The Ocoee River in East Tennessee is known for its awesome white water rafting, but two days of the week, the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) turns off the water to divert it for electricity. Don’t despair, there’s still fun to be had on the riverbed (and elsewhere); you just need to know where to look. Carolina Ocoee and Carolina Outfitters have put together a few secret (and not so secret) fun spots to enjoy a hot summer day in Ducktown, Tennessee and the Cherokee National Forest when whitewater rafting is a no-go.
Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s a series of holes where you can swim through rock tunnels. The water here is deeper than the other swimming holes and clear enough to snorkel and see all kinds of aquatic wildlife. The rocks provide the perfect place to lay your towel and other stuff for safe keeping; plus the rocks are a great place to get out of the water and soak up some sun. The Blue Hole is located near the Ocoee Whitewater Center (home of the 1996 Olympic Events) where you can park. Walk upstream past the visitors center and suspension bridge and you can see the Blue Hole.
Photo Credit: Mallory Armistead
Turtletown Falls
Up for a short hike before a swim? Then head out on the trail and hike back to Turtletown Falls. This moderate loop hike is a little less than 4 miles long with the falls being about a mile in. Pause here and maybe go for a swim and play in the water below the falls. During the summer it’s a great place to cool off, so wear your bathing suit and bring a towel! Turtletown Falls is located about 20 minutes from the Ocoee River in Farner, Tennessee.
Benton Falls
Benton Falls is located in the Cherokee National Forest about 40 minutes from the Ocoee River, in Reliance, TN. A hike back to the waterfalls is a moderate 3 miles out and back trail. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, wear a swimsuit and stand under the waterfalls for a good shower of water, especially on a hot summer day. Once you’ve admired these beautiful cascading falls, you can hike back out and go for a swim at McCamy Lake at the Chilhowee campground. They have a well-maintained beach area for your enjoyment. Parking fees may apply.
Olympic Course
The 1996 whitewater kayaking Olympic Course was held in the Upper Ocoee River. The TVA only releases water for this section on weekends, which means swimmers have all week to play in the shallows. This area is a family friendly swimming and wading area. It’s located near the former Ocoee Whitewater Center, and it’s the perfect place for little children to wade in the water under the watchful eyes of their parents. We recommend wearing water shoes because rocks in the river can be sharp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Frog Wilderness
The Big Frog Wilderness is only about 30 minutes from the Ocoee River in the Cherokee National Forest. Not only does it have great hiking, with some spectacular views, but there are plenty of opportunities to get in the water for a swim or just to wade. You can snorkel at the crystal clear waters of the Conasauga River, visit waterfalls, and maybe spot a bear or two since it’s a black bear sanctuary. Keep wildlife safety in mind! What to Do When You Encounter Bear and Elk.
As always, be safe in whatever activity you choose to do. Follow the rules and guidelines for wherever you are and make it a trip to remember.
Now that you know all about some secret spots, don’t forget to book a trip with Carolina Ocoee whitewater rafting for the days when the TVA releases the water!
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