Middle Ocoee River
Information
Rapids that are big and closely spaced make the Ocoee River one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the nation. No other river in the East offers the degree of challenge, safety and consistent water flow that is found here. In fact, the Ocoee has been rated one of the two best whitewater rivers in the country by Canoe Magazine, and has been chosen as the site of national whitewater championships on several occasions.
The Ocoee is a perfect half- day trip for experts, novices, family groups, and recreation clubs. Rapids like Vegematic, Double Trouble, and Tablesaw mean continuous excitement as you paddle under the instruction of a skilled guide. And as a dam controlled river, water levels on the Ocoee remain high all summer.
The phone # at the Wildwater Ocoee Center at the Ocoee River is (423) 496-4904.
FACTS
Minimum Age: 12 (state regulation)
Intensity Level: Exciting but not strenuous. No previous whitewater experience needed.
Trip Length: Approximately 3 1/2 hours (2 hours on the river)
MeaIs: Be sure to try our Deck- Deli restaurant-at the center.
Equipment Furnished: Raft, paddle, PFD, helmet and paddling jacket, if needed.
Transportation Provided: To and from the river from our Adventure Center in Ducktown, Tennessee.
Facilities: Changing rooms and hot showers. No towels or soap provided.
Directions
Guests are expected to check in at our front desk approximately twenty to thirty minutes before the trip meeting. This will allow you plenty of time to sign in and change.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE FOR ANYONE ARRIVING LATE, NOR FOR ANYONE WHO IS NOT READY TO GO AT TRIP TIME.
The trip begins with a lesson on paddling techniques and safety procedures by one of your guides. After distribution of paddling gear and transportation to the river, guests and guides then carry all gear, rafts, and equipment down a short trail to the water. Your trip gets under way immediately as you and your guide negotiate Put-in Rapid.
Most of the time will be spent paddling whitewater, but there are also opportunities to catch your breath, swim and drift with the current. And for those with an interest in history, your guide will be happy to point out a log flume used to divert the river for hydroelectric power by the Tennessee Valley Authority. All trips go, rain or shine.
CANCELLATION POLICY
•Reservations cancelled at least fourteen (14) days in advance will receive a full refund less $10 reservation fee.
•Reservations cancelled at least seven (7) days in advance will receive a refund of money paid less deposit equal to $10 per person for half day trips and $20 per person for full day trips.
•Reservations cancelled less than seven (7) days in advance are ineligible for refund.
•For any consideration of a refund, reservations should be cancelled in advance.
•Request for date transfer are treated like cancellations and may entail a loss of deposit.
•MC/Visa Payment: Reservations must be cancelled by the close of the next business day after credit card is given to receive full credit less one $10 fee if cancelling the entire
reservation.
•NO SHOWS on day of the trip will receive NO REFUND.
•An exception form may be filled out for requests for refund due to special circumstances.
Lodging Policy:
•Reservations cancelled 7 days or more in advance of your stay will receive a full refund except one $10 fee.
•Reservations cancelled the day before will receive a voucher (rain check) for a future stay.
•Reservations cancelle the day of your stay will receive NO REFUND, but may fill out a "Request for an Exception" form.
WHAT TO BRING
Cool Weather
Wool sweater
Shorts or bathing suit
Tennis shoes
Wool socks
Wool mittens/wool hat
Allergy medicine
Dry change of clothes
Towel
Warm Weather
Shorts or bathing suit
T-shirt
Tennis shoes
Sunscreen
Allergy medicine
Dry change of clothes
Towel
Blue jeans are not recommended, particularly in cold weather. Jewelry should be left at home or locked in the car. Glasses should be secured with straps or strings.
WHO SHOULD GO RAFTING?
Wildwater offers rafting trips suitable for all ages and skill levels. While Wildwater sets minimum age limits for certain trips, you must evaluate your own fitness level when determining which trips are suitable for you.
Participants should be in good health and not be afraid of the water. You will be assisting in paddling your own raft, and in carrying rafts and equipment to and from the river. If you are seriously overweight or have special medical conditions, you should consult your physician before attempting a rafting trip.
OCOEE RESTAURANT
Plan to eat at Wildwater Willie's Restaurant on the Ocoee. It's convenient, the atmosphere is relaxing and unique, the food is well prepared and varied, and the prices are reasonable. What more reason could you have to plan to eat your lunch or dinner meal at the Deck Restaurant, located at the Wildwater Ocoee Center?
Our Wildwater Willie's Restaurant is adjacent to a rhododendron thicket, cantilevered over a mountain stream. The menu consists of a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, BBQ, wings, salads, nachos, chili, cookies and daily specials, along with an assortment of your favorite beverages & beer. 2 Large, flatscreen TV's show current sports games & news.
Of particular interest to groups is the group menu, assuring you of the best price and no waiting for your food. Call and ask the reservations office for more information.
Ocoee River Area Lodging
Bed & Breakfast
White House B&B Ducktown, TN (800) 775-4166
Chestnut Inn Bed & Breakfast Conasauga, TN (866) 424-1077
Ocoee Mist Farm B&B Benton, TN (888) 541-9583
Huntington Hall B&B Murphy, NC (800) 824-6189
Company House Bed & Breakfast Ducktown, TN (800) 343-2909
Cabins
Mountain Escapes Property Management Ducktown, TN (423) 496-4901
Nevaeh Cabin Rentals Blue Ridge, GA (706) 258-2460 or (800) 488-1644
Escape to Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals Blue Ridge, GA (866) 618-2521 or (706) 413-5321
Majestic Mountain Getaways, Inc. North GA & Western Carolina (877) 869-3275
River Cove Cabins Murphy, NC (828) 644-9979
Copperhill Country Cabins Copperhill, TN (423) 496-5225
Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals McCaysville, GA (877) 628-3353
River Ridge Cabin Blue Ridge, GA (770) 977-5391
Persimmon Creek Cabin Murphy, NC (305) 872-4680
Shady Springs Cottage Blue Ridge, GA (706) 492-3513
Black Bear Cabin Rentals Blue Ridge, GA (888) 902-2246
Noontootla Creek Farms Blue Ridge, GA (706) 838-0585 or (706) 781-4019
Blanche Manor Horseback Riding & Yurts Copperhill, TN (706) 455-7433
Toccoa River Cabins Blue Ridge, GA (800) 330-1343
North Georgia Cabin Rentals Blue Ridge, GA (678) 549-3680
Sliding Rock Cabins Ellijay, GA (706) 636-5895
Helen Georgia Cabin Rentals Helen, GA (706) 878-4000
Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals Ellijay & Blue Ridge, GA (706) 502-1074
Wildernessview Cabin Rentals Ellijay, Ga. - (866) 517-8810
Mountain Resort Cabin Rentals Ellijay, Ga. - (706) 669-2242
Blue Ridge Mountain Getaways Blue Ridge, GA (706) 632-3043
Campgrounds
State & National Park Service Campgrounds
Persimmon Creek Campground Murphy, NC 828-644-5800
Peace Valley Campground Marble, NC (828) 837-6223
Primitive Camping in the Ocoee Area
Hotels Motels and Inns
Blue Ridge Comfort Inn & Suites Blue Ridge, GA (706) 946-3333
Blue Ridge Days Inn Blue Ridge, GA (706) 632-2100
Ramada Ltd. Blue Ridge, GA (706) 632-4444
Sleep Inn Etowah Etowah, TN (423) 263-4343 or (877) 263-2906
Resorts
Brasstown Valley Resort Hiawassee, GA (800) 201-3205
The Ridges Resort & Club Hiawassee, GA (706) 896-1886
Retreats
Falling Waters Resort Bryson City, NC (800) 451-9972
Coker Creek Village Tellico Plains, TN (800) 448-9580
Enota Hiawassee, GA (706) 896-9966 or (800) 990-8869
Area Links
Tennessee Overhill Etowah, TN
Noontootla Creek Farms Blue Ridge, GA (706) 838-0585
DOUBLE TRIPS
Guests taking both the morning and afternoon trips on the Ocoee should bring a picnic lunch or plan to eat at Wildwater Willie's Restaurant. There will not be sufficient time between trips to leave the Wildwater Ocoee Center and return in time for the second trip.
ALCOHOL
Wildwater reserves the right to refuse to accommodate anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs (which may impair their abilities on the river) and will not hesitate to remove them from the trip without refund.
DATE TRANSFERS
Wildwater reserves the right to cancel or reschedule trip in cases of extreme weather or water level conditions. If this happens, you may either reschedule your trip or receive a full refund.
In all other cases, requests for date transfer are treated like cancellations and may entail a loss of deposit.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Whetstone Photography offers professional photography service for Wildwater at all four locations: Chattooga, Ocoee, Pigeon, and Nantahala Adventure Centers.
LIABILITY
Wildwater provides high quality equipment and our staff is professionally trained to make your trip safe and comfortable. However, each person is responsible for their own liability and will be required to sign a waiver prior to the start of the trip.
WILDWATER LTD. RESERVATIONS CENTER
P0 Box 309
Long Creek, SC 29658
(800) 451-9972
reservations@wildwaterrafting.com
