We are in Chattanooga in August, wife wants to go whitewater rafting. Does anybody have any experience of the outfitters operating out of the city? There seem to be several, all offering about the same. Any thoughts about rafting generally? We are mid fifties and average/poor swimmers.
Thanks, Greybeard

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Go to www.chattanoogafun.com/ocoee.htm The Ocoee offers some of the best whitewater. They have guides and different skill levels.

Ocoee Outdoors used to be a really good outfitter. Try them.

I am doing an elderhostel in August in North Carolina and two raft trips are part of it. I think the rivers rafted are the same ones you would raft out of Chattanooga.

I will be sure to write a brief trip report when I return. Whitewater rafting is one of my all time favorite outdoor activities. I always look to see if there is any available when I do home exchanges. This time I am trying an elderhostel.

Ugh, I hate the first part of that word.

LaurenSKahn we do home exhanges with our home in Franklin, NC near Nantahala River. Where is your home located?

My home is located in Northern VA, outside Washington, DC. For more specifics, please email me at [email protected]. Perhaps we could do a week sometime.

Hi Greybeard,
I was reading thru an advertising magazine and there are some coupons $5 and $10 off whitewater rafting thru Ocoee Outdoors, plus free trip on Hiwassee. If you would like to have them just let me know. Also, there are some coupons for 25% off and a free bottle of wine at the Georgia Winery in Ringgold, GA...just right at the Tennessee/Georgia border right outside of Chattanooga....
If anyone would like these coupons just let me know and I will mail them to you.
Don't know if you can print off coupons or not, but you might check out mintsavings.com

I live in East Tennessee and the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers are located in my "neck of the woods." Chattanooga, I do not believe, has any whitewater rafting outfitters. They are all located in Ocoee, Reliance, Copperhill or Cleveland. The outfitters "above the mountain" are in Copperhill/Ducktown and are closer if arriving from North Carolina, South Carolina or east Georgia. The majority of the outfitters are located on the west side of the Ocoee River rafting part of the river.
That said, I have used just about all of the outfitters at one time or another. Ocoee Inn Rafting is the outfitter nearest the takeout point ( shorter bus ride) but all are good outfitters. If rafting the Hiwassee, then Hiwassee Outfitters and Webb Brothers are the best to select. The Hiwassee is level 1 and 2 rapids with one or two level 3 rapids. By all means if levels 3 and 4 are what you are after then I recommend the upper Ocee River run. It was completed for the 96 Olympics and has a much more limited run availability. The regular Ocoee is operated on a more regular basis and is a great trip full of level 3 and 4 rapids. Based upon your concerns I would recommend the regular Ocoee River trip as the upper trip is more challenging.
To be successful in rafting the Ocoee one need only be able to paddle. I would mention my concerns when you register to the outfitter so they can assign the more seasoned river-guides to your boat. Many have ran rhe river for years and many are first year guides.
The Hiwassee is the best trout river around. Great selection of campgrounds that are really good. The best is Gee Creek/ Hiwassee River State Campgound although the Cherokee National Forest upgraded the Chillowee Campground loops A and B a year or so ago. Nice mountain top lake with trails and Benton Falls. Many hiking and bike trails. Most hotels are located in Cleveland. A few cabins are available.
I strongly recommend at least 3 days in the area to get a good feel and enjoyment. Lots of visitors on weekends and campgrounds have plenty of weeklong campers. Many things to see and enjoy in our area and Chattanooga has some good things to see and do down there. Have fun!

It is not any farther for them to go to one of the outfitters on the Ocoee from Chattanooga than it is from the Carolinas....About an hours drive....and there are several outfitters on this side so that they do not have to drive all the way to the other side of the take out point since they will be shuttled up anyway. If you are staying in Chattanooga, you will want to pick an outfitter on this side of the Ocoee, not the NC side

I don't have any specific info, but if you guys are feeling nervous then do a raft with a guide. This is the most tame way to white water raft but still have a lot of fun. It's great for first timers. You still get a thrill, but have more security.
If you guys are a bit more athletic then rent the individual 'duckies'. (Don't get a two seater unless you want a divorce.)