RaftOne — Attraction in Etowah

We just had the most incredible rafting trip down the Middle Ocoee River with Raft One! From start to finish, this adventure was pure excitement, and our guide, Cierra, made it absolutely unforgettable. Hands down, she’s the best river guide I’ve ever had!

The Middle Ocoee is a thrilling 5-mile stretch packed with Class III and IV rapids like Grumpy’s, Broken Nose, and Table Saw, and Raft One delivered an experience that was equal parts exhilarating and safe. The whole operation was seamless—check-in was a breeze, the gear (PFDs, helmets, paddles) was top-notch, and the shuttle to the put-in set the tone with great vibes and gorgeous views of the Cherokee National Forest.

But let’s talk about Cierra—she’s a total rockstar! Her energy was infectious, and her passion for the river was evident from the moment we met her. She expertly navigated us through every rapid, hitting the perfect lines to maximize the thrills while keeping us safe. Cierra’s knowledge of the river was unmatched; she shared cool facts about the Ocoee’s history and pointed out hidden gems along the way, making the trip feel like more than just a rafting adventure. She had this amazing ability to read our group’s vibe, encouraging us to paddle hard through the big waves while cracking jokes that had us laughing the whole way. Even when we hit the wilder rapids, her calm confidence put us all at ease.

What set Cierra apart was how she made the trip personal. She checked in with each of us to gauge our comfort levels and tailored the experience to keep it fun and adventurous without overwhelming anyone. We even got to try some fun tricks like “surfing” a rapid, which was a highlight I’ll never forget! Her enthusiasm was contagious, and you could tell she genuinely loves what she does.

The scenery was stunning, the rapids were heart-pounding, and Raft One’s organization was flawless, but Cierra’s leadership and personality took this trip to another level. I’m already planning my next adventure with Raft One and will be requesting Cierra by name—she’s that good! If you’re looking for an epic whitewater experience on the Ocoee, book with Raft One and ask for Cierra. You won’t be...

When we first pulled into the place we were all skeptical. It was most of our groups first time, and we were all a little nervous. We checked in and spent the night. A little warm here in woods but nothing us south Alabama people couldn’t handle. Skip to getting ready for rafting. The safety class was to the point and not overly exhausting. They kept it clear and meaningful to make sure we knew exactly what was needed. They added a little humor to ease the anxious people. We grabbed our gear and boarded the bus. Now we didn’t have the nicest shiny equipment but we learned why quickly. Off the bus sorted and put into rafts so quick it was awesome! We went over another quick training and introduction with our actual guide. Then Into the water we went. Then every step of the way the guide Kaleb made sure we were comfortable, safe, and willing before any maneuver. That being said…. We went crazy. He showed us how to move how to fall how to get stuck and unstuck. We put these rafts through some of the roughest conditions. These rafts are sooooo strong. They put us everywhere but Keeping it safe but fun… so fun! We seen other company’s going around areas or just not having fun in the areas we were, and so glad we got RaftOne. We got several rest spots to be able to regain strength after some of the tougher areas. We got to jump off the raft to enjoy some down time and learn to swim in the rapids safely. We were able to lazy river it to cool off in a calm section. We were even able to simulate a raft ejection for experience. Ohhh and if I mention how much fun!! I really want to point out that everything we did was safety oriented. We actually had one of our groups rafts actually flip. immediately every raft one raft went to rescue mode. We were able to pull all members out of the water in less than A min. This blows my mind. No one in the rafts were trained other than what our guides told us to do, and the skill and professionalism was outstanding.

So in ending FUN…. FUN… FUN…. Safety First. And professional. From what I saw the best on the river...

From the moment we met Bucky, it became clear we were in the presence of greatness. Not only did he possess the skills of a seasoned pro, but he also had the charm of a rock star. With a smile that could charm even the most stubborn rapids, he set the tone for what would be an unforgettable day on the water.

As we approached the roaring river, I could see the unfortunate paddlers from other companies who had flipped their rafts—poor souls clinging onto the remnants of their dignity while looking more terrified than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. But not us! Under Bucky's expert guidance, we navigated those white caps like a well-oiled machine.

What really stood out was how Bucky connected with the kids. Suddenly, our youngest became a mini-rapids enthusiast, shouting, “This is epic!” as Bucky steered us through the waves like a maestro conducting a symphony. The ladies in our group? Well, let’s just say they had their eyes on Bucky too. All giggles and smiles, they tried to “Rizz him up,” but Bucky remained as professional as a river guide can be, keeping it strictly business. He’s got the charisma of a rockstar but the focus of a ninja—seriously impressive!

Bucky is not just a guide; he’s the best river whisperer in the tri-state area. If there were a “Best River Guide” award, Bucky would take it home, hands down. This adventure wasn’t just a river trip; it was a family bonding experience laced with laughter and a few thrilling screams.

So, if you’re looking for a white water rafting experience where you can both lose your composure and possibly spot a new crush in the form of a river guide, you absolutely must book with Bucky. Trust me, you’ll be paddling back home with stories that will make your friends jealous. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride, and Bucky will take you safely through every...