Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

The park spreads along two rivers with multiple sections for paddling, hiking, and camping throughout the year. The landscape alternates between dense forests, open water passages, and trails of varying difficulty levels.

Indigenous peoples lived in these lands for centuries before the area became a protected reserve. The region was later designated as a state park to safeguard its natural resources and allow public access.

The Ocoee River section gained global attention when it hosted whitewater competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Today the courses still draw paddlers from around the world who come to experience the same challenging waters.

The park has multiple entry points for water sports and hiking with different starting locations. Water conditions and difficulty levels vary seasonally and with weather, so plan accordingly.

The Ocoee River features challenging rapids for experienced paddlers while the Hiwassee River offers gentle waters for beginners. This division makes the park welcoming to paddlers of all skill levels.