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 for the Ocoee to 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 U.S. Forest Service built the center. 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. Check out the hiking trails here!
Don’t forget the suspense in your Ocoee River rafting trip, which is not only a full day but also 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 constructed 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....
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 for the Ocoee to 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 U.S. Forest Service built the center. 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. Check out the hiking trails here!
Don’t forget the suspense in your Ocoee River rafting trip, which is not only a full day but also 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 constructed 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 that balances meeting the needs of its 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, 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 enjoy the scenery, the Ocoee Whitewater Center has something 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
