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The Upper Ocoee
The Upper Ocoee, which is approximately 6 miles in length, is some
of the newest whitewater available in the southeast. During the
season of 2004, the TVA held 54 days of releases: Saturdays and
Sundays, throughout the season. Be sure to check the release
schedule when you plan to be on the ONLY Olympic whitewater
in the United States.
Beginning
The trip begins with a 1 1/2 mile warm-up, through the trees, in
the upper Ocoee river basin. With its beautiful scenery, it's a
great way to prepare for what's ahead.
The first rapid you will encounter, on the upper Ocoee, is Mikey's
Ledge. It begins with a 4 ft. ledge drop, followed by a set
of three waves, then another 3ft. ledge drop and a few more waves.
Next, just like the show, you'll be given your choice: door #1,
door #2, or door #3? No matter which you choose, it's going to be
exciting! All 'doors' open to a different ledge drop of one size
or another, but all lead you straight into the next rapid, the Blue
Holes.
The Blue Holes is popular both when the water is and is not running.
It is a fairly deep spot, allowing the water to pool up when the
river is off. During those days, many come here to swim through
the potholes in the rocks. But when the water turns on, the Blue
Holes become a series of ledge drops and waves that will have you
paddling like mad! Stay sharp, and get wet.
Olympic Course
The Olympic course consist of 5 major rapids over 1500 Meters. It's
an almost continuous stretch of pure bliss. First you will hit the
Entrance wave. Most of the water is pushed through a channel
about 30 feet wide, forming a large wave behind it. Paddle up and
through the wave to find a few more waves behind it. You will have
a few seconds to catch your breath before you come on the second
rapid, Smiley's. A large rock in the middle of the river
(with a smiley face on it, which is visible when the water is off)
forces water around it on either side. Going left you will find
a small ledge with a good sized hydraulic to punch through. Once
you have completed Smiley's, you begin Slam Dunk. This rapid
is a long series of waves forcing you into a ledge-drop and another
hydraulic. Boom - you're at Callahan's! Callahan's is tricky,
but it's a blast. Large waves will have the boat rocking, and you
paddling! Once through the waves there is a sliding ledge dropping
into another hydraulic. Stay focused though, because you are now
at Humongous!!! Humongous is a two part rapid. The first
thing to hit is a hydraulic known as Godzilla. This hole
can stand a boat on end. But Keep Paddling! You have about 12ft.
before you hit the meaty hole of Humongous. Be ready for a wild
ride!
End
Roach Motel is one of the best (read that "most fun")
rapids on the Ocoee. With three big hydraulics (each bigger than
the last) and huge waves before, during, and after: you will be
grinning from ear to ear.
From here, a nice float will take you to the last rapid, Edge
of the World, where the river pours into a deep, man-made channel.
You must drop over this blind ledge, which could be 0', 3', or 6'
high depending the folks at TVA. Hang On! Once in the channel, you
can swim your way to the take-out at Rogers Branch.
The Middle Ocoee
The Middle Ocoee is the portion of whitewater, on this stretch of
water, paddlers and rafting enthusiasts, have been paddling for
decades. Beginning at Rogers Branch and just over 5 miles long,
this class 3-4 section of whitewater is an adrenaline junkies dream,
crammed with waves and holes.
Entrance rapid gives you whitewater from the get-go. As soon
as you launch onto the middle Ocoee you are in a class 4 rapid,
paddling through waves and dropping ledges. It's a fun and exciting
way to begin your trip.
Broken Nose begins with a large S-shaped wave. Swirling water
behind it will send you to a series of ledges. This is a great place
for pictures, so smile.
Next, Slice and Dice: two widely spaced ledges, fun to drop,
especially the second ledge. If done correctly, you can get a great
surf here "on the fly".
An interesting and humorous set of rock formations highlights the
rapid, Moon Chute. After making your way behind the elephant
shaped rock, do some 360's in front of "sweet-cheeks,"
then drop through the chute and over the ledge at the bottom.
Double Suck, an appropriately named rapid, where a good-sized
ledge drops you into two hydraulics. Paddle hard or you might catch
another surf here.
Double Trouble, which is more ominous in name than in structure,
is a set of three large waves, which will have everybody yelling.
This is another great photo spot. You won't find an easier, more
fun rapid.
Next is Flipper (No, it's not named after the dolphin). Here,
a great ledge drop puts you into a diagonal wave. Hit this wave
with a right hand angle and enjoy the ride, or angle left to eddy
out. Then enjoy one of the best surfs on the river.
Table saw was originally named for a giant saw-blade shaped
wave in the middle of it. The rock forming the wave was moved during
a flood several years ago, making this one of the most exciting
rapids on the Middle Ocoee. The big waves in this one will make
the boat buck like a bronco.
At Diamond Splitter, point your boat upstream and ferry it
between two rocks. Once there get a couple of 360's in before dropping
through the chute and into the hydraulic.
Slingshot is where most of the water in the river is pushed
through a narrow space, making a deep channel with a very swift
current. To make this one a little more interesting, see how many
360's you can complete from top to bottom.
Cat's Pajamas start with a couple of good ledges, with nice
hydraulics. After those, it will look as though you are paddling
toward a big dry rock, but keep going. At the last second, there
will be a big splash and you will be pushed clear.
Hell's Hole is the biggest wave on the river. Start this
one in the middle of the river, drifting right. Just above the wave,
start paddling! When you crest this 7-8 ft. wave, you will drop
into a large hydraulic.
Stay focused because just downstream are the last two ledges known
as Powerhouse. Drop these ledges just right of center for
a great ride.
Once through Powerhouse, collect yourself and take out at Caney
Creek.
(Special Thanks to Wildwater
Ltd Rafting Team Member Kevin Gibbs for this description
of, clearly, one of his favorite places to play.)
Ocoee
River Release schedule
Rafting:
Upper
Ocoee
Middle
Ocoee
Upper/Middle
Ocoee Combo
Water
quality
TVA
Water Use
EPA
water quality report
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