Near Ocoee River Loop
Site of the 1996 Olympic rafting trials
Near Ocoee River Loop
A view of the Ocoee River from the Rhododendron Trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Ocoee River Loop

4.8 (4 Ratings)
A great 10-mile loop in the area.
10.3
mi
Distance
1,917
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
10.31mi
Distance
1,917ft
Elevation Gain
1,917ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
2,310ft
High Point
1,128ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Parking at Thunder Rock Campgroud (parking is free), you'll hike across the bridge overlooking the Ocoee River, across Hwy 64 to the Benton MacKaye Trail. You'll hike up the BMT, until you get to the Rock Creek Trail #125 (the junction is well marked). This section features a well maintained path with beautiful fall colors. The Rock Creek Trail will take you back to Hwy 64 where you'll hike on the road for about 0.5 miles to the Whitewater Center. During the summer, you can see lots of rafters and kayakers attempting the olympic section which features many back-to-back class 4 rapids. From the Whitewater Center, you'll cross the bridge over the Ocoee River to the Rhododendron Trail. The Rhododendron Trail follows the Ocoee River and starts out as paved then turns into gravel. This trail will take you back to the Thunder Rock campground for a 10-mile loop.There are also many other great trails that you could connect to from the Whitewater Center to make a larger loop.
History & Background
You'll hike through the Whitewater Center which is where the 1996 Olympic rafting trials were held.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Jake Simko