Nothing beats whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River in Tennessee. The whitewater rafting outfitters on this list are all in beautiful East Tennessee, just a short drive from either Knoxville or Chattanooga.
The Ocoee River is the stuff of both major motion pictures and documentaries. Probably the most famous movie to have been filmed on the river was the motion picture, Deliverance. In 1996, the Ocoee River was the site of the Summer Olympics.
Do you want more action-packed fun than you can get on the big screen? If so, an Ocoee River whitewater rafting in Tennessee may be what you are looking for. There are several adventure outfitters that can help you make the most of your whitewater experience on the Ocoee River.
Ocoee Outdoors
Outpost Location
1985 Hwy 64
Benton, TN 37307
Phone: 1.800.533.PROS (7767)
Online: Ocoee Outdoors
Ocoee Outdoors is America’s number 1 outfitter since 1977. They led the way in offering whitewater rafting tours on the Ocoee and have been setting the standard ever since.
Rafters must be 12 years of age or older. Waivers must be signed for all participants. Prices range from $32.00 to $44.00 plus tax. Wetsuit, booties and spray jackets can be rented. A full rate schedule is available on their website.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Ocoee Outpost is adjacent to the Horn’s Creek Resort
186 Hawkins Drive
Ocoee, TN 37361
GPS: 35.086133, -84.683518
Phone: 1.828.488.2176
Toll Free: 888.905.7238
Website: http://www.noc.com
There are several different whitewater rafting trips available from the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Costs range from $45.00 for the Middle Ocoee whitewater rafting trip to a high of $99.00 each for the Combination trip.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center has 35 years of whitewater rafting experience on the Ocoee River. The minimum age is 12 years old for the middle Ocoee trip. Rafters must be at least 13 years of age for the Upper Ocoee trip and for the combination trip. Waivers required.
Outdoor Adventure Rafting
Ocoee, TN 37361
Phone: 1.800.OARSMEN (1.800.627.7636)
Online: http://www.raft.com
Outdoor Adventure Rafting is another popular whitewater rafting company on the Ocoee. The price ranges from $31.50 each for a group price on Middle Ocoee rafting to $95.00 each for a full river trip on a Saturday.
You must be at least 12 years of age to participate. A waiver or release must be signed. For more information please visit the Outdoor Adventure Rafting website listed above.
Whitewater rafting in Tennessee is a fun adventure for many thousands of people each year. You do not need previous experience to enjoy a whitewater rafting trip. Each trip will have a guide or outfitter to answer questions and accompany you on the trip.
Before going onto the water you will be briefed in basic water safety and outfitted with a life jacket. This is the best time to ask any questions that you might have. Once you are on the river the roar of the water can make it difficult to ask and hear.
The outfitters listed here also offer other services. In addition to rafting you may want to enjoy rappelling, rock climbing, camping or picnicking. Checkout the above websites for more information to complete your whitewater rafting adventure in Tennessee.
Source:
Personal Experience
Ocoee Outdoors
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Outdoor Adventure Rafting
Reference:
- www.noc.com/index.php/chattooga-iv-trip-details.html
- www.theblueridgehighlander.com/polk_county_tennessee/index.html
- www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/23/ocoee-gets-ok-rafting/
