Swimming At Blue Hole
When the Upper Ocoee River is running it is some of the best whitewater in the country, but when the power company turns it off to divert it for electricity it becomes a riverbed of awesome swimming holes. The most popular of these swimming holes is Blue Hole. Blue Hole is one of the larger and deeper of the swimming spots but it is most known for its underwater tunnels that you can swim through. The water is very clear and with a set of goggles, most can easily see tons of fish and swim around the natural formations and tunnels. To get to this locally known swimming haven you must park at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, where the 96 Olympics whitewater events happened, walk upstream past the visitor center and then past the suspension bridge. After passing the suspension bridge Blue Hole will be only a few hundred feet upstream. If you walk out on the suspension bridge and look upstream you can see it. When you get there set you stuff on a rock and enjoy this nature wonder nestled in the beautiful Ocoee River Gorge.
Hike To Turtle Town Falls
The Cherokee National Forest, which is the home of the Ocoee River, boasts many hikes and waterfalls to explore, of these Turtletown Falls Trail is our favorite. Located a little less than a 20 minute drive from the Ocoee River in Farner, TN. The Turtlatown Falls Trail is a 3.8 mile loop trail that leads out to this beautiful waterfall. The trail is considered a moderate hike, and is well marked and used by the locals. Most of the trail is shaded in the canopy of the forest, but if you are hot when you get out there than take a dip and swim at the base of the waterfall.
Mountain Biking The Brush Creek Trail
The Brush Creek Mountain Bike Trail is a beginner 7 mile loop trail that is part of the much bigger Tanasi Trail System that rides all around the Upper Ocoee River Section. For those that are beginner riders it is a good introduction into mountain biking and for those who ride often they will enjoy the flow and beauty of the trail. Brush Creek Trail follows Brush Creek, rides the banks of Ocoee Lake #3, and passes the awesome views of Boyd’s Gap. If you enjoy the ride as much as we do and want more, than you will find that there is much more in this trail system. For maps and more information about this vast trail system stop in at the visitor center at the Ocoee Whitewater Center.
Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River is by far the highlight of the Ocoee River Gorge and the main reason that most people come into the area. The middle section of the Ocoee River is the most popular rafting river in the country due to its over 20 named rapids in a 5 mile rafting trip, making it the perfect half day adventure. The upper section of the Ocoee River is impressive in it own right as the home of the 96 Olympic Games canoe and kayak events. When you put these two sections together in makes for a 10 mile full day awesome whitewater adventure. For the hot days of summer there is really no better way to cool off.
Brewery Hopping In Copperhill
One of the nearest towns to the Ocoee River in Copperhill, TN. Copperhill was once known as a mining town for a rich vain of copper that ran through it. Now it is mostly known as a small mountain town that is a hub for all the awesome outdoor adventures that are in the area nearby. After a day on the trail or river it is the perfect place to get some good grub, listen to some live music and have a beer. The last of those is something Copperhill it killing it at, mostly due to two breweries Buckbald Brewing and Copperhill Brewery. Buckbald Brewing makes a forever changing selection of small batch beers, with something new on tap every time you come. There outdoor setting is perfect for lounging and enjoying. The Copperhill Brewery is a more tradition style brewery with a solid selection of high quality brews. Their pub style setting is perfect for getting out of the heat and drinking with friends.
