Rafting through the Olympic section of the Upper Ocoee River is a awesome ride of excitement. The Olympic Section of the Ocoee River is a man altered coarse that was engineered for the 1996 Olympic Games. It was designed to challenge the best canoe and kayakers in the world. Every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day we get the opportunity to take guests through this awesome section of whitewater.

Your first rapid, Best Ledge, is a diagonal wave that soaks you right off the bat. Then you will slam and splash your way through Smiley Face, Slam Dunk, and Callahan’s Ledge before getting to the two biggest rapids on the whole river Godzilla and Humongous. These last to rapids are right next to each other and success on the first one dictated your success on the second one. So listen well and paddle hard so gold can be yours on the Olympic Section.

1. White Water Rafting On The Ocoee River.

Ducktown is the gateway to the awesome whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. The Ocoee River is a splashy and fun Class III and IV white water rafting river.  Adventure seekers can choose from several trip options: The Middle Ocoee River Trip (Half Day), The Upper Ocoee River Trip (Half Day) or The Combo Ocoee Trip with a grilled riverside lunch (Full Day). No Experience is necessary since all trips are guided. Rafting the Ocoee River is a great way to connect as a family and experience the natural beauty of the Cherokee National Park. Ocoee River Rafting Info

2. Blue Hole Swimming On The Ocoee River

Located at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, Blue Hole is a great place to swim and snorkel or just cool off. The water is super clear so you can see a variety of fish and turtles.  Blue Hole also has some unique rock croppings that look like swiss cheese. You can swim thru and explore these interesting tunnels. Swimming and snorkeling are only allowed during the week (Monday- Friday) when the water is turned off. On Saturdays and Sundays the water is turned on and the river becomes a swift Class IV white water rafting area and absolutely no swimming is allowed. The area also has a nice picnic area and museum so pack a lunch! 

3. Turtletown Creek Falls

If a short hike to a great waterfall is what you’re looking for, then here it is. Turtletown Creek Falls is an easy to moderate 3.8 mile loop trail. The hike usually takes about 2 hours, but allow for more time because there is an upper and lower falls and folks tend to hang out and take photos. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on a leach, so take Fido they will love it!  Don’t forget your camera!

4. Toccoa River Fishing

The Toccoa River is considered to be some of the best trout fishing in Georgia. Anglers can fish for brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout in the waters of the Toccoa. The river is stocked by the fishery and has a healthy population of large trophy trout. There are several access points for wading trips including the easily accessible Horse Shoe Bend Park. If you have a boat then drift fishing on the Lower Toccoa is just the ticket. Drift fishing allows anglers to access several great fishing holes that aren’t accessible any other way. There are also guided fishing tours available in the area if you don’t have your own equipment.

5. Brush Creek Bike Trail

The Brush Creek Mountain Bike Trail is 14 miles of flowing single track located in the Cherokee National Forrest. The trial is well maintained and mostly hard packed with a few gravel areas. The trail starts at Boyds Gap Overlook and winds around to meet the Ocoee River. There are long range mountain views and lots of great spots to take in. Brush Creek trail is part of the larger Tanasi Trail System which is worth checking out if your going to be mountain biking in the area.

6. Copperhill, TN Shops

Copperhill is a charming old mining town that has great walk appeal. By that I mean it is a great place to just park your car and walk around town.  There are specialty boutiques, open air restaurants and several good antique stores worth checking out. There are also two local breweries in town to help you unwind from a busy day of adventuring.

1. Ocoee River Rafting

The Ocoee River is only a 20 minute drive from Murphy and is a great way to see the national forest and mark another item off your bucket list!  Ocoee Rafting is fun and splashy Class III and IV white water. No experience is necessary since all trip are fully guided. Guests can choose from the Half Day Trip or Full Day Trips with a grilled riverside lunch. Carolina Ocoee Rafting

2. Nantahala River Rafting

The Nantahala River is great for families with young kids and beginning rafters. You just need to be 60 lbs or 7 year old to go. Guests have the option of going Guide-In-Boat or if they are feeling adventurous Non-Guide. No experience is necessary. The trip takes about 3 1/2 hours round trip. The Nantahala River winds thur the beautiful Nantahala National Forest. Nantahala River Rafting

3. Murphy River Walk

The Murphy River Walk is a great place to take a stroll. 3+ miles of trails take you along the Valley River and thru Murphy’s historic downtown. As a bonus the trails are also dog friendly! Murphy River Walk

4. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel

The Newly opened Valley River Casino has it all: blackjack, slots, roulette and craps for gaming.  If your looking for family fun the casino also has a nice bowling alley and arcade.

If you decide to go to the bowling alley or arcade check their website for specials. We found an unlimited bowling and shoe rental for cheap. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino

5. Flea Market and Yard Sale Spots

Murphy is a picker’s paradise. If you like antiquing and good old fashioned haggling, check out Foster’s and Decker’s Flea Market.  

There is also a roadside market every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). You just never know what you might find. I would try to get there early before the good stuff gets gone.  Recently found a couple of old matching plant stands that are just perfect!

6. Downtown Pizza

If you are on vacation with your pizza loving family and want great pizza without breaking the bank, then this is the place for you.  They have a good variety of specialty pizzas as well as the old standby pepperoni and cheese. As an added bonus they also have a game and ticket area that is done well. Down Town Pizza Co.

7. Nottely River Valley Vineyards

Family owned and operated this vineyard makes old world style wine. The winery is located on a 93 acre farm that is just a short drive from downtown Murphy. Tasting room anyone!? Nottely River Valley Vineyards

8. Nantahala River Gem Mine

The Nantahala Gem Mine is a great way for families to get their hands dirty.  Miners get a big bucket of dirt, scoop it into a gem pan and wash it out in the water. Just like the miner of old you never know what you will find.  It’s also a good way to learn about where things come from and how they naturally grow in the earth. Nantahala River Gem Mine

9. Valley River Brewery

If craft beer is your thing, then check out Valley River Brewery. They brew a good craft beer and usually have some seasonal varieties also. They have a good menu for eats if your hungry.  I recommend the pizza. It goes good with the beer. Seriously! Valley River Brewery

10. Piney Knob Bike & Hiking Trails

The Piney Knob Trail System is 22.3 miles of single track hiking and biking trails. It seems like they are always adding more trails so I would recommend checking for new trail options every time you go. There is a mix of easy, intermediate and advanced trails that are a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area.

11. Rib Country BBQ

I would drive a long way for BBQ this good.  Rib County has a large menu with something for everyone. They smoke their meat over hardwoods and it gives the meat a flavor you just can’t get out of a bottle. They also make and serve their own special sauce. Rib Country

12. Market Place Antiques

Market Place Antiques is a great place to go tiqueing!  They are always getting different stuff so you never know what they may get in. Marketplace Antiques

13. Hiwassee Dam

The Hiwassee Dam is a pretty cool feat of engineering! The dam is 307 feet tall and is 1376 feet wide.  The reservoir created by the lake has lots of boating and hiking opportunities. I recommend taking a picnic lunch and exploring the area. Hiwassee Dame

1. Enjoy, it is only whitewater rafting

It is worth reminding yourself that you have one of the best jobs on the planet. Our job is what everyone goes to do as a vacation. At times the heat and chaos can take hold, but you have to learn to shed it and enjoy.

2. Rafting is the easy part

From put in to takeout there are over twenty major rapids on the middle Ocoee River and you would think that is the hardest part of what we do, but it is not. Making everything look easy and effortless is the hard part. Putting trips together: loading gear, outfitting guests, entertaining on the way to the river, safety briefing, and getting onto the river, and then doing all that in reverse when we get off is by far more taxing mentally and physically.

3. When your team is happy, your guests are happy

Happiness is contagious. Is is important to recognize when you are adding to the chaos and when you are trying to remedy it. Rafting is a team sport, so it is necessary for everyone to do there part. When it shows you enjoy your work it lifts everyone.

4. The customer is not always right

Not everyone can realize when things are a good idea and when they are not. Some rapids are fun to surf and others are not worth the danger if something went wrong. We aim to give a customized trip for the guests that we have in our boats but not when it comes to jeopardizing safety or giving them more than they can handle. We have a motto that you can go home mad at us as long as you get to go home.

5. Flow like water

We work in nature on a beautiful river and sometime we forget that. Take the time to look around and experience what is provided. Go with the flow and not against it. The easiest path is almost always downstream.

Everything The First Time Whitewater Rafter needs To Know!

1. Pick The Best River For You

All rivers are different and can accommodate different skill and experience levels. There are lots rivers that are good for beginners and for seasoned paddlers alike. Always research the difficulty of a river before you go so you can pick the best adventure for you and your group. We use the International Scale of River Difficulty which uses a Class I -VI system.

2. Unplug

In today’s world we are accustomed to taking our devices everywhere and posting our adventures in real time but, consider turning off your devices. Leave your cell phone in the car. JUST UNPLUG! Most cell phones don’t get good reception on the river anyway. Live in the moment, open your mind to the splash of water, the flow of the river and the chatter of your friends and family. Just be present.

3. Lather Up

Always wear sunblock! Even it it’s a cloudy day. The suns rays bounce off the waters shiny surface and make it easy to get sunburned. If your on a full day trip a second coat of sunblock at lunch is a good idea.

4.Hydrate

Paddling can be hard work so it’s always a good idea to be properly hydrated before your trip. Taking a extra bottle of water along is handy for hot sunny days. P.S. A hardy breakfast goes a long way to!

5. Don’t Bring Anything You Wouldn’t Want To Lose

If you want to keep it, don’t bring it. Each season someone’s expensive camera or cell phone either gets wet in its waterproof case or is lost to the whitewater. Heirloom rings and necklaces are not replaceable so it’s best to leave them at home.

6. What to Wear Whitewater Rafting

Quick dry or athletic clothing is a great option because its light weight, drys quickly and often times has UV protection built in. During early or late season trips wool and fleece are good. If it’s cold, a dry top or wet-suit can make all the difference. If you like to wear sunglasses they definitely help on a sunny day but, remember you could lose them so bring a cheap pair. Water shoes are made for the water so they are more comfortable wet and help protect your feet with the added bonus of drying quickly. Don’t forget to bring a change of dry clothes and a towel for after your rafting trip.

7. Equipment

Before you set out on the river you will need your equipment (Helmet, Paddle, Personal Flotation Device or PFD, Etc).Your Guide and other staff will be on hand to help you make sure your gear fits properly.  Once you get on the river make sure to always keep your gear on and snugly fastened. That way if you go for a swim your PFD can do its job.

8. Listen To Your Guide

Part of every great rafting trip is being well informed and knowing what to expect. Your guide will go over lots of useful river knowledge like:

• Safety Tips
• What to do if you fall out.
• Paddle Commands
• River History
• Points of Interest

The guide will also know whats ahead and where to paddle hard and where to relax. If you have questions at any time just ask, guides are always happy to help.

9. Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Rafting is a team sport and never is it more evident then when you paddle. Paddling together as a team makes all the difference when navigating through tough rapids. It provides power and maneuverability for your guide to put the raft where it needs to be. Your guide will go over paddle commands so when you hear them you will know how to stay in sync with your team.

10. Enjoy

Now that you know the basic format of a whitewater rafting trip, you can quit stressing about every little detail and focus on what matters. Your first whitewater rafting trip is always a amazing experience. Enjoy it!

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Get Outside

1. Vitamin D “ The Sunshine Vitamin ”

Unlike most vitamins that can easily be found in food, Vitamin D is best found outdoors. Vitamin D is made when bare skin is exposed to sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet rays convert cholesterol in your skin into Vitamin D. Studies suggest that the average person needs between 15 and 20 minutes depending on skin tone of direct sun expose to produce the recommended amount of Vitamin D.

So why is this vitamin so important? Well, Vitamin D helps develop strong bones and teeth in kids and helps prevent osteoporosis in adults and the elderly. Vitamin D also helps regulate cell function which protects against several types of cancer. Studies also suggests Vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of diabetes. With this kind of stats it is easy to see why Vitamin D tops our list for great reason to be outdoors.

2. Dirt !

Now many of us have heard the old saying “ Just rub a little dirt on it”. Well as it turns out, dirt really can be good for you. New research on soil suggests that exposure to the bacteria and microbes in dirt can help boost our immune systems. Exposing ourselves to small amounts of bacteria and microbes found in soil triggers a positive immune response and helps protect us against more dangerous bacteria in the future.

Adults and children who regularly come into contact with dirt, pollen and animals are healthier overall and have less allergies. So the next time you think about getting your hands dirty, just know it’s a good thing!

3. Stress Relief – Something We all Need

Studies show that people who take a 20 minute walk in the woods or on a garden path feel more relaxed than those who take the same stroll on a city street. Even more interesting is the fact that people who simply live in natural areas and spend time outdoors have lower levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone.

Spending time outdoors can also help improve concentration and reduce anxiety and is being used more and more as a natural option to treat ADHD in kids. Psychologist sometimes incorporate nature walks as part of a treatment regimen for people suffering from depression.  Exactly why it helps is unclear. However researchers think that it allows the mind to refocus on things like the sound of water and the wind blowing in the trees. In essence it feels all of our six senses with nature and allows the person to relax and reset. How awesome is that!

4. Exercise

Mother nature is the perfect companion for getting your sweat on. Hiking, biking and swimming are just a few ways that being outdoors can help us stay in shape. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins. These endorphins trigger positive feelings and interact with our brain receptors to reduce the feeling of pain.

Getting regular exercise can help prevent many chronic illnesses like heart disease and high blood pressure. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day elevates energy levels and improves sleep quality. Add that to the fact that outdoor exercise is cheap when compared to a gym membership and I’d say you have a perfect match.

5. Creativity

The great outdoors is second to none in beauty, so it’s no surprise that artists like Claude Monet and Andy Goldsworthy channel inspiration from it.

A study done by the University of Utah found that people scored 50% higher on creativity tests after spending time in nature. In fact creatively, focus, productivity and energy all get a boost from being in nature. There is a measurable ability of the natural world to filter into and inspire our lives. So, the next time you feel a little overwhelmed before you reach for that energy drink try a quick walk in the great outdoors instead.

Thank You Everyone For A Great 2018 Season!

We would like to thank everyone who had a part in making the 2018 Ocoee River rafting season so great. Please enjoy some of our favorite picture of this last season.