TripAdvisor recommends Ocoee River as top whitewater rafting destination

Rafters file into the Ocoee River Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, as they look forward to seeing the total solar eclipse from their rafts in Polk County, Tenn. While some rafting outfitters stayed off the river for the day, others including Big Frog Expeditions marketed the day as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Rafters file into the Ocoee River Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, as they look forward to seeing the total solar eclipse from their rafts in Polk County, Tenn. While some rafting outfitters stayed off the river for the day, others including Big Frog Expeditions marketed the day as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Tennessee's Ocoee River received some flattering recognition today as it made TripAdvisor's list of top 20 whitewater rafting trips in the U.S.

The river located primarily in Polk County east of Chattanooga is the most trafficked whitewater river in the country. Here's what the travel company had to say about it:

"Take on challenging Class III and Class IV rapids on the Ocoee River, one of the best white water rafting destinations in Tennessee, and you'll splash through the heart of the southern Appalachian mountains. Warm river water makes it even more fun to paddle through roller coaster waves and churning drops, with a long season that stretches all the way from March through October."

The future of paddling on the river was uncertain in recent years as the original agreement that allowed water flow for paddling was set to expire. A coalition of private and public groups finalized a new deal last summer and held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week.

Contact staff writer Mark Pace at mpace@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpace and on Facebook at Chattanooga OutdoorsTFP.

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