The Ledges: Sneaky Pete and Surprise on the Ocoee River

The approach to Sneaky Pete Ledge and Surprise Ledge bot demand precision and water reading skills. It is not uncommon to see this rapid clogged with first year guides or guides new to the Ocoee River. This is where having local knowledge and the ability to read water really pays off. JUst one of the reasons repeat customers often request an experienced guide.

The two ledges named Sneaky Pete and Surprise come immediately after Hiwassee Shoals. These ledges are the first real gradient since Hollywood above the doldrums. Some Ocoee River guides like to go river left to avoid the first ledge, Sneaky Pete. Others prefer to drop over the ledge to the right and downstream of razor rock. Both routes combine for a narrow slot through Surprise Ledge.

Sneaky Pete and Surprise Ledge offer a driving test for guides. There are potential pin spots at Sneaky Pete and a few other sticky spots at Surprise Ledge as well. There is more than one good route at both ledges. Few apparently know the so called alternate line sometimes referred to as the Horse With No Name located to the right of Surprise Ledge. This line is used by experienced guides to avoid traffic jams during peak season when Surprise’s line becomes a parking lot.

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