehicle. But don’t worry – you don’t need to be an Olympian to enjoy these waters. The river welcomes paddlers of all skill levels, from “I’m not sure which end of the paddle to hold” to “I was born in a kayak.”
This river plays a crucial role in generating hydroelectric power for the region. Water is released from the dam on a predetermined schedule, enabling rafting trips from early March through late October, provided the weather remains warm enough. The dam releases for the Middle Ocoee River run 5 days a week, Thursday – Monday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on weekends in late March, April, May, and October. The Olympic Upper Ocoee River has dam release runs on weekends from May through Labor Day.
Adventures Await: What to Do
It’s time to plan your adventure menu. The Ocoee River Corridor is like an all-you-can-experience buffet of outdoor fun. Here’s what’s on offer:
- Whitewater Rafting: The highlight of the adventure! Experience thrilling rollercoaster-like rapids on the Middle and Upper Ocoee.
- Hiking: Miles of trails for tiny legs and seasoned trekkers alike.
- Ziplining: For when walking on the ground is just too… grounded.
- Stand Up Paddleboarding: Like walking on water, but cooler.
- Fishing: Where “the one that got away” stories are born.
My Ocoee Odyssey: A 3-Day Itinerary
As I mentioned earlier, I visited Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and then headed to this region for the weekend (Friday to Sunday). This is my three-day itinerary for the region that gave me a taste of all the amazing things in this area. You can easily adjust it to fit your own schedule and interests.
Day 1: Arrival and River Fishing
Early Afternoon: Check in at Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park’s Gee Creek campground.
There are several lodging options in this area, but I chose to stay at the campground for a more immersive outdoor experience. Gee Creek Campground has well-maintained campsites, a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets, and is centrally located in the region.
I chose the park’s Explorer Package, designed specifically during the Covid era. This package includes all the essential camping gear you’ll need, featuring a 6-person tent, a canopy, four chairs, a camp stove with propane bottles, a lantern, and firewood. The rangers set up everything for you and provide a walkthrough on how to use each item. After your trip, they will also break down camp making it perfect for new campers or those like me traveling into the area and don’t want to bring all the gear.
Note: The package does not include sleeping bags, sleeping mats, ice cooler, or cooking utensils. So you’ll have to plan to bring those with you.
Mid Afternoon: Cast a line in the Hiwassee River. Even if you don’t catch fish, you’ll reel in some great family memories.
The Hiwassee River is known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities, with plenty of rainbow trout, brown trout, bass, and other species to be caught. I opted for Drift Fishing with a local guide from Hiwassee River Guides, which proved to be an exciting and educational experience. The guide not only helped us catch some impressive fish, but also shared interesting facts about the river and its ecosystem.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and then gather around the campfire for stories and stargazing. The night sky was so clear that we could see countless stars twinkling above us.
Note: After a full afternoon on the river fishing, I opted for an old-fashioned burger at Steelwheel Corner on Highway 411. The food was delicious and the friendly staff made for a great experience before heading back to the campground.
Day 2: Rapid Immersion
Morning: Fuel up with breakfast and tackle the Upper Ocoee, including the Olympic course. Prepare for some “best day ever!” declarations.
With its challenging rapids and intense drops, this section of the river is sure to get your blood pumping. But don’t worry, you’ll have an experienced guide leading you through every twist and turn to ensure your safety. This region has 23 licensed and permitted commercial outfitters that offer guided trips. You can choose from a variety of guided trips that cater to all levels of experience, from first-timers to seasoned pros.
I booked a Full Ocoee River Trip with Ocoee Adventure Rafting (OAR), a female-owned and operated company that prides itself on providing a personalized and fun experience for all its guests. By booking the full day trip, I will do the Upper in the morning, lunch by the river, and middle section in the same afternoon.
Our guide, Tito, was a total rockstar and made sure we were all having the time of our lives. We took on the Olympic course, where we got to experience some of the same rapids that professional kayakers competed in during the Olympics.
Note: If you are visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as I did, you can raft both the Upper and Middle Ocoee River sections. I highly recommend doing both as each is a different experience and lunch is included by the operator. For planning purposes, you’ll start at the outfitter around 9am and return about 2:30pm.
Early Afternoon: Refuel with lunch by the river as part of your Full Ocoee River rafting trip before taking on the Middle Ocoee.
More rapids, more laughs, more unforgettable moments.
The Middle Ocoee is one of the most popular whitewater rafting sections in the Southeast and for good reason. It’s a thrilling ride with more, although smaller scale, rapids than the Upper section. Your guide will navigate you through iconic rapids like “Table Saw,” “Broken Nose,” and “Grumpy’s.” But don’t worry, there are also plenty of calmer sections where you can catch your breath and take in the stunning scenery of the Cherokee National Forest.
Lunch with OAR was cold-cut sandwiches, a choice of salad, chips, and fresh fruit.
Late Afternoon: Wind down with stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Ocoee. Perfect for sunset selfies and spotting local wildlife.
Lake Ocoee is a beautiful, serene lake and is the perfect spot for stand-up paddleboarding because of its calm waters and gorgeous views. In addition to water sports, the lake has dedicated swim beaches, picnic areas, and scenic hiking trails. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, otters, and other wildlife along the way.
There are several rental companies in this area where you can rent SUPs, kayaks, and inflatables. We rented SUPs from Ocoee Watersports, a short drive from the lake.
Evening: Live Music, Good Food, and Fun
The Bus Gar and Grill is a must-visit spot for delicious food. But on weekends, it is also the place for great live music. Located near Lake Ocoee on Highway 64/74, this local restaurant offers a seasonal outdoor venue with regional bands playing a mix of rock, country, and blues. The menu offers a variety of options including burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and vegetarian options.
Return to your campsite for a relaxing evening under the stars. Build a fire and roast some marshmallows for s’mores, or simply sit and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
Day 3: High-Flying Fun and Waterfall Wonders
Morning: Zipline through the forest canopy. Watch even your most screen-addicted teen transform into a nature enthusiast.
After spending the last two days on the water, start today with adrenaline-pumping fun through the lush, green forest. There are several ziplining outfitters in the area. I booked a tour with Wildwater Rafting and Canopy Tours on the west end of the corridor. Their experienced guides take me through a series of nine ziplines and several swinging bridges. As we soar through the air, I can’t help but take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys below.
Afternoon: Lunch and Hike to a historic waterfall.
For lunch, I stopped at Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner. Don’t you love the name? This local diner has a lot of rafting history within its wall and offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and classic southern dishes. I opted for their Pot Roast and it does not disappoint.
After lunch, it’s time to break down camp and take a hike (literally!). Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park has miles of trails and several waterfall viewpoints to explore. I highly suggest checking out the Gee Creek Falls Hiking Trail for a scenic and moderate 2.5-mile hike. Your first waterfall is less than a mile in and has a great swimming hole if you want a shorter hike. As I hiked through the lush greenery, I couldn’t help but feel connected to nature and all its wonders. It’s amazing how immersing yourself in the great outdoors can rejuvenate your mind and spirit.
After an invigorating hike, it was time to head back home. But not before stopping by one of the local coffee shops. The Ocoee Coffee Joint is where I’d recommend as it serves up some delicious coffees, kombucha, mocktails, and adaptogens, perfect for a post-hike treat. A bonus is this joint is also an outdoor gear store. As I sipped on my dirty chai latte and browsed through their selection of hiking gear, I couldn’t help but reflect on my experiences over the weekend. It’s amazing how being outdoors can leave such a lasting impact.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend taking a trip to this hidden gem in the heart of the mountains. As I headed back to the airport from this trip, I was already trying to figure out when I could come back. The Ocoee River Corridor has a way of captivating hearts and creating lifelong enthusiasts.
In a world where family time often revolves around screens and schedules, a trip to the Ocoee offers something different – a chance to laugh together, challenge yourselves, and create memories that will last long after the tan lines fade.
So go ahead, take the plunge. The Ocoee is waiting to welcome your family into its wild and wonderful world. Who knows? This might just become your new favorite family tradition. See you on the river!
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