Full Ocoee River Rafting Adventure With Catered Shore Lunch

Experience the Thrill of White Water Rafting on the Ocoee River

Imagine yourself on a half-day adventure on the famous Ocoee River near Chattanooga, Tennessee. For $110 per person, this full river trip lasts around 5 hours and offers an exciting mix of adrenaline-pumping rapids (including class III and IV) and relaxed scenic moments. You’ll be guided by experienced professionals who know the river well and are committed to keeping everyone safe while maximizing fun.

What we really love about this trip is the combination of challenging rapids and the beautiful natural surroundings that make each moment memorable. The inclusion of a catered riverside shore lunch makes the experience feel complete—perfect after the thrill of navigating the river’s steep drops and twisting channels. Plus, with small-group sizes and personalized guides, you’re sure to get plenty of attention and insider tips.

A possible consideration? The tour is only available from mid-May through September on weekends, so planning ahead is essential if you don’t want to miss out. Also, children must be at least 12 years old, which limits younger adventure seekers.

This trip is ideal for adventure lovers and families with older kids who want to combine outdoor fun with quality guides and stunning scenery. If you’re looking for an authentic, active day on the water with a focus on safety and fun, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Adrenaline rush: Navigating class III and IV rapids delivers a true thrill.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, funny guides like Ryan, Max, or Ethan keep safety and entertainment top-notch.
• Beautiful scenery: The Ocoee Gorge and Olympic course sections provide breathtaking views.
• All-inclusive value: Lunch, transportation, gear, and guides are part of the package.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Limited season: Available only weekends from mid-May to September, so plan early.

A Thorough Look at the Ocoee River Rafting Adventure

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins at the meeting point located at 869 US-64, Ocoee, TN. From here, you’ll enjoy private transportation to the remote gorge near Ocoee Dam No. 3, setting the stage for a scenic journey into one of Tennessee’s most exciting outdoor spots. The transportation is included, which simplifies logistics, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. The small-group size—limited to around 50 travelers—means you’ll avoid feeling like just another number, and guides can give more personalized attention.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Once at the starting point, your guide will equip you with PFDs (personal flotation devices), helmets, and paddles—all included. Safety is clearly prioritized, and guides are known for being interactive, knowledgeable, and funny. As the trip kicks off, you’ll paddle downstream into some of the most intense stretches of the river, tackling class III and IV rapids that will definitely get your heart racing.

About halfway through, the river narrows into the Olympic whitewater competition course, where the rapids become even more exciting. This section, known for big water, is where guides often encourage even first-timers to feel confident. Everyone’s adrenaline will be pumping as you navigate over twenty additional rapids—names like Double Suck, Flipper, Diamond Splitter, and Hells Hole evoke the raw power of the river.

The Riverside Picnic Lunch

After some of the most intense sections, you’ll pause for a scenic riverside picnic. The included lunch features sandwiches, chips, cookies, fresh fruit, sweet tea, and lemonade. This moment offers a welcome break, a chance to relax, share stories with your fellow rafters, and enjoy the peaceful views of the gorge. It’s a thoughtful touch that elevates the experience from just a thrill ride to a well-rounded outdoor outing.

The Return and Additional Rapids

Post-lunch, you’ll shoot down the middle Ocoee River, tackling another 20+ rapids, including some of the most famous sections like Hells Hole—a name that hints at the wild ride ahead. The entire trip, from start to finish, takes about five hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stretch without feeling rushed.

Guides and Group Size

What truly sets this tour apart are the guides—not just safety officers, but engaging storytellers and local experts. As one reviewer put it, “Ryan was the BEST”, and others praised Ethan and Max for their high energy, safety focus, and sense of humor. The guided nature ensures you learn new white-water skills and get the most out of your experience.

Why People Love This Tour

The reviews speak volumes about its quality. Travelers are struck by the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. Many mention how the guides kept everyone entertained, making even the more challenging rapids feel safe and fun. The natural beauty of the gorge and the exhilaration of conquering the rapids are consistently highlighted as memorable highlights.

Booking and Seasonality

Since the trip is only available weekends from mid-May through September, you’ll want to reserve well in advance—the average booking window is around 47 days before your adventure. The cost of $110 per person is a good value considering the all-inclusive nature, the professional guides, and the personalized experience.

Additional Details and Practical Tips

• The tour is suitable for those with a moderate physical fitness level—you’ll need to paddle and sometimes work against the current, but guides will instruct you thoroughly.
• Due to the seasonality, it’s wise to check weather conditions because the trip depends on good weather, and cancellations due to weather are fully refundable or rebooking options are available.
• Children must be at least 12, so this trip is best for teenagers and adults seeking an active outdoor adventure.

Why This Experience Stands Out

This rafting trip provides more than just a white water thrill; it offers a well-organized, safety-conscious environment with guides who truly know their stuff. You’ll love the combination of heart-pumping rapids and peaceful natural vistas, with the added bonus of a delicious catered lunch. The small-group setting ensures you feel attended to, and the seasonal schedule means you’ll want to plan ahead.

The authenticity of the guides’ local knowledge shines through in their safety instructions and stories, making the experience both educational and fun. Many travelers mention how their guides, like Ryan and Ethan, made the trip unforgettable. The diverse rapids and the Olympic course provide a variety of challenges that will satisfy both first-timers and seasoned paddlers.

This tour is especially perfect for adventure-minded families, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager for a memorable outdoor experience. If you’re seeking a half-day adrenaline rush combined with spectacular scenery, this trip on the Ocoee River is tough to beat.

The Sum Up

For those craving a thrilling outdoor adventure that combines excitement, natural beauty, and friendly guides, this full Ocoee River rafting trip delivers. The challenging rapids are balanced by scenic moments and a relaxing riverside lunch, making it an all-around memorable outing. The value for the price is clear when you consider the included gear, transportation, and expert guidance.

While the seasonal timing requires some planning, those who do book will find themselves with stories to tell and memories to cherish. Perfect for adventure lovers, families with teens, or anyone wanting to experience Tennessee’s prime white water—this tour offers a genuine balance of thrill and natural splendor.

If you’re ready to conquer the rapids and enjoy a scenic, expertly-guided adventure, this trip is an outstanding choice. Just be sure to book early, check the weather forecast, and prepare for one of the most exhilarating days on Tennessee’s rivers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be at least 12 years old to participate, making it suitable for older kids and teenagers.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers guided rafting, all gear (PFD, helmet, paddle), transportation, and the catered riverside lunch.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience runs approximately 5 hours, including transportation, rafting, and lunch.

Do I need to be physically fit?
Yes, a moderate physical fitness level is recommended because you’ll be paddling through varying rapids and working with your guide.

What if the weather is bad?
The trip depends on good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a full refund or rebooking.

When should I book this tour?
Since the experience is popular and seasonal, it’s best to reserve about a month or two in advance—most bookings are made around 47 days ahead.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 869 US-64, Ocoee, TN, and returns there after the trip.

This full Ocoee River rafting adventure combines the best of adventure, scenic beauty, and expert guidance—a fantastic way to spend part of your Tennessee trip if you’re craving white water excitement.