Tackling the Ocoee River
Safety Update from USDA Forest Service:
On April 26, 2022, the Ocoee Whitewater Center caught fire and was destroyed. No one was injured in the fire.
Recreation areas, including all trails, and the lower lot were opened to the public on Friday, May 27, 2022. However, the fenced in area around the visitor center remains closed to the public and vehicles will not be permitted in parking areas when the gates are shut.
Tennessee Valley Authority’s strobe and siren warning system were damaged during the fire and is no longer functional. TVA has installed signage in the area alerting users of the potential for rapidly rising water. In the absence of the warning system, visitors to the area should exercise extreme caution if entering the river channel. Large amounts of water could be discharged at any time and without any warning.
One of the legacies of the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Ocoee Whitewater Center was the location of the Canoe, Kayak and Slalom events. This was the first time these events were held on a natural river and it was appropriate the Ocoee should be chosen as the site as it was already one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the world. Located on Hwy. 64 north of McCaysville, the center was built by the U.S. Forest Service. Constructed using 60,000 tons of native rock, individually placed and cemented into position along the banks of the river, the river bed itself was narrowed to create the spectacular rapids necessary for the competition. Rafters, canoers and kayakers all journey to the center located in the Ocoee River Gorge to enjoy the whitewater....
Tackling the Ocoee River
Safety Update from USDA Forest Service:
On April 26, 2022, the Ocoee Whitewater Center caught fire and was destroyed. No one was injured in the fire.
Recreation areas, including all trails, and the lower lot were opened to the public on Friday, May 27, 2022. However, the fenced in area around the visitor center remains closed to the public and vehicles will not be permitted in parking areas when the gates are shut.
Tennessee Valley Authority’s strobe and siren warning system were damaged during the fire and is no longer functional. TVA has installed signage in the area alerting users of the potential for rapidly rising water. In the absence of the warning system, visitors to the area should exercise extreme caution if entering the river channel. Large amounts of water could be discharged at any time and without any warning.
One of the legacies of the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Ocoee Whitewater Center was the location of the Canoe, Kayak and Slalom events. This was the first time these events were held on a natural river and it was appropriate the Ocoee should be chosen as the site as it was already one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the world. Located on Hwy. 64 north of McCaysville, the center was built by the U.S. Forest Service. Constructed using 60,000 tons of native rock, individually placed and cemented into position along the banks of the river, the river bed itself was narrowed to create the spectacular rapids necessary for the competition. Rafters, canoers and kayakers all journey to the center located in the Ocoee River Gorge to enjoy the whitewater.
In addition to whitewater sports, the center has a one-mile hiking trail which crosses a 330 foot suspension bridge and circles the center. The trail is entirely accessible for those who are physically challenged. There are an additional 20 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers, including the Bear Paw Trail and the Chestnut Mountain Trail, both of which are loops. A recent addition, the Thunder Rock Express, has received a lot of positive comments from bikers.
The Old Copper Road Historic Trail allows hikers and bikers an easier paced adventure along the restored path that was used to transport copper by wagon from Ducktown to Cleveland before the arrival of the railroad from Blue Ridge. Even if you don't want to play in the whitewater, hike or bike, scenic U.S. Highway 64 through the gorge offers many photographic opportunities and there are swimming holes, picnic areas, a native garden, gift shop and much more.
Don’t forget the suspense in your Ocoee River rafting trip is not only something that is full day, but full of class III and IV rapids. The Ocoee was dammed to build hydroelectric plants, with two separate dam infrastructures. The Ocoee No. 1 and Ocoee No. 2 Dams were built between 1910 and 1913 featuring a wooden flume that diverted the waters of the Upper and Middle Ocoee along an elevated path, concentrating water pressure for the hydroelectric powerhouses.
In its mission of "caring for the land and serving the people", the Forest Service has crafted an area, which balances meeting the needs of their guests with the responsibility of managing our natural resources wisely for the future. From the accessible mile loop around the site to the preserved authentic on-site fire tower to the conservation education programs offered to thousands of children and adults each year, the OWC strives to create a memorable experience for all who visit there. Whether you want to experience the excitement of tackling the 1996 olympic whitewater rafting or just enjoy the scenery from a rocking chair on their balcony, the Ocoee Whitewater Center has something action packed for everyone.
Enjoy staying in these luxury cabin rentals that are within 30 minutes: High Hopes, The Great Getaway, The River's Edge, A Rolling River Cabin, Fallen Timber Lodge, Outlaw Ridge, and Riverview Lodge
