Choose your month and day of the week!

When is the best time to raft the Ocoee River? Each month is different with its own perks. April has lower crowds but cooler water. May is a bit warmer and but still has lower crowds with the exception of Memorial Day weekend. However Memorial Day Monday is always slow and a great time to raft! During peak season between Memorial Day and Labor Day you can raft on weekends and weekdays with the exception of Tuesdays and Wednesdays. August is a great time to avoid crowds after schools open and the water is still very warm. And the fall is a great time to avoid crowds and watch the colors change before the water get cold again.

Best time to raft?

The primary adventure that all guests enjoy is whitewater rafting. When the season is beginning we are often asked, “When is the best time to go rafting?”

One of the benefits of the Ocoee is that it is a dam-controlled waterway. This means that all season we have the same flow of water. Our season runs from April until September for the middle Ocoee, and Memorial through Labor for the full river trip and weekday middle trips. During a typical season the river hosts about 250,000 commercial guests so you can imagine peak season can get congested.

Weekdays and Sundays are Typically Less Busy

Saturdays from mid June through August tend to be the busiest days on the river. Our weekdays and Sundays are typically less busy. Rafting is fun any day of the week but if you have the option to choose, I would suggest a less crowded day. Most guides recommend and experienced guests tend to prefer the early season due to minimal crowds and comfortable temperatures. The water can be chilly, so if you plan to visit during this time dress appropriately.