BENTON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Conquer the Olympic-Era Rapids: All-Day Upper & Middle Ocoee Rafting
A guided, full-day rafting expedition on the Upper and Middle Ocoee near Benton — ages 12+, approximately six hours total with four hours on the water through Class III–IV rapids.
Conquer the Olympic-Era Rapids: All-Day Upper & Middle Ocoee Rafting.
Spend a full day on the Ocoee River, running the Upper and Middle sections that hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events; the trip stitches together technical Class III–IV rapids and a riverside lunch for a single, sustained push of river-running.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Upper then Middle — Olympic whitewater
The expedition begins on the Upper Ocoee and finishes on the classic Middle run, giving paddlers a full-day progression through the river’s most notable whitewater.
Sustained Class III–IV action
Expect repeated technical rapids rated Class III to IV — demanding, constricted passages that reward practiced paddling and decisive guide commands.
Full-day logistics handled
The trip includes a riverside lunch and all rafting equipment — raft, paddle, helmet and life vest — plus bus transport to and from the river and a professional guide in each raft.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a concentrated, full-day river expedition: you run the Upper Ocoee first, move through several technical rapids, pause for a riverside lunch, then finish on the classic Middle section — a continuous, guided whitewater experience rooted in the river’s Olympic-era pedigree.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip is made for — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The total trip time is approximately six hours, which includes about four hours on the water and a riverside lunch.
Bring water shoes or tennis shoes with a heel strap, clothes that can get wet, sunscreen, sunglasses with a retainer, water, a GoPro lanyard/strap, towel and dry clothes to change into.
Bus transportation to and from the river is provided from the operator’s headquarters; guests are shuttled to the put-in and returned afterward.
Participants must be at least 12 years old and under 260 lbs per Tennessee law; all rafters must sign a release/waiver and a $250 deposit is required.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
Approximately six hours total, including about four hours on the water and a riverside lunch.
What ages and weights are allowed?
Participants must be at least 12 years old and under 260 pounds (a requirement from Tennessee state law).
Is lunch provided?
Yes — a riverside lunch is included as part of the full-day expedition.
What equipment is supplied?
The trip includes all rafting equipment: raft, paddle, helmet and life vest, plus a professional guide in each raft.
Are there waivers or deposits?
All rafters must sign a release/waiver and a $250 deposit is required to book the trip.
What should I not bring?
Do not bring dry bags or anything you don’t want to get lost; leave nonessential items in your locked car—staff can hold keys while you’re on the river.