It is a River in Two States with Two Names. The river is a 94 mile long tributary of the Hiwassee River located in the southeastern United States. Its headwaters are located in the Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia. From there, the river flows northwest and then curves northeast into Tennessee. Then passing through the Cherokee National Forest and the Ocoee River Gorge. It eventually joins the Hiwassee River near Benton, Tennessee. Along its course, the Ocoee River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, as well as fishing and camping. The Middle and Upper sections are popular for whitewater activities.