THE OCOEE WHITEWATER CENTER
When the waters of the Toccoa River flow under the old iron bridge in McCaysville/Copperhill, the dividing line between Georgia and Tennessee, the river not only changes its name, it also changes its identity. The beautiful Toccoa, known for its great fishing and lazy tube floats, becomes the raging Ocoee—world famous for its exhilarating rapids. Because of these rapids, the Ocoee Whitewater Center was built to serve as the whitewater venue for the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta. The Olympic race course was developed for the slalom, kayak and canoe competitions in the dry rocky riverbed of the Upper Ocoee River. The riverbed here was narrowed by two-thirds and natural boulders were moved and cemented in place to make the drops and eddies needed for a slalom course. By modifying the river, a channel was created to enhance the rapids, allowing the Ocoee to become a premier whitewater venue. The Olympic course runs right past the Ocoee Center, travelling downstream for 10 miles on Mother Nature’s Roller Coaster.
Today, the Upper Ocoee is watered only on summer weekends, for use by guided rafting companies, private kayakers and canoeists. The Ocoee Whitewater Center (the OWC), however, is a wonderful place to visit year round. It offers picnicking, hiking, biking, birding, swimming and fishing. There is a natural stone and wood Visitors Center where you’ll find a gift shop, restrooms and environmental educational programs. You’ll also find a back deck with rocking chairs which gives you a perfect spot to watch the adventurers speed by on the river during summer weekends. Several events are held throughout the spring, summer and fall. The next event is the Black Bear Rampage, a 42-mile mountain bike race which takes place on September 11, 2011.
In the summer of 1996, international attention was brought to the Ocoee River and this pristine mountain region in general. The OWC is located in the lush surroundings of the Cherokee National Forest in the Copper Basin of the southern Appalachians—just 100 miles due north of Atlanta. Although water sports like kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting have been popular for many years, more people have flocked to this area to relax and play since The Olympics. You can now book a rafting trip and experience the same breathtaking ride through the giant rocks and rapids that challenged the Olympians. Many fine rafting companies are eager for your business.
If you aren’t feeling quite that brave, come to the Ocoee Center and stroll along the walkways and through the Olympic Spirit Garden. Kids enjoy wading and feeding the fish. Take a swim in a swimming hole; have a picnic under the cool shade trees by the river; visit the 2 story waterfall and the colorful native gardens; and take a walk on the Olympic Legacy Bridge. There are over 30 miles of trails to hike and bike. The easy 2.4 mile Old Copper Road Trail was once used to haul copper by wagon from Ducktown, before the arrival of the railroad in Blue Ridge. You can take a self-guided tour along the river banks and see rock formations deposited more than 750 million years ago. The trails were designed for all levels of experience and are open year round. The one mile Rhododendron Hiking Trail crosses a 330 foot suspension bridge and circles the OWC. This trail is entirely accessible to the handicapped.
The Ocoee Whitewater Center sits on the Upper Ocoee. The water is controlled by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) and is released only on Saturdays and Sundays from mid May to mid September. On these days
you can book a rafting trip that will provide you with continuous Class III, IV and V rapids. During the week, the Upper Ocoee is an entirely different river. My husband, John, visited the OWC on a Wednesday in April and wondered what was going on. The river looked almost dry.
The Ocoee Whitewater Center sits on the Upper Ocoee. The water is controlled by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) and is released only on Saturdays and Sundays from mid May to mid September. On these days you can book a rafting trip that will provide you with continuous Class III, IV and V rapids. During the week, 
the Upper Ocoee is an entirely different river. My husband, John, visited the OWC on a Wednesday in April and wondered what was going on. The river looked almost dry.
If you are planning a trip to the North Georgia Mountains, be sure to stop by the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Just remember that the legendary wild water rapids only occur at the Center on summer weekends when the 
water is being released. Rafting companies operate every day except Tues. & Wed. on the Middle Ocoee, where the water is plentiful & thrilling.
You can raft the whole river only on weekends.
The OWC is open for all other activities everyday from the end of March to mid November, 9 AM to 5 PM. In the winter, it is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hiking in the cooler months can be spectacular. It is a good idea to check the website at www.fs.fed.us/r8/ocoee or call toll free (877) 692-6050 for the most up to date information and weather conditions.
Many whitewater enthusiasts believe the Ocoee River is the best whitewater course in the world. Come test your skills and see what you think. Each of our Rainbow Cabins which are located in the North Georgia Mountains makes an excellent base for your day trip to the OWC. Getting to the Ocoee Whitewater Center from any direction rewards you with amazing views of mountains, rivers and lakes. From Blue Ridge, take GA 5 north to McCaysville; turn left on Tennessee Hwy 68 and follow it to Ducktown; take US 64 west to the Center on the left. The trip time is about 30 minutes.