The Ocoee River is located in Polk County Tennessee just north of Atlanta and the Georgia State line. Get off that couch and into a raft for outstanding Ocoee river rafting action. The river is entirely in only one county because the river’s name changes as it enters Tennessee from Georgia and it merges with and becomes the Hiwassee river while still in Polk County Tennessee. Upstream from the Georgia Tennessee state line the river is called the Toccoa River. The Toccoa/Ocoee river begins its journey deep in the Chattahoochee National Forest with headwaters near Suches Georgia. Numerous small trout streams flow together to form the Upper Toccoa; including Coopers Creek, Rock Creek and Noontula creek. The creeks and river flow uninterrupted until it reaches the back waters of Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County near Blue Ridge Georgia. The Dam which forms Blue Ridge lake is about 15 miles south of the Tennessee state line and is one of four dams and power generating facilities located on the Toccoa Ocoee river. Just below Dam number three starts the Ocoee River Rafting ten-mile section of the Ocoee River.
White water rafting received its name because the raft is the inflatable boat that you ride to paddle through the rough waters and rapids. ‘White’ water comes because the frothing rapids of a guzzling river make the water appear white.
The international scale of river difficulty is used to rate rivers and rapids. Ratings run from Class I to Class VI. The Class III Middle Ocoee is good splashy family fun. While the Class IV Upper Ocoee is perfect for thrill seekers wishing to take it to the next level of excitement. Compare the upper and middle Ocoee River sections. Learn more about individual rapids of the Ocoee River in our blogs.
For the summer shorts or a bathing suit or swim trunks and a T-shirt are best. Shoes that will stay on your feet are required, which can be river sandals, old tennis shoes, or nylon topped water shoes. No Flip Flops or other shoes that won’t stay on your feet for rafting the Ocoee River!
For the cooler weather we recommend synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene or nylon or synthetic fleece. We have some “spray gear” to keep off the splash and if it is really cold we have wet suits at the outpost. Available without additional costs to our guests.
From Atlanta to our outpost, take I-75 North out of Atlanta and about 20 miles north of the city take the exit for I-575 (Exit 268). Stay on this highway – it will change to Hwy 515 or 5, but it is the same highway. You will pass by small towns – Jasper, Ellijay, Cherry Log and enter Blue Ridge. Turn left at the traffic light in Blue Ridge onto Highway 5 north at the McDonald’s Restaurant.
Stay on highway 5 for about 10 miles to McCaysville, GA. In McCaysville, you will cross the river bridge (this is the Ocoee!), you and enter Tennessee and the town of Copperhill. The road ends at a three way stop, and you turn left. You are now on Hwy 68 north in Tennessee.
You will go about three miles on Hwy 68, past a big historic copper-smelting factory, up to Highway 64. (Watch for the sign to the Ocoee River on the right) After taking the exit ramp for Hwy 64, turn left on 64 west. You will see a Piggly Wiggly grocery, and a couple of motels. This is Ducktown! Continue on Hwy 64 about 2 1/2 miles and our Outpost will be on the right in the log cabin with a big blue sign out front saying Ocoee Adventure Center.