Ocoee Things to Do

We chose to drive into the Cherokee National Forrest for the 1 day that we had to spend in Ocoee.
Turns out to be a great choice!

The fall colours of the trees were spectacular and as you can see from my photos here, the lookout had fantastic views.

I recommend heading up to the Chilhowee Recreation area. Photos here speak for themselves.

It has camping grounds with facilities, a lovely lake with lots of hiking and biking trails surrounding.

Check out my travelogue below for the full story.

The Ocoee River is well known for International white water rafting. I was really looking forward to trying this out. However the river is dammed along the way and the flow of water regulated so that only certain days it is running fast enough for rafting. When we visited you could only do this on a Saturday. We were there mid week.

Oh well, never mind.... we did end up trying white water rafting..... but at our next destination, Ashville. That's another story.

Our cabin was right on the Ocoee River and it was running fast enough for us to be a little concerned when son Jesse decided to go for a dip. Check out my travelogue below for the full story.

A trip to Ocoee is not complete without enjoying the river whether that be rafting, swimming, kayaking or simply sitting on deck chairs surrounded by colourful woodland and a glass of good red enjoying the river float by :o)

We had a GREAT time white water rafting on the Ocoee with OAR! I had a Groupon for this trip, which made it an even better deal; however even at the regular prices it would be great fun! Our guide was Duck, who has rafted the Ocoee for 16 years - he guided us so we hit each rapid at the perfect angle. The scenery was beautiful and the water was warm. It was so much fun - can't wait to go back again.

OAR offers other activities too - tubing, camping, paintball, rock climbing, rappelling - so be sure to check out the website to design your own adventure.

There are several companies which guide you down the Ocoee River. We went on April 24 - the second weekend the Middle Ocoee had been open for the season (the Upper Ocoee opens Memorial Day weekend). We chose Ocoee Rafting as our company - our guide was Tully, who made the trip a lot of fun. He was very good at building the excitement as we approached a rapid, and was able to get us to "surf" the boat, and do 360º spins - COOL! We would go back again in a second!

Very nice bathrooms/showers/changing rooms. Also, they have photographers at certain points along the route, and they will sell you photos ($17/each or a cd with all of the photos for $40)

The city is on the national register of historical places. It was once a copper mining city, which ruined all the trees for a while. It wasn't until recently that they have began to grow again. Until about 10 years ago the town resembled Mars.

Alone, a couple, or a huge group can enjoy paddling a raft down the Ocoee. Rafters choose between the Middle and Upper (1996 Olympics) sections. I use Nanatahala Outfitters Co, noc.com, but many many rafting companies populate the roadside. Re: avoid the company with the all white rafts. We often see their guides stuck!

Rafting, canoeing, kayaking - all whitewater, all spring, summer, & fall!!! There is also alot of really sweet mountain biking around too.
Kids from 12 to 70 love the challenge and thrill of the Ocoee whitewater. If you're a private boater remember there is no warm up, it's solid class 3 right out of the gate, so eat your Wheaties. Even with a road parralleling the river the whole way, the scenery is quite beautiful.

Use this outpost as your guide. Turn L at the 3-way stop in Mccaysville, ga and go about a mile. Its on the left.

Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It's located about 15 minutes from the Ocoee River and it travels right by all the water.

Pick one of the many outposts and go on a rafting trip. You will have the time of your life. Very fun!!