Ocoee River State Park
Olympic Whitewater — The River That Hosted the 1996 Games
Ocoee River State Park encompasses a 17-mile corridor of the Ocoee River in Polk County, Tennessee — a river that earned international fame when its Upper Section hosted the canoe and kayak slalom events at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. It remains the only in-river whitewater course ever used for Olympic competition, and the rapids that challenged the world’s best athletes are now open to recreational paddlers on scheduled release days.
The Middle Ocoee — a continuous 5-mile run of Class III and IV rapids — is one of the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, with numerous outfitters offering guided trips suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Beyond the river, the park sits within the Cherokee National Forest, providing access to hiking, fishing, and camping in one of Tennessee’s most scenic mountain corridors. Note: the Ocoee Whitewater Center, which served as the Olympic venue’s base, was destroyed by fire in 2022 — park services are now managed through the Hiwassee Scenic River State Park Visitor Center.
Things to Do
Whitewater Rafting
The Ocoee offers two distinct whitewater experiences:
- Middle Ocoee: 5 miles of continuous Class III–IV rapids. The most popular commercial run — exciting but manageable for first-timers (ages 12+). Multiple outfitters operate daily during season.
- Upper Ocoee (Olympic Section): The 1996 Olympic course with more technical, continuous Class III–IV rapids. Available only on scheduled water release days, typically summer weekends. A bucket-list run for experienced paddlers.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Experienced kayakers can run both the Middle and Upper Ocoee independently (no guide required, but skill and proper equipment are essential). The nearby Hiwassee River offers a gentler alternative — Class I–II water ideal for canoeing, tubing, and family paddling.
Hiking
The surrounding Cherokee National Forest provides extensive trail access. Popular nearby hikes include the Benton Falls Trail (3 miles RT, moderate) and the Chilhowee Recreation Area trails with overlook views of the Tennessee Valley.
Fishing
The Hiwassee River section is a designated trout stream with excellent rainbow and brown trout populations. The calmer sections below the dam are particularly productive. A Tennessee fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Type | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gee Creek Campground (Hiwassee/Delano) | 47 + 8 group | Primitive | Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, bathhouse; no hookups |
| Parksville Lake / USFS sites | Varies | Developed | Multiple Forest Service campgrounds along the corridor |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Peak rafting season; Upper Ocoee releases; warmest water; all outfitters active | Very busy weekends; book guided trips in advance; hot & humid |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Cherokee National Forest foliage; comfortable temps; good rafting | Water releases may decrease; shorter days |
| Spring (Apr–May) | High water; wildflowers; trout fishing; fewer crowds | Cold water; rafting season starting; check outfitter schedules |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Winter hiking; trout fishing; solitude; off-season pricing | No commercial rafting; cold; limited facilities |
Visitor Tips
- Book rafting early: Summer weekend trips on both the Middle and Upper Ocoee sell out fast. Book guided rafting at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Weekdays offer more availability and smaller groups.
- Upper Ocoee schedule: The Olympic course is only runnable on scheduled water release days (typically summer weekends). Check the TVA release schedule or outfitter websites for specific dates.
- Age requirement: Most commercial outfitters require rafters to be at least 12 years old for the Ocoee. The Hiwassee River is a better option for families with younger children.
- Whitewater Center fire: The original Olympic Whitewater Center was destroyed by fire in 2022. Park operations have moved to the Hiwassee Scenic River State Park Visitor Center in Delano.
- Cherokee National Forest: Don’t limit yourself to the river — the surrounding National Forest offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and dispersed camping opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Ocoee River in the Olympics?
Yes — the Upper Ocoee River hosted the canoe and kayak slalom events at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. It remains the only in-river (as opposed to artificial) whitewater course ever used for Olympic competition. The Olympic course is now open to recreational paddlers on scheduled water release days, typically during summer weekends.
How difficult is rafting on the Ocoee River?
The Middle Ocoee features continuous Class III–IV rapids — exciting and physically engaging but manageable for first-time rafters (ages 12+) with a commercial guide. The Upper Ocoee (Olympic Section) is more technical and recommended for those with some whitewater experience. For a gentler family experience, the nearby Hiwassee River offers Class I–II water suitable for all ages.
Last updated: April 2026
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