🌤 Weather at Ocoee River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–80 °F | 64–89 °F | 37–83 °F | 29–55 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Cleveland Filter Plant, 16 mi away, elevation 842 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Olympic Whitewater on the Ocoee River
Ocoee River State Park in Polk County, Tennessee, gives you access to more than 17 miles of the Ocoee River, including the course of the 1996 Olympic canoe and kayak slalom events.
The park opened as a separate state park in September 2025, when the former Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park was divided. Tennessee State Parks runs it in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Forest Service, and the river corridor runs through the Cherokee National Forest.
According to the Forest Service, the Ocoee hosted the world’s first Olympic whitewater event on a natural river; for the Games, this section was carefully modified into a channel to enhance its rapids. The Forest Service describes the Ocoee as Class III–IV whitewater with two sections for rafting, canoeing and kayaking, and outfitters run trips on both.
Ocoee Whitewater Center
The Ocoee Whitewater Center is a Forest Service site, not part of the state park. On April 26, 2022, the center caught fire and was destroyed; no one was injured. The Forest Service has reopened all trails and both the lower and upper parking lots, while the fenced area around the former visitor center remains closed. The site has vault toilets but no drinking water. Ocoee River State Park has no visitor center of its own; the nearest state park visitor center is at Hiwassee Scenic River State Park near Delano, about 10 miles north.
Things to Do
Whitewater Rafting
The Forest Service lists two rafting sections, each with its own TVA release schedule:
- Middle Ocoee (Ocoee #2): Class III–IV rapids with guided trips by commercial outfitters, who set their own minimum ages.
- Upper Ocoee (Ocoee #3): includes the 1996 Olympic course at the Ocoee Whitewater Center; paddling depends on scheduled release days.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Experienced paddlers can run the Ocoee on release days. For a gentler river, the Forest Service rates the Hiwassee at Hiwassee Scenic River State Park, about 10 miles north, as Class I–III rapids that are suitable for the whole family.
Fishing, Boating and Swimming
Tennessee State Parks lists fishing, boating, boat ramps, canoe access and swimming for the park. The quality trout section of the Hiwassee River belongs to Hiwassee Scenic River State Park.
Hiking
The park has no hiking trails of its own. In the surrounding Cherokee National Forest, the Chilhowee Recreation Area, about 5 miles northwest, has approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails and a scenic waterfall, according to the Forest Service.
Camping
Ocoee River State Park has no campground. The nearest state park campground is Gee Creek Campground at Hiwassee Scenic River State Park, about 9 miles north, reservable at reserve.tnstateparks.com. Closer to the river, the Forest Service runs Parksville Lake Campground on Highway 30, with 17 RV sites with electric hookups, 24 tent sites and no potable water, and Chilhowee Campground, with more than 70 campsites, usually open from early April to late October.
Best Time to Visit
Rafting depends on scheduled water releases. Check the release calendars for the Middle and Upper Ocoee at tva.com before you plan a trip.
Visitor Tips
Tennessee State Parks charges no entrance fee. Confirm the release date with your outfitter before you book a guided trip. The Ocoee Whitewater Center has no drinking water, so bring your own.
Nearby Attractions
Ocoee Whitewater Center (U.S. Forest Service) — about 5 miles east. Ducktown — about 10 miles east, home of the Ducktown Basin Museum. Hiwassee Scenic River State Park — about 10 miles north. Chattanooga — 43 miles west.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Ocoee River in the Olympics?
Yes. The Ocoee hosted the canoe and kayak slalom events of the 1996 Olympic Games, which the U.S. Forest Service calls the world’s first Olympic whitewater event on a natural river; for the Games, the section was modified into a channel to enhance its rapids. The Olympic course on the Upper Ocoee can be paddled on scheduled release days.
How difficult is rafting on the Ocoee River?
The Forest Service describes the Ocoee as Class III–IV whitewater. Commercial outfitters guide trips on the Middle and Upper sections and set their own minimum ages. For a gentler river, the Hiwassee at Hiwassee Scenic River State Park has Class I–III rapids that the Forest Service calls suitable for the whole family.
Last updated: October 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are William L. Davenport Refuge State Natural Area (a short drive away) and Hiwassee Scenic River State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Ocoee River State Park has no campground. Gee Creek Campground at Hiwassee Scenic River State Park can be booked at reserve.tnstateparks.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ocoee River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft physical leash required; pets must not be left unattended
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches and at pools at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in park lodges and cabins except designated pet-friendly units; each park offers a limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms and one pet-friendly cabin ($20 per pet per night)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or campground pet fee; $20 per pet per night in designated lodge rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park management may post additional no-pet areas on trails; proof of rabies vaccination may be required
Are dogs allowed at Ocoee River State Park?
Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tnstateparks.com. More: Tennessee state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Ocoee River State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
