Ocoee River Guidebook: Rafting, Kayaking & Rapids

Master the physics of the river. This technical guidebook is a comprehensive study of the Ocoee River, divided into the 101-level Middle Ocoee (Class III) and the 201-level Upper Ocoee (Class IV). Moving beyond the "marketing fluff" found on corporate outfitter websites, this resource provides professional-grade analysis of river hydrology and navigation lines. Whether you are studying the Middle Ocoee Guidebook to learn the 27 standard commercial rapids or preparing for a personal first descent, this guide provides the technical edge needed for success.

As a veteran professional guide and ACA-certified instructor, I originally created this resource a decade ago specifically for raft guide trainees. Over the years, it has evolved into a grassroots community effort fueled by the frustrations and questions of rookie guides. Mastering these foundational lines is a prerequisite for anyone looking to navigate the high-consequence Class IV hydraulics detailed in my Upper Ocoee Guidebook. True river sense is built on understanding the subsurface structures that drive surface hydraulics, rather than simply "sneaking" around features.

Safety is the primary driver of this technical audit. Every boater should be intimately familiar with professional swiftwater safety protocols and the inherent risks of the river before putting on the water. By examining the 301-level Ocoee River Hydrology of benchmark drops like Broken Nose and Table Saw, you can move beyond survival and toward the technical mastery required of a river professional. Your feedback is welcome as we continue to update this beta for the 2026 season.