Ocoee River White Water Rafting Full River Adventure in Ocoee, TN

Where is the outpost located?

Quest Expedition's outpost is located at 281 US Highway 64, Ocoee, Tennessee 37361.

Who can participate?

Just about everyone can go whitewater rafting. No experience is necessary! It does require paddling and walking on uneven terrain and you will get wet. Every raft is accompanied by a trained guide who will go over a complete safety orientation with you prior to the trip and will be with you all the way down the river. Participants must be in good health and have a chest size no larger than 56 inches. Please note they cannot allow pregnant women to raft. Accommodations depend on the disability. Please give them a call to discuss any questions you have. Please note that each trip has a first aid raft with a dry box. Insulin, medications, inhalers, epi-pins, etc. can be carried in the dry box on your raft so that you have easy access to it.

Is the Ocoee whitewater rafting trip suitable for children?

The Tennessee state law requires that you must be 12 years of age to go rafting on the Ocoee River. All minors are required to have a signature on the waiver from a parent or legal guardian signifying that he/she is of the proper age.

How long is this whitewater full-day trip?

The Upper Ocoee River trip is ten miles. It will take approximately 6 hours to run the river. Plan a little over 7 hours with them from check-in until departure. On this exciting adventure, you’ll raft 4 miles of great whitewater before reaching the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Another mile downstream, you’ll reach the nation’s most popular 5 miles of whitewater, the Middle Ocoee. This section of the Ocoee River offers continuous class III and IV rapids and you can stop for a swim at the doldrums. Save some energy swimming though, you still have 10 more rapids before reaching the river’s end!

Is whitewater rafting safe?

Quest has been providing whitewater rafting trips for 32 years with an excellent safety record and any of their guides and all trip leaders have advanced certifications such as a Wilderness First Responder Certification. They take every reasonable precaution to keep you safe but there are inherent risks when participating in an outdoor activity such as whitewater rafting. It is possible to fall out of the raft as that is an inherent risk of whitewater rafting. You should be comfortable in moving water and be able to assist with your own rescue in the event you fall out of the raft. However, they strive to keep everyone in the raft. Each participant is required to sign a release of liability waiver.

How are the rapids rated?

Rapids are rated on a difficulty scale between I and VI. Class I rapids are the easiest and class VI rapid are the most difficult. A rating of 1 to 6 is a scale of difficulty and danger. The scale is not to be used in considering the fun factor of a river run. The Ocoee River is rated as a class III & IV whitewater river. It is the most popular class III/IV River in the United States.

Do they have self-bailing rafts?

Yes, they use self-bailing rafts that are 13 to 14 feet in length and specifically designed for whitewater use. The rafts are designed for 7 to 8 rafters; they generally have up to six participants in a raft plus the guide.

How many people per raft?

They place up to 6 guests plus 1 guide in each raft. They cannot guarantee that you will be seated together unless you make your reservations together under one name. If your reservation is for more than 6 people, they will fill one raft and the rest will go into another raft.

What should I wear?

In warm weather wear shorts, a bathing suit and a t-shirt. In cool weather bring a wool, fleece or polyester top and pants, NO Cotton as it has no insulating value once it is wet. They provide splash jackets and pants to go over your clothes on cool days at no additional cost. You must wear some type of shoes with backs on the river, NO FLIP FLOPS or shoes without backs.

What type of facilities are on site?

Quest offers large changing rooms and hot showers for your use before and after your trip. Don’t forget to bring a towel, toiletry items and a plastic bag for your wet items. You will lock all personal belongings in your vehicle and you can check your car keys in the office while on your trip. If you arrive on a motorcycle, you can store your personal belongings and helmets in the office.

Can I bring a camera?

They highly discourage bringing a camera on board aside from mounted ones. Photos are taken on all trips and will be available at the outpost immediately after your trip. You can also purchase your photos online after your trip. Photos will be online for 2 weeks.

What if it rains?

Trips go rain or shine; rafting is the perfect rainy day activity as you are going to get wet anyway. On cool days they provide splash jackets and pants at no additional cost. In the event of severe lightning, trips may be delayed or will stop and pull over along the bank. Keep in mind that the river is in a deep gorge with high ridgelines and trees so exposure to the river is minimal.

Is food included in my full river trip?

Your Full River Trip includes a riverside picnic lunch served at the end of the Upper section. Picnic lunch includes sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, sweet tea, and lemonade.

Is alcohol permitted?

Absolutely no alcohol is permitted on the river or before your trip. Anyone impaired by drugs or alcohol before the trip will be excluded from participation without a refund. Alcohol may be consumed responsibly after the trip once you have arrived back at the outpost.