VACATION Ocoee, TN
📍 City/Country: Ocoee, TN USA
I stayed at the Lake Ocoee Inn and Marina. It was clean, well maintained, and cozy. The staff were attentive and offered an early check-in! I loved my time there.
I ate at The Bus Bar And Grill both nights and got the wings both nights. 😂 they were SOOOO good.
I hiked up to Benton Falls and on the drive there I stopped at a few scenic overlooks. The hike was extremely easy. I consider myself an intermediate hiker.
After hiking to Benton Falls I went swimming at Blue Hole. I was totally comfortable there alone. Blue Hole isn’t accessible when the dam is open. You’ll be rafting through there if you do river rafting! I had amazing views the entire time and watched fish swim around when I was sun bathing on some rocks.
The next morning I drove up to Ducktown and got ready for a full day of river rafting with Ocoee Rafting. Fisher was my guide. He was super chill and took us through with ease. I was by myself and got put with a super cool group of guys. I will say that the area would do well to get a nice breakfast place. I didn’t have anywhere to get breakfast. I should have done more research prior. That’s my fault.
Rafting was the highlight of my trip and I’m super happy I did the full river. I think I would have regretted only doing the half day. It was relaxing in the kind of way that gets you excited and waiting for the next rapid. You spend the entire time laughing, possibly getting stuck in some trees, and collecting paddles for rafters that didn’t have their feet locked in properly. I can’t wait to go back.
There’s something special about East Tennessee. 🛶🌊 #whitewaterrafting #exploreeasttennessee #outdoorsygal #travelcreator
During my visit to Ocoee, TN, I found that embracing the local outdoor lifestyle truly enriched my experience. The area around Lake Ocoee offers not only stunning natural beauty but also a variety of activities that cater to different adventure levels. For instance, the hike to Benton Falls is wonderfully accessible for intermediate hikers like myself, offering peaceful moments at several scenic overlooks along the way. I recommend taking your time to enjoy these spots for some perfect photo ops or just to soak in the serene environment. Swimming at Blue Hole was a highlight; it feels like a hidden gem, especially since it’s only accessible when the dam is closed. The peaceful waters and opportunity to see fish swimming creates a unique connection with nature that many overlook. I felt completely safe and relaxed spending time there alone, which I think adds to the appeal for solo travelers or anyone seeking tranquility. One thing I learned is that planning around meal times can be tricky, as breakfast options were limited near the rafting departure point in Ducktown. In future trips, packing a portable breakfast or exploring nearby towns beforehand could enhance the day’s start. On the rafting front, the full-day adventure with Ocoee Rafting was exhilarating yet soothing—a fantastic mix of challenge and relaxation. The guide's expertise made the ride inviting even for first-timers, and sharing laughs while navigating rapids with fellow rafters created memories I won’t forget. Overall, East Tennessee’s charm lies in its approachable yet adventurous outdoor scenes, coupled with the friendly, welcoming vibe of small communities. Whether you’re into hiking, swimming, or whitewater rafting, Ocoee offers a genuine, down-to-earth experience that encourages you to explore at your own pace and savor the beauty around you.
