About Ocoee Whitewater Center Trails
The Ocoee Whitewater Center is on the Ocoee River in the Cherokee National Forest, in southeast Tennessee, and it is a fun stop for an easy walk. The center overlooks the whitewater course used in the 1996 Olympics, and short trails around the grounds follow the river and the course. It is not in the national park.
The hike
The trails are short and mostly easy, with river views and a chance to watch rafters and kayakers. The surrounding national forest has mountain biking and longer hikes. See the Forest Service page for current facilities and any use fees.
When to go
Spring through fall; summer weekends are busy with rafters.
Getting there
The center is off US-64 in Polk County, about 20 minutes west of Ducktown. A national park parking tag is not needed here.
Know before you go
Check the Forest Service page for fees, hours, and water release schedules.
Visiting the national park too?
If you are also spending time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these hikes are good companions:
- Grotto Falls: a 2.6-mile round trip to a waterfall you can walk behind
- Oconaluftee River Trail: an easy riverside walk near Cherokee
- Big Creek Trail: a quiet walk to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls
Planning and safety
This is an easy outing, so it works for an hour or a whole afternoon. Keep the pace relaxed, bring a snack, and plan a nearby stop to make a half-day of it. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and the light is softest early and late.
Land outside the national park is managed separately, so check the land manager's page for closures, fees and seasonal road access before you drive. Carry a map, since cell service is limited, and bring water, rain gear and a charged phone.
