Discover the Ocoee Whitewater Center in Cherokee National Forest, where Olympic history, scenic hiking trails, mountain views, and world-famous whitewater rafting come together in one unforgettable destination.
Overview
The Ocoee Whitewater Center is one of the most iconic destinations in Cherokee National Forest and a must-visit stop along the Ocoee Scenic Byway in eastern Tennessee. Best known as the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics whitewater competitions, this beautiful recreation area combines Olympic history with incredible mountain scenery, riverside trails, and excellent opportunities to watch world-class rafting. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk, a scenic picnic, or the excitement of watching rafters tackle miles of whitewater, the Ocoee Whitewater Center is a great place for travelers exploring the mountains of the southeastern United States.
The Ocoee Whitewater Center was built for the 1996 Olympic Games, when the Upper Ocoee River hosted the Olympic canoe and kayak slalom event. It became the first natural river in the United States to host Olympic whitewater competitions, transforming the Ocoee into an internationally recognized destination.
The river itself has an interesting history. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages water releases through a diversion dam, continuing a system originally developed by the Eastern Tennessee Power Company. Controlled releases create the ideal water level for commercial rafting, private boaters, and special recreational events while supporting hydroelectric operations throughout the Tennessee River Valley.
Today, although the original Visitor Center no longer operates as it once did, the surrounding recreation area remains open for hiking, sightseeing, photography, picnicking, and watching whitewater rafters navigate the famous Olympic white water course.
The water was low when we were there, so we got to scramble down near the water’s edge
Stephanie on one of the large rocks
Ocoee Whitewater Center Plan
While staying with my mom in North Georgia to work on wedding planning, we decided to take a break and enjoy a scenic drive into Tennessee. We followed the Ocoee Scenic Byway and stopped at the Ocoee Whitewater Center.
It turned out to be the perfect location for a relaxing afternoon. We crossed the Commemorative Olympic Bridges, walked beside the river, listened to the rushing water, and watched rafting groups make their way through the famous Olympic course. Even though we weren’t taking a rafting trip ourselves, simply watching the continuous rapids and enjoying the mountain scenery made for an unforgettable experience.
Looking into the clear water
Stephanie and her mom by the edge of the Ocoee River
Getting There
Location
The Ocoee Whitewater Center is located within Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee along U.S. Highway 64, one of the state’s most scenic mountain drives. The center sits beside the Middle Ocoee River, just downstream from the Upper Ocoee River, making it an excellent stop while exploring the forest.
Nearby attractions include the Hiwassee River, the Old Copper Road Trail, the Tanasi Trail System for mountain biking, Thunder Rock Campground, and the historic mining towns of Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, Georgia near the Toccoa River and the North Carolina border.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit depends on what you hope to experience.
- Spring brings blooming wildflowers along trails like the Rhododendron Trail.
- Summer offers scheduled TVA water releases that power the famous whitewater course, making it the busiest season for rafting.
- Fall provides colorful mountain scenery and comfortable hiking weather.
- Winter is peaceful, although rafting schedules and some facilities may be limited.
If you hope to watch rafting or book a white water rafting experience, be sure to check the scheduled river release calendar before visiting.
Beautiful area along the river
The water was still rushing over the rocks, even with the river being low
Ocoee Whitewater Center
Who Can Go?
The Ocoee Whitewater Center is a great location to stop for anyone who wants a bit of time in nature, especially those who love the sound of rushing water.
The recreation area features easy riverside walks, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and access to several trail systems throughout Cherokee National Forest.
I love seeing the large boulders usually deep underwater
The water is so clear and was also cold at that time of the year!
What You'll See
- The famous Olympic whitewater course
- Continuous rapids flowing through the gorge
- The scenic Middle Ocoee River
- The Commemorative Olympic Bridges
- Beautiful mountain views
- Picnic areas along the river
- Forested walking paths
- Native wildlife
- Deep pools and calmer sections of the river
- Excellent photography opportunities
Depending on water releases, you may also see private boaters navigating the river alongside commercial rafting groups.
The sign at the entrance to the parking area
Looking up into the forest
What to Bring & Wear
For the best visit, bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle filled with potable water
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Snacks
- Light jacket during cooler months
If you’re participating in a rafting trip, your outfitter will provide the necessary rafting equipment and safety gear.
Water flowing over the rocks
Watching the water rush over the rocks
Where to Go
There is a parking area near the base of the bridge on Highway 64. From the parking area, you can easily walk over to the bridge to get a good view of the Ocoee River. From there, you can scramble down to the edge of the river if the water is low enough or continue on some of the trails.
We could see more of the bottom of the river than water since it was so low
The bridge spanning the Ocoee River
How Long Does it Take?
Visitors simply exploring the recreation area typically spend 1-2 hours.
If you’re joining a commercial rafting trip, plan for approximately:
- Half-day trips: 3–4 hours
- Full day adventures: 6–8 hours, depending on the outfitter and whether you’re doing a Full Ocoee River Trip
Cost
Access to the recreation area is generally free, although portions of Cherokee National Forest may require a fee area pass during special events.
Commercial rafting trips are operated by licensed outfitters and have separate pricing.
The top of the bridge has a sign commemorating the Olympics
Path on the rocks that goes to one of the trails
Tips for Ocoee Whitewater Center
- Visit during scheduled TVA water releases for the best rafting action.
- Arrive early, especially on summer weekends.
- Bring your camera to photograph the Olympic course.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for exploring nearby trails.
- Download a map guide before arriving since cell service can be limited.
- Stop at Blue Hole for another scenic riverside destination nearby.
- Combine your visit with Thunder Rock Campground or a drive along the entire Ocoee Scenic Byway.
- Watch for kayakers practicing on the Olympic course.
- Observe rafters from designated overlooks rather than climbing onto rocks along the right bank of the river.
- Always follow posted safety signs and avoid entering the river during scheduled water releases due to rapidly changing water levels and strong current.