Chattanooga River Rafting
Chattanooga is the fourth largest city in Tennessee and is located in the southeastern corner on Chickamauga Lake and Nickajack Lake which are both part of the Tennessee River. Surrounded by various mountains and ridges, the official nickname for Chattanooga is the Scenic City. With such abundant natural beauty, it is no surprise that outdoor activities are extremely popular in Chattanooga. People love to get outside for hiking, biking, trail-running and fishing. An increasingly popular activity in Chattanooga is river rafting, and people in the south are beginning to flock to the nearby rivers for their fast white waters, enchanting views, and natural beauty.
The Ocoee River is just minutes from Chattanooga and is an extremely popular location for white water rafting. The river begins in Georgia where it is known as the Toccoa River and it is not until it crosses into Tennessee that becomes the Ocoee River. This beautiful river was even the site for the 1996 Summer Olympics kayak events. The river’s flow is controlled by a series of three dams which are monitored by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The middle section of the Ocoee River contains approximately twenty rapids perfect for white water rafting. The river boasts exciting Class III and IV rapids as well as breathtaking mountain scenery. With the river’s long eight month season, adventurers have plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the exciting Ocoee River has to offer. Quest Expeditions offers both half and full day adventures down the Ocoee River. As each package includes a trained and knowledgeable guide, there is no experience necessary. You will be provided with a life jacket and helmet, and your guide is there to help you safely navigate the rapids as well as answer any questions you may have regarding the history of the river or its surrounding area.
The Hiwassee River is also a popular rafting destination for people visiting the Chattanooga area. With a more relaxed feel and fewer rapids, the Hiwassee River is perfect for families with very young children or beginning rafters who are not quite ready for the challenge of the Ocoee’s Class III and IV rapids. That is not to say the river is boring. There are plenty of Class I and Class II rapids to keep it exciting. The real attraction of the river, however, is its majestic scenery. You will float through a spectacular mountain gorge, and between the sections of white water, the Hiwassee River is so clear you will be able to see the trout swimming by. The river is loved by fishermen, so be sure to bring your rod and bait out on the river. The Hiwassee River is the perfect place to spend the day relaxing and floating on the river without a care in the world. Whether you rent a boat to take out the whole family, or just a single inner tube for yourself, the cold, invigorating waters of the Hiwassee River are guaranteed to wash away your worries and help you reconnect with nature.