By Jeannine Henderson of @jeannineonthego

Five adventurous content creators set out on an epic Ocoee River weekend getaway- and what a ride it was! From heart-pounding whitewater thrills to peaceful riverside mornings and late-night laughs around the hot tub, this trip delivered a perfect mix of adrenaline, connection, and natural beauty. Whether you’re rallying your besties, your family, or your coworkers, the Ocoee River Region is ideal for forging memories that last a lifetime.

Thanks to the Ocoee River Corridor for bringing together @peaceinthewild @the.travel.ksu @lemaitravel @ourwanderlust_life and @sydneyyrhodess for a Wanderful Weekend of outdoor adventure.

Want to recreate the magic? Read on to build your own custom Ocoee River weekend getaway—packed with just the right amount of action, chill, and connection.

Just a two-hour drive (~115 miles) from Atlanta, GA, the Ocoee River Corridor in southeastern Tennessee is where exhilaration meets relaxation—making it the ultimate summer escape! The Ocoee River Region is also an easy destination from Chattanooga (1 hour), from Knoxville (2 hours), from Asheville (2.5 hours), from Nashville (3 hours), and Birmingham (3.5 hours).

Pick your pace and build a day-trip or weekend itinerary from the activities listed below; you can make it as wild or laid-back as you like. For trip inspo, check out these sample itineraries.

Rise and shine early to hop on the road and arrive in the beautiful Ocoee River Corridor in time for lunch before rafting America’s favorite and only natural Olympic River or hitting the trails for some stellar hiking. 

Rafting & Lakeside Vibes

Dive into whitewater action on a half‑day Middle Ocoee rafting trip featuring 5 miles of continuous Class III–IV rapids through a breathtaking gorge. 

If you’re feeling extra wild, sign up for the full Ocoee experience: 10 wet and wild miles- beginning with the Upper Olympic section, where you traverse the same rapids that were the home of the 1996 Olympic canoe and kayak slalom races.

Hiking

The Ocoee region is surrounded by both the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic Rivers State Park and Cherokee National Forest in southeastern Tennessee, holding more than 600 miles of magnificent trails spanning over 650,000 acres.

The lush, green forest is home to diverse landscapes – from dense woodlands full of mighty trees, ferns, and native mountain laurel to jaw-dropping waterfalls and swimming holes. Be on the lookout for local wildlife such as deer, black bears, and many bird species!

Favorite trails include the Benton McKaye Trail, and waterfall hikes like Rainbow Falls & Rattlesnake Falls (in the Chilhowee Recreation Area), the Chilhowee Trail System and Chilhowee Recreation Area, and Tanasi Trail System. A laid back scenic hike and picnic is a wonderful way to kick off your day or unwind after your Ocoee whitewater rafting/ziplining adventure! 

To learn more about Ocoee’s extensive hiking in the area hit up The Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic Rivers State Park which offers resources for hiking, camping, park activities and special events. The Hiwassee Park Rangers are friendly, passionate about their park, and super knowledgeable about the area!

Click here for more hiking resources.

More Outdoor Fun

Don’t stop with rafting! Connect with nature by zip‑lining through the canopy; many outfitters offer raft + zip combos—the ultimate adrenaline rush!

For more time on the water, float on tranquil Parksville Lake, AKA Lake Ocoee, or enjoy casual biking on the Tanasi trail system. 

Take it easy with a stroll around two towns that straddle the Tennessee/Georgia state lines – Copperhill (TN) and McCaysville (GA) both have a variety of restaurants and shops. Be sure to walk over to the Tennessee/Georgia state line to stand in two states at once! Fun fact: Georgia’s Toccoa River becomes the Ocoee River once it crosses the state line into Tennessee.

Lodging

Ocoee’s many rafting outfitters offer an array of lodging and camping options. Click here to explore cabins, camping, RV parks, unique B&Bs, hotels, & motels. 

Our squad loved staying at Welcome Valley Village and Timberroot Rustic Retreats where we enjoyed beautiful cabins and glamping wagons – the perfect place to host your crew and leave you feeling recharged, reconnected, and chillaxed. We loved our girls’ getaway stay here.

Eats and Nightlife

Celebrate your rafting triumphs over tasty wraps and hearty Southern fare at Ocoee Dam Deli & Diner – don’t miss their Big Frog Mountain Burritos and classic comfort food plates. Be sure to leave room for their variety of delicious fried pies.  

On the McCaysville, GA side of the state line lies Burra Burra on the River, which boasts indoor and al fresco dining along the river as does Twisted Tomato where they cook up tasty wood fired pizza. 

The Bus Bar and Grill offers the perfect post adventure chillaxation spot both day and night! It’s a one stop spot for food and river-themed cocktails like the Blue Hole or Tablesaw Tea, and live music. A variety of meals are available along with a great communal vibe where you can mingle with other outdoor enthusiasts. 

Bar 21 is a sleek and sophisticated spot on the Tennessee side of the river featuring craft cocktails, light bites, bourbons, and live entertainment. 

Trip Logistics

• Drive time: ~2 hours from Atlanta 
• Age & experience: Rafters must be 12+; no experience necessary! All rafting trips are fully guided with gear provided (life vest and helmet). 
• Seasons & schedules:  Seasonal schedules vary by outfitter; most operate from spring through early fall. Check with your preferred outfitter for specific dates and availability.

Why is the Ocoee River Corridor perfect for a weekend getaway?

• Bond-boosting thrills: Nothing brings friends and family closer than working together to conquer roaring rapids like Hell’s Hole and Table Saw. 
• Flexible fun: Mix raging river rapids with chill hikes, lakeside lounging, and cozying up at your cabin or glamping wagon for the ultimate escape.
• Comfort coupled with camaraderie: Cozy cabins, group pavilions, and fire rings set the scene for unforgettable evenings of connection.
• Easy planning options: With over 20 local rafting outfitters to choose from, organizing your Ocoee River weekend getaway is a breeze. Outfitters provide guides and gear and can assist with the addition of rafting meals (optional), add on action like ziplining, and even lodging options. Click here for more planning resources and outfitter options. 

Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Book early: Weekend rafting slots fill quickly. For a more quiet getaway with less people, book a rafting trip on a weekday (weekdays typically have more availability).
• Pack smart: Quick-dry clothes, swimsuit/trunks, secure shoes (no flip-flops), towel, dry bag with a clip, waterproof phone pouch if you want to take your phone on the river, sunscreen, sunglasses. Note that closed-toed shoes are required for ziplining. 
• Hydrate & snack: River days are active and last for several hours—carry a water bottle with a clip & quick bites to snack on throughout the day when hiking. 
• Capture the moment: Outfitters offer action photo packages (for a fee) to capture your rafting memories!
• Plan chill time: Schedule a slow morning or post-rafting chill to relax and recharge before your next outdoor adventure.

So what are you waiting for? From the rush of rapids to relaxed riverside dining, waterfall hikes to mellow nightlife, an Ocoee River weekend getaway delivers the ultimate outdoor getaway while being just a hop, skip, and jump from Atlanta. Imagine cheering each other through Olympic-grade drops, then toasting with drinks under the stars. Adventure awaits—just grab your crew and let the Ocoee River region create memories you’ll be talking about for years to come!