The Iconic Olympic Section
Paddle the identical Class III–IV Olympic course that tested the world’s best in 1996 — guided by Outland’s elite mountain-trained whitewater team.
River Class: III–IV · Distance: 5 Miles · Trip Length: ~3 Hours · Minimum Age: 12 Years · Season: May–September · Days Available: Sat & Sun · Olympic Legacy: Since 1996
The Upper Ocoee River Olympic Section is one of the most storied stretches of whitewater in North America — five miles of continuous Class III and Class IV rapids cutting through the heart of Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, Tennessee, on the exact course that hosted the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics whitewater events.
Most rivers give you a rapid, then a rest. The Upper Ocoee doesn’t. From the moment your raft hits the water in the wilderness gorge, the river keeps building — Tombstone, Mikey’s, the Blue Hole — until you drift beneath the iconic suspension bridge and arrive at the Olympic Course itself. What follows is a continuous sequence of precision drops that challenged the world’s best paddlers: Best Ledge, Smiley Face, and the massive Slam Dunk, the largest single drop on the course. Your Outland guide — hand-selected for this technically demanding section — earns their reputation drop by drop.
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The course divides naturally into two zones: a remote wilderness stretch through an undisturbed Appalachian gorge, followed by the concentrated Olympic sequence. Here’s what you’ll run:
A river-wide hydraulic that flushes rafts hard through a narrow channel. The wilderness section’s opening statement and the first sign that this river means business.
Technical line-reading required. Multiple approach options keep crews alert and give guides room to be creative with their route — no two runs look exactly the same.
The wilderness section’s crown jewel. A deep, powerful drop that separates focused paddlers from passive passengers. Hit your line, and it’s one of the most satisfying moments on the river.
The Olympic Course’s opening salvo. Speed is essential — your guide calls the command and the crew executes together, or swims separately. There is no middle ground on Best Ledge.
Named for the painted grin on a riverside rock. Hit the line correctly and you’ll understand the smile. Miss it, and you’ll understand the name from a different angle entirely.
The largest single drop on the Olympic Course. A full-commitment drop where your crew’s paddle power is the only thing between a clean line and a cold swim. When your guide calls for speed, give everything you have.
When the Atlanta Olympic Committee began searching for a whitewater venue for the 1996 Summer Games, the Ocoee River in southeastern Tennessee checked every box: controlled water releases from TVA’s dam system that allowed reproducible, fair competition conditions; a challenging gradient that would genuinely test elite slalom and whitewater athletes; a remote-feeling gorge setting that would translate beautifully on television; and a location within reasonable driving distance of Atlanta.
The Olympic course was purpose-engineered with constructed concrete features — weirs, gates, and artificial channels — designed to create a compact, spectator-friendly sequence of Class IV challenges. The result was an internationally recognized venue that introduced millions of television viewers to the sport of whitewater rafting and kayaking. Since 1996, the Upper Ocoee Olympic Section has drawn rafters, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country and around the world, making it one of the most visited whitewater destinations in the eastern United States.
Outland Expeditions has operated on this section since the Olympic era. Our guides know every line, every eddy, and every mood the Ocoee’s water releases produce.
The Upper Ocoee flows through Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, Tennessee — part of the nearly 700,000-acre national forest spanning the length of eastern Tennessee along the Blue Ridge and Unaka mountain ranges. The dense forest canopy, steep gorge walls, and relative lack of development around the upper section make it feel far more remote than its proximity to Chattanooga — roughly 45 minutes — would suggest.
That wilderness character wasn’t always a given. The Ocoee River corridor was once deeply scarred by industrial copper mining and smelting operations centered on nearby Copper Hill and Ducktown, Tennessee. From the mid-1800s through much of the 20th century, sulfur dioxide emissions from copper smelters stripped surrounding forests bare and left the landscape red from copper oxide-laden soil — visible from commercial aircraft as late as the 1980s. Acid runoff into the Ocoee eliminated aquatic life for miles downstream.
Environmental reclamation efforts began in earnest in the late 20th century, aided significantly by the economic investment and international attention the 1996 Olympics brought to the region. Today, the forest has substantially regrown, aquatic ecosystems have recovered, and the Upper Ocoee stands as a recognized model of how sustainable eco-tourism can anchor regional recovery while protecting natural resources. When you raft this river, you’re part of that ongoing story.
River Section: Upper Ocoee River — 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course, Cherokee National Forest, Polk County, TN
Difficulty: Class III–IV. Suitable for adventurous first-timers and experienced rafters alike. More technical and continuous than the Middle Ocoee, with less recovery time between drops.
Distance: 5 miles, combining the remote wilderness gorge section and the Olympic Course.
Trip Duration: Approximately 3 hours on the water, plus safety briefing, gear-up, and shuttle time. Plan for a 5–8 hour total day depending on the package you select.
Minimum Age: 12 years old. All participants must be in good general health. There is no upper age limit for healthy, active adults.
Season: Mid-May through mid-September. Water releases from TVA’s Ocoee flume system are required for raftable flow — the upper section only runs on scheduled release days.
Available Days: Saturdays and Sundays during the operating season. Specific release dates vary by year — check the current schedule when booking.
What’s Included: Experienced certified guide, safety helmet, life jacket, paddle, wet suit available on request, shuttle to the put-in, and riverside safety support throughout the run.
What to Wear: Secure-fitting footwear (water shoes or old sneakers — no flip flops), athletic clothing you don’t mind soaking, sunscreen. Avoid cotton, which holds water and causes chilling on the river. Synthetic or wool fabrics perform significantly better.
Meeting Location: Outland Expeditions Outpost, 2483 Old Parksville Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323
Phone: 423-478-1442 · Toll-free: 1-800-827-1442
Reservations: Advanced booking is strongly recommended. The Upper Ocoee is a limited-availability, release-dependent trip that sells out on summer weekends. Don’t plan to walk up.
The Upper Ocoee is the right choice if your group wants the biggest, most technical whitewater the Ocoee offers — the section where Olympic athletes competed, where the gorge feels genuinely wild, and where your guide’s expertise is the real margin between a triumphant run and a cold swim.
It rewards groups who paddle together, listen carefully, and want a river experience that asks something of them in return. The remoteness of the gorge approach, the weight of the Olympic Course’s history, and the physical demand of continuous Class IV water combine to produce something a softer trip simply cannot: the genuine feeling of having done something hard and come out the other side.
The minimum age of 12 reflects the real physical demands of paddle commands on technical Class IV water. For groups with younger children or participants who want an introduction to Ocoee whitewater before committing to the Olympic Section, the Middle Ocoee offers 20 Class III–IV rapids across a similar five-mile stretch with a longer operating season and broader age accessibility.
If your group is ready for the Olympics — book the Upper Ocoee.
Outland Expeditions is based at 2483 Old Parksville Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323, inside the Cherokee National Forest corridor in Polk County, Tennessee. The drive to the Upper Ocoee put-in winds through some of the most dramatic gorge scenery in the southern Appalachians — the journey in is part of the experience.
Drive times from major cities:
Chattanooga, TN — approximately 45 minutes
Atlanta, GA — approximately 2 hours
Knoxville, TN — approximately 1.5 hours
Nashville, TN — approximately 3 hours
Asheville, NC — approximately 2 hours
Birmingham, AL — approximately 2.5 hours
Charlotte, NC — approximately 3 hours
Weekend dates on the Olympic Section fill fast, especially through June, July, and August. Reserve your spot now to lock in the date and group size you need.
Before you reserve your Ocoee River rafting trip with Outland Expeditions, please make sure all the members of your party have a clean bill of health. Book your trip today through our online reservation system or call us directly at (800) 827-1442 for more information.
Is the Upper Ocoee right for me if I’ve never rafted before?
Yes — but go in with honest expectations. The Upper Ocoee is more demanding than the Middle Ocoee, and the Olympic Course requires fast, committed paddle response when your guide calls commands. First-timers who are physically active, comfortable around moving water, and willing to listen closely do very well. First-timers who expect to sit back and ride should start with the Middle Ocoee instead.
What is the minimum age for the Upper Ocoee River?
The minimum age is 12 years old. This reflects the real physical demands of the paddle commands on a continuous Class IV course — younger children typically don’t have the strength or reach to execute strokes effectively enough to keep the raft on line. All participants, regardless of age, must be in good general health.
Is there a weight limit for Upper Ocoee rafting?
Outland Expeditions follows standard whitewater industry guidelines. Contact us directly at 1-800-827-1442 to discuss any specific concerns before booking — our team can help you assess the right trip for your group.
What is the difference between the Upper and Middle Ocoee?
The Upper Ocoee runs the 1996 Olympic Course — a concentrated, technically demanding sequence of Class IV drops with little recovery time between features. The Middle Ocoee covers 20 named Class III–IV rapids across five miles, with a longer season (March through October), seven-day-a-week availability, and a more forgiving pace between rapids. The Upper section has a higher adventure ceiling; the Middle is better suited for families, first-timers, and large mixed-ability groups.
Can I book both the Upper and Middle Ocoee on the same day?
Yes. The Full Ocoee River Experience combines both sections into a single full-day trip, running back-to-back with a riverside grilled lunch prepared by your guides between the two runs. It’s the most complete way to experience the Ocoee and runs on Saturdays and Sundays from March through September.
Why can you only raft the Upper Ocoee on weekends?
The Upper Ocoee requires scheduled water releases from TVA’s Ocoee No. 2 flume diversion to carry raftable flow. Without those releases, the riverbed does not hold enough water for commercial rafting. Release days are negotiated among TVA, licensed outfitters, and the U.S. Forest Service to balance hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and environmental protection of the watershed. Currently, releases are scheduled on weekends from mid-May through mid-September.
What happens if it rains on my trip day?
Light to moderate rain does not cancel Upper Ocoee trips — in fact, overcast days often produce ideal conditions. Trips are cancelled in cases of severe weather, lightning, or flood-level water conditions that make the river unsafe. If a trip is cancelled by Outland for weather or river conditions, guests receive full rescheduling options. Check in with us the morning of your trip if there is significant weather in the forecast.
How far in advance should I book the Upper Ocoee?
As early as possible, especially for summer weekends. June, July, and August dates fill weeks or months in advance. Booking 3–6 weeks out is a reasonable minimum for summer; shoulder season dates in May and September have more flexibility but still sell out. Walk-up availability on release days is rare.
Does the Upper Ocoee run on holidays?
Release schedules are set by TVA and do not always align with holiday weekends. Check the current season release schedule on our website or call 1-800-827-1442 to confirm whether a specific holiday weekend is a release day before planning travel.
How continuous is the whitewater on the Upper Ocoee?
Very. Unlike many rivers that alternate between rapids and long flatwater pools, the Upper Ocoee’s Olympic Course is designed for nearly continuous action. The wilderness gorge section builds steadily through Tombstone, Mikey’s, and Blue Hole before the suspension bridge signals the start of the Olympic sequence — Best Ledge, Smiley Face, and Slam Dunk follow in close succession. There is limited time to relax between features, which is exactly what makes this section distinct.
What is Slam Dunk, and why does everyone talk about it?
Slam Dunk is the largest single drop on the 1996 Olympic Course — the final major feature before the run finishes. It requires full crew commitment: when your guide calls for speed, every paddle needs to dig in simultaneously to carry the raft cleanly over the drop. It’s the moment the trip has been building toward, and the reason most guests who run the Upper Ocoee want to come back.
What are the best spectator spots for friends who aren’t rafting?
The suspension bridge that marks the start of the Olympic Course is the most popular and dramatic viewing spot — you can watch rafts transition from the wilderness gorge into the engineered Olympic features. Pull-offs along US-64 near the Olympic Course also provide good views and audio. Call ahead for current access conditions, as parking can be limited on busy weekends.
Does seating position in the raft affect how intense the experience is?
Yes, significantly. Front seats receive the earliest and strongest impact on drops like Best Ledge and Slam Dunk — maximum splash, most direct hydraulic contact, and the most critical paddle calls. Middle seats are more balanced. Back seats sit closest to the guide, who can offer real-time coaching. Your guide will ask about experience levels and confidence before assigning positions — be honest, because it shapes everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
How safe is the Upper Ocoee River?
The Upper Ocoee is a Class III–IV river, which carries genuine whitewater risk. It is not a float trip. That said, Outland’s guides are specifically vetted and trained for this technically demanding section, and all participants receive comprehensive safety instruction before launch. Wearing your helmet and life jacket correctly, following paddle commands promptly, and swimming defensively if you exit the raft are the core safety behaviors. Outland’s safety record reflects decades of guided experience on this water.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You do not need to be an accomplished swimmer, but you should be comfortable in water and capable of following defensive swimming instructions. Guests who are not confident in water should inform their guide before launch. Life jackets are provided and worn throughout the entire trip.
Are wetsuits available?
Yes. Wetsuits are available on request and recommended for early-season trips in May and June when water temperatures are coldest. Ask about wetsuit availability when booking.
Where exactly do I go on the day of my trip?
Report to the Outland Expeditions Outpost at 2483 Old Parksville Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323. From there, Outland handles the shuttle to the put-in. Do not drive directly to the river — all guests stage from the outpost and travel to the launch point as a group.
What should I leave behind on trip day?
Leave wallets, extra cash, unnecessary keys, phones, and anything irreplaceable locked in your vehicle or stored at the outpost. Drybags are available for small essentials you need on the water. Glasses wearers should consider securing their frames with a strap. Anything loose on the raft on the Upper Ocoee is a candidate for the river.
Can I bring my phone or a camera on the Upper Ocoee?
Phones and standard cameras are strongly discouraged — the continuous nature of the Olympic Course leaves little safe opportunity to use them, and the risk of loss or damage is high. GoPro-style action cameras with chest mounts or helmet mounts work well if secured properly. Ask your guide for the best mount placement before launch.
This 5 mile-long whitewater rafting excursion is ideal for large groups, particularly outdoor education programs and families. It’s our most popular trip. We run our Classic Middle Ocoee Trips from March until October. The rapids you’ll paddle through on this half-day rafting trip range from Class III to Class IV, including:
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours. You must be 12 years old or older to raft this section of the Ocoee River
Our full-day trip combines both the Upper and Middle sections of the Ocoee River. Packing more than 20 class III and IV rapids into six hours of adventure. Our guides stop midway through the trip and grill you lunch on the riverside. The full Ocoee River Whitewater trips book up quick so be sure to reserve early.
The Full River runs on Saturdays and Sundays from March thru September. You must be 12 years old or older to raft the full Ocoee River.
