BENTON RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Drift the Lower Ocoee: A calm, family-ready float on Benton’s storied river
A guided, equipment-provided 1.5–2 hour float on the Lower Ocoee — this guide explains what to bring, who can go, and how the trip flows.
Drift the Lower Ocoee: A calm, family-ready float on Benton’s storied river.
The Lower Ocoee Rafting trip is a relaxed float down the river near Benton that emphasizes scenic, easygoing paddling. Suited to families, groups of friends and first-time rafters, Outdoor Adventure Rafting outfits you with guide-led service and all necessary gear, then buses you a short distance up the road to the river for a tranquil 1.5 to 2 hour drift that finishes back at the Outpost.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A calm, scenic float
The Lower Ocoee offers a gentle stretch of river ideal for drifting and taking in the riverside woods — a float designed for relaxation rather than adrenaline.
Fully guided with provided equipment
Outdoor Adventure Rafting supplies a guide and all required equipment for the float, so groups can focus on the experience rather than gear logistics.
Short bus ride and a simple return
Trips include a short bus transfer up the road to the river and end by returning to the operator’s Outpost — straightforward for groups and families.
What the day feels like
What the float feels like
Expect a mellow, guided river drift where the emphasis is on relaxing and taking in the scenery. After assembling at the Outpost and a short bus ride to put-in, you’ll spend roughly one and a half to two hours floating down the Lower Ocoee with a guide and provided gear before returning to the Outpost.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this float suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Securable water shoes or tennis shoes with heel straps (no flip flops or bare feet), clothes that can get wet, sunscreen, sunglasses with chums, water, dry clothes to change into, a towel and an enthusiastic attitude. Leave valuables in your locked car; staff can hold keys.
Meet at 629 Welcome Valley Road, Benton, TN 37307; please arrive 20–30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time and note the operator uses Eastern Standard Time.
The float portion of the trip lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours start to finish.
Outdoor Adventure Rafting provides all necessary equipment and a guide; the river put-in is a short bus ride from the Outpost and the float returns to the Outpost.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Lower Ocoee float?
Float trips run approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
Where and when do I meet the group?
Meet at 629 Welcome Valley Road, Benton, TN 37307 and arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled start time; the operator is on Eastern Standard Time.
Are children allowed?
Yes — there are no age restrictions, but children must fit into OAR PFDs (over 50 lbs.) or parents must provide a child’s personal flotation device.
Can pregnant people join the trip?
No — the operator will not take anyone who is pregnant.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear securable water shoes or tennis shoes with heel straps (no flip flops or bare feet), clothes that can get wet, and bring sunscreen, sunglasses with chums, water, a towel and dry clothes to change into.
Will I need to carry my own gear?
The operator provides all necessary equipment for the float and a guide, though you should leave valuables locked in your car.