Whitewater Rafting Near Huntsville, AL

Depending on where you are coming from in Huntsville, the Ocoee River is only 2-3 hours away, making for a short drive. You can paddle over 5 miles of class III and IV rapids on the Middle Ocoee, also known as “America’s Most Popular River”. This section of the river draws over 250,000 paddlers every year from all over the world with 20 uniquely named rapids, such as Moon Shot, Double Trouble, Diamond Splitter, and Sneaky Pete. (5) The Upper Ocoee is famous in its own right for having hosted the 1996 Olympics Whitewater Competition. Engineers altered the riverbed by narrowing it from 200 feet to 70 feet to create the perfect rafting conditions for the competition. Paddlers can choose between a half-day trip on the Middle Ocoee or a full day excursion on both the Middle and Upper Ocoee, with continuous rapids and the chance to run an Olympic whitewater course, it’s hard to imagine a more exciting whitewater adventure. 

Outdoor Activities Near Huntsville and Decatur AL

Huntsville is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty and outdoor activities including beautiful state parks such as Monte Sano State Park. You don’t even have to venture outside the city to experience one of Huntsville’s most popular outdoor attractions: Huntsville Botanical Gardens. If you’re a Huntsville local, you may know the city as “The Rocket City”, because of the rockets developed there to send astronauts to the moon. However, if you’re looking for a few more outdoor activities, locals often travel to nearby Decatur, Alabama. Decatur is also called “The River City” because the Tennessee River runs straight through it. Between the river and other beautiful outdoor spaces, Decatur has a lot of outdoor adventure options for Alabama residents. The River City is great for a relaxing weekend of fishing or still-water paddling, but if you’re looking for a whitewater experience you’ll want to travel to the Ocoee, Chattahoochee, Hiawassee, or Nantahala. Most people from the Huntsville area or most parts of Alabama travel to Georgia or Tennessee to experience whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Ocoee.

Your Next Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Whether you are looking for a day trip or your next vacation that isn’t too far away from home, The Ocoee River and surrounding areas have plenty to offer. Situated in the Cherokee National Forest, there are plenty of relaxing outdoor activities as well as high-energy ones. In addition to whitewater rafting, visitors explore the trails and campgrounds nearby or watch the sunset on Chilhowee Mountain. For a more relaxing day on the water, you could rent a pontoon boat or go canoeing. Consider staying for a night or two at Lake Ocoee Inn and Marina, just steps away from the water. The options are endless in this outdoor paradise, which is why thousands of visitors travel to the Ocoee every year. Whatever your outdoor adventure looks like, you’ll be sure to have an experience you won’t soon forget!