About
Ocoee River, Tennessee — 1913-1936 Ocoee Dam, 1996 Olympic Whitewater Slalom, 1977 Relicensing, Cherokee. The 1996 Olympic whitewater venue still runs at competition levels through Cherokee National Forest, with Tennessee Valley Authority releases creating 1,500 CFS average flows through Class III-IV rapids. The Middle Ocoee delivers five miles of non-stop wave trains that made it the Southeast's most popular commercial rafting run, while the Upper Ocoee (Olympic Section) holds the technical drops and best surfing waves that challenged international competitors. Below the powerhouse, the Lower Ocoee settles into Class II-III water through Polk County. TVA controls the releases, with optimal flows between 1,200-2,500 CFS measured at gauge 03559500. The eight-mile corridor holds Tennessee Scenic River designation and draws outfitters including Nantahala Outdoor Center and Ocoee Outdoors. American Whitewater maintains stewardship agreements that keep access open on this dam-controlled system. The Olympic legacy means infrastructure designed for spectators — parking, put-ins, and takeouts built to handle crowds watching world-class paddling.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.