Ocoee Whitewater Center Trails

Located just under 30 minutes from our luxury Blue Ridge cabins on the Toccoa River you will discover swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, and a 330-foot suspension bridge making the Ocoee Whitewater Center a natural playground!

A legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics, this site hosted the Canoe, Kayak, and Slalom events and was constructed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Located on Highway 64 north of McCaysville, the center comes alive with whitewater adventure from June to September when releases from the Lake Blue Ridge dam boost the flow of the Toccoa/Ocoee River (the Toccoa becomes the Ocoee at the Tennessee state line). Rafters, canoers, and kayakers flock to the Ocoee River Gorge for thrilling water experiences.

Even if whitewater rafting isn’t your thing, the scenic drive along U.S. Highway 64 through the gorge offers incredible photo opportunities.

The center features swimming holes, picnic areas, a native plant garden, and family-friendly hiking and biking trails. A popular one-mile trail crosses a 330-foot suspension bridge and loops around the center, with full accessibility for those with physical challenges.

For those seeking more adventure, the area offers an additional 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, including the Bear Paw Trail and Chestnut Mountain Trail loops. The Thunder Rock Express, a recent addition, has earned high praise from bikers.

History buffs and casual adventurers can explore the Old Copper Road Historic Trail, a gentle route that follows the restored wagon path once used to transport copper from Ducktown to Cleveland before the railroad reached Blue Ridge.