When can you raft the Ocoee River?

When is the Ocoee River rafting season?

Typically the commercial rafting season on the Ocoee River begins in April and runs through October. During April only the Middle Ocoee River section is available for rafting. If rafting in April or on cooler days be certain not to wear cotton on the river! Instead wear synthetic fibers or wool to stay warmer and more comfortable. Cotton can absorb about 25 times its weight in water. More importantly wet cotton will greatly accelerate evaporative cooling.

Upper Ocoee Rafting Season

During May the Upper Ocoee River section also becomes available for rafting first on Saturdays and then weekends beginning with Memorial Day Weekend. The Upper Ocoee River section has recreational releases each weekend on Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day in September. After Labor Day the Upper Ocoee will only run on a few more Saturdays in September.

Middle Ocoee Rafting Season

The Middle Ocoee River section is available for rafting on weekends from April through October. The Middle Ocoee also can be rafted on weekdays between Memorial Day in late May through Labor Day in early September. The weekdays avail a be for rafting include Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Learn more about the TVA Recreational Release Agreement.

See details of this year’s rafting schedule in our Rafting Calendar.

See answers to more frequently asked rafting questions.