Ocoee Whitewater Center — Attraction in Etowah

I rafted there many years ago and it was great fun. This year I sought it out as I traveled by the Ocoee River. I arrived at night to very low water levels during non-rafting times. The moonlight revealed the otherworldly looking giant boulders which create the rapids when the water is released from the power company's dam. The Olympic National flags were all flying tall by the water, where competitors once raced.

I was fortunate to see and hear the pretty hillside river again in 2024 with the full moon playing off the water. It was visible in many places along the scenic drive! The somewhat tight curves were so much fun to drive, somewhere between the difficulty of the gently curved scenic Appalachian Trail and the more challenging scenic Pacific Coast Hwy!

These mountain bike trails are my FAVORITE!! I love hearing the river run beside you as you climb up the ridge and then navigate your way down. There are trails for just about every level of biker and the scenery makes it unmatched to any other trail I have experienced so far. At the whitewater center, there are plenty of maps available for purchase and placards that explain the flow of water on the Ocoee and why it is released and held back during specific times of the day and of the year. It was fascinating to learn about the local wildlife, the river that helps our state function through hydroelectric power, and how seasonal tourism shaped the area and flow of the river while enjoying some of the best mountain bike trails with the least congestion. Would highly recommend for bikers, hikers,...

What a splendid place. Can you imagine almost 30 years ago this was the exact location that they held parts of the summer Olympics? I mean anywhere in yhe world the Olympic committee could have chosen and this was the spot that was picked. The countries flags are still being displayed and the place is still spectacular with rocks, water, picnic, parking, bridges all in abundance. Sadly due to an arsonist the large visitors center does not exist any longer. However the history of the copper mining, the history of the river, and the beauty of the drive to get here are outstanding. On the way here you’ll pass a gorgeous river, natural springs on the side of the road, one of the first ever in the United States hydroelectric dam and more. Love...