Ocoee Whitewater Center
On April 26, 2022, the Ocoee Whitewater Center caught fire and was destroyed. No one was injured in the fire.
The Cherokee National Forest, along with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), have reopened all trails, the lower lot as well as the upper parking lot of the Ocoee Whitewater Center. The fenced in area around the visitor center will remain closed to the public.
In 1996 the world's eyes were on the Ocoee Whitewater Center (OWC) as it hosted the world’s first Olympic whitewater event on a natural river.
Today the Ocoee Whitewater Center offers something for everyone.
The OWC marries the best of the natural and artificial worlds. A sleepy river set in a lush, rocky river gorge, this section of the Ocoee was carefully modified into a channel to enhance its rapids. During the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Ocoee Whitewater Center opened its doors as a premier whitewater venue for athletes from all over the world.
Now you can enjoy a wide variety of activities at the Center such as: hike or bike historic or forest trails, play in the water, picnic along the river, stroll through the native gardens and walkways.
Click on the following links for information about
- Water release schedules - TVA also has a Lake Info App for the iPhone and Android devices
General Information
The recreation area and lower parking lot is open during daylight hours year-round. The fenced-in area around the visitor center will remain closed to the public and vehicles will not be permitted in parking areas when the gates are shut.
Holders of the Cherokee National Forest Annual Pass or any interagency America the Beautiful pass (Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or 4th Grade) can use the site for free.
The fenced-in area around the visitor center will remain closed to the public and vehicles will not be permitted in parking areas when the gates are shut.
Day Use: $3/vehicle/day.
Cherokee National Forest Passes are Honored: $30/annual.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cherokee/passes-permits/recreation
Interagency Recreation Passes are Honored.
store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Purchase a Digital Day Use Pass: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74437
OR
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.
User fee is $3.00 (lower lot).
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 35.0685
Longitude: -84.4627
Elevation
1,853 ft
Directions
From Knoxville - Distance to OWC = 116 miles
I-75 South to Exit 25 and go right for 5 miles (through city) and exit onto Hwy. 64 East. Travel 26 miles and OWC will be on the right.
From Chattanooga - Distance to OWC = 52 miles
I-75 North to Exit 20 (1st Cleveland exit) and go right for about 6 miles and exit right onto Hwy 64 East. Travel 26 miles and OWC will be on the right.
From Atlanta - Distance to OWC = 167 miles
I-75 North - Exit onto Hwy 411 North. Exit onto Hwy 64 East. Travel 18.5 miles and OWC will be on the right.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
