Save 10% on our Zipline + Rafting combo! Save big on double the adventure!
Save 10% on our Zipline + Rafting combo! Save big on double the adventure!
Save 10% on our Zipline + Rafting combo! Save big on double the adventure!
Save 10% on our Zipline + Rafting combo! Save big on double the adventure!
If you’re in Chattanooga and want a day outdoors that feels different from the usual hiking or wandering around downtown, the Ocoee River is where people go. It’s just over an hour from the city, an easy mountain drive, and it offers the kind of rafting near Chattanooga that you simply can’t experience in town. The rapids are steady and fun, the scenery is classic East Tennessee, and the whole day feels like a real break from routine.
The Ocoee sits along the edge of the Cherokee National Forest, right where the mountains start to open up. This stretch of river is known for its fast Class III and IV rapids and for hosting the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. Most people are surprised that something this exciting is so close, you don’t have to plan a full weekend or travel far to enjoy river rafting near Chattanooga.
The drive from the city is straightforward: head up I-75, cut across Cleveland, and follow US-64 through the gorge. The river runs right beside the road, and you’ll often see rafts heading downstream as you arrive. It’s the kind of drive that gets you into adventure mode before you even get out of the car.
Once you’re in the Ocoee area, you’ll find plenty to do beyond rafting – mountain trails, riverside picnic spots, campsites, and small towns that make the whole region feel like a getaway, even if you’re only up for the afternoon. Many groups come for a half-day run and end up staying longer just to enjoy the mountains.
Guided trips run on the Middle Ocoee, Upper Ocoee, and the full-day combination. No experience is needed, and all gear is provided. You simply show up ready for a few hours on the river. That’s why Chattanooga river rafting fans, families, and friend groups choose the Ocoee when they want something active but still easy to plan.
And if you’re choosing an outfitter, Raft One is one of the established names on the river, offering guided trips, a relaxed base, and simple lodging and camping if you want to stretch your visit into a full weekend. It’s an easy way to make the most of the Ocoee without overcomplicating things.
City
Distance
Chattanooga, TN
61 miles
Cleveland, TN
40 miles
Knoxville, TN
111 miles
Blue Ridge, GA
15 miles
For more than 40 years, our team has been helping guests from Chattanooga turn an ordinary weekend into something a bit more exciting. The Ocoee is close, it’s beautiful, and it’s the kind of trip that stays with you. If it’s been a while since you tried something new, this is your sign. Book your trip now.
Beginner Friendly
Middle Ocoee Rafting
from $36
Gentle Rapids
Duration: 3 Hours
Min. Age 12 Years
Adventurer’s Pick
Upper Ocoee Rafting
from $45
Olympics Route
Duration: 3 Hours
Min. Age 12 Years
The Full Experience
Full Ocoee Rafting
from $80
Lunch Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Min. Age 12 Years
Fly Over Ocoee
Zipline Canopy Tour
from $60
Zip across 8 lines, and cross 3 challenging sky-bridges. It ends with a fun-filled race to the finish- Dual Racer!
Horseback Riding
from $45
Saddle up at Blanche Manor, where riders of all skill levels enjoy scenic trails perfect for young adventurers and seasoned riders alike.
Beginner Friendly
Mountain Biking
from $45
Hop on your mountain bike and cruise Ocoee’s tranquil trails with friends or family. Flexible plans ensure the perfect ride.
Chattanooga Group Rafting Trips
We craft ideal trips for every group – bachelor/bachelorette parties, youth trips, family vacations, reunions, corporate team building, and school excursions. Plan your trip now to create lasting memories for generations to come, complete with tailored experiences exclusively for our clients.
