OCOEE ADVENTURE CENTER
THE BEST RIVER
RAFTING IN TENNESSEE
CLASS III-IV Rapids
Gear Included
Ages 12 & Up
TOTAL TRIPS
GUESTS TO DATE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ocoee River Adventure: What You Need to Know
At Ocoee Adventure Center (OAC), your safety is our top priority while you experience the thrill of whitewater rafting. Our team of highly trained outdoor professionals is committed to providing a fun and exciting adventure while ensuring every guest feels secure and confident on the water. From top-quality gear to expert guidance, we go above and beyond to create an unforgettable rafting experience that’s as safe as possible all of our guests.
Clean, Comfortable, and Welcoming Outpost
We believe in maintaining a clean and comfortable space for our guests. Our hot showers and changing facilities ensure you leave feeling refreshed after your adventure. Additionally, our guides thoroughly clean and sanitize our PFDs (personal flotation devices) after each trip to ensure your gear is fresh and comfortable.
Experienced Guides and a Rich History
Our experienced guides are more than just rafting pros — they’re passionate storytellers, river experts, and safety-focused leaders who love what they do. With roots going back to the 1996 Olympic whitewater slalom course, our founder, Larry Mashburn, brought his expertise to the Ocoee River and built OAC from the ground up. Today, Larry, along with our dedicated team, ensures that every trip is as safe as possible, exciting, and filled with memories you’ll cherish.
A Commitment to Quality and Fun
What sets Ocoee Adventure Center apart is our commitment to delivering an experience that’s both thrilling and enjoyable. While other outfitters may rush down the river, we take our time to stop and play — giving you more opportunities to surf the waves, swim in calmer sections, and truly experience the Ocoee River’s natural beauty. Our expert guides know the river like the back of their hand and will ensure you have a memorable adventure from start to finish.
Creating Lasting Memories
From our river adventures to our cozy outpost, everything we do is designed to create an exceptional experience for you. Plus, we capture every moment — check out our post-trip photo gallery to relive the best parts of your rafting experience.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OCOEE
How long does a rafting trip take?
That depends on the trip you choose! If you’re rafting the Middle Ocoee, plan on being with us for about 3.5 hours from check-in to finish. If you’re going all out on the Full Ocoee, expect around 6 hours of adventure, including a riverside lunch break.
What class rapids will we be rafting?
Get ready for some thrills! Both of our trips take you through Class III-IV rapids, offering the perfect mix of excitement and fun. Expect waves, drops, and plenty of splashes along the way!
What is the best time of year to go rafting?
We operate Thursday through Monday from Memorial Day to Labor Day for the peak rafting season. In May and September, trips are available on weekends only. The Ocoee is dam-controlled, meaning we get guaranteed water releases from May through October. That means awesome rapids all season long, so pick a date and get ready for adventure!
Can kids go whitewater rafting?
We’d love to take the little ones, but Tennessee law requires all rafters to be at least 12 years old. If they meet the age requirement and are ready for adventure, bring them along for an unforgettable ride!
Do I need to know how to swim?
Nope! While swimming skills are always helpful, they’re not required. You’ll be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and our guides will teach you everything you need to know to stay as safe as possible on the water.
GENERAL INFORMATION
LODGING & ACCOMODATIONS
We’d like to help you with your lodging arrangements while you are in the Ocoee whitewater rafting area by providing you with links to some of our favorite places to stay.
The Mallard Hotel
Discover the perfect family getaway that will keep you coming back year after year! Immerse yourself in breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, while enjoying our one-of-a-kind and carefully curated design
Thunder Rock CampGround
Thunder Rock Campground is located 1.8 miles northwest of the Ocoee Whitewater Center, just behind TVA Ocoee Powerhouse Number 3. Just an 8 minute drive from the OAC!
Georgia's Blue Ridge
Escape to Blue Ridge, where mountain trails, cascading waterfalls, & 100 miles of trout streams meet charming towns, cozy cabins, & Southern hospitality. Just a short drive from Atlanta.
GENERAL INFO
OUR OCOEE RIVER GUIDES
Meet our incredible team of Ocoee River guides—a fun-loving, adventure-seeking crew with a passion for the water! Some are lifelong rafting pros, chasing the sun and whitewater year-round, while others are teachers, EMTs, college students, and outdoor enthusiasts who spend their summers on the river. Whether they’re kayaking in the off-season or shredding the slopes in winter, one thing is for sure—our guides are highly trained, professional, and ready to give you the best rafting experience on the Ocoee!
WORK AT OAC
Applicants must be 18 or older with a friendly, outgoing personality — you’ll be the face of our company on the water. No experience is needed; we provide full training to the right candidates.
Raft guiding is physically demanding, so good fitness and strong customer service skills are essential. You should enjoy the outdoors and be prepared to work hard.
While guiding is challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Your “office” will be the beautiful Cherokee National Forest — a workplace like no other!