Ocoee River State Park

Renowned worldwide for its stunning scenery and thrilling recreation, the Ocoee River is a premier destination for whitewater enthusiasts. Canoeing, rafting, and floating are among the most popular activities on this dynamic river. According to the International Scale of River Difficulty, the Ocoee features rapids ranging from Class I to Class V, offering challenges for paddlers of all skill levels. While the river’s beauty is undeniable, it’s important to remember that even calm-looking waters can pose serious risks to those without proper training or water safety knowledge.

Tennessee State Parks began managing the river in 1984, along with the Hiwassee Scenic River, creating the Hiwassee/Ocoee River State Park. In 2025, the park split into the Hiwassee Scenic River State Park and the Ocoee River State Park to provide more dedicated resources to each area.

While floating, canoeing, and rafting continue to be some of the most popular attractions to Ocoee River State Park, outdoor adventurers of all ages return to the park for their ability to enjoy the riches of the Cherokee National Forest, known for its waterfall hikes, swimming holes, picknicking opportunities and the abiity to fish for large mouth bass, yellow perch, catfish and trout.

The mission of the Ocoee River State Park is to provides an enjoyable and safe recreational learning experience for all park visitors, while instilling and demonstrating positive land use ethics through interpretive programs the about its natural, cultural and historic features.