White Water Rafting

When my husband and I first married, we were always on the go. Every weekend was spent having fun with friends or just each other, whether we were tailgating at Auburn football games, hiking in the mountains or traveling to the beach for fresh seafood and sunshine.

Now, as homeowners and parents, we tend to spend our weekends working on the Honey Do lists. It’s the responsible thing to do. But now and then we thumb our nose at the mountain of chores and head out for some fun.

One of our favorite escapes was always white water rafting! We haven’t been in quite some time, but the recent hot weather has motivated us to plan a return to the cool water and thrilling rapids of the Ocoee River.

The Ocoee is a dam-controlled river that winds through the scenic Ocoee Gorge just north of us in Tennessee. Choose between the middle and upper sections of the river for guided rafting trips, or raft both sections in the same day with a break for lunch.

Did you know that the upper section contains the whitewater course used for the 1996 Olympics? But don’t let that scare you. Both the upper and middle sections contain Class III and IV rapids, which provide an exhilarating ride for experienced rafters but are not too extreme for beginners.

Numerous rafting centers provide guided trips and their pricing includes all equipment and instruction. Transportation by bus to the “put in” point and back from the “take out” spot is also provided. Prices for rafting one section of the river range from $35 to $50 per person, depending on day of the week and season.

I suggest the Rolling Thunder River Company due to this center’s proximity to Woodstock. Conveniently located less than an 80-mile drive from us in McCaysville, a few miles north of the town of Blue Ridge, Rolling Thunder is close enough to make rafting a day trip. And the quaint town of McCaysville is a perfect spot for a meal or refreshments after your time on the river.

Visit the Rolling Thunder River Company website for great information about the Ocoee, what to expect from a rafting experience and how to prepare for your trip. Call owner Ken Miller at 800-408-7238 for additional information or to make reservations, and tell him Dee sent you. Reservations can also be made online.

Head up to the Ocoee River this summer and return as a bona fide River Rat. You will be glad you did!