Ocoee Whitewater Center
Recreation center
4.8 (1020)
4400 US-64, Copperhill, TN 37317
The area offers a famed canoe & kayak course, other sports, a visitor center & a picnic spot.
RiverTN
Blue Hole - Ocoee
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan an Upper Ocoee visit with current dam warnings, a $3 lower-lot fee, vault toilets and no drinking water. The former visitor-center area is closed.
Swimming restriction
The Forest Service lists swimming among Ocoee Whitewater Center activities. This is a dam-controlled river, not a guarantee that any particular pool is safe or open. Do not swim during releases, enter restricted areas or rely on weekdays as safe days. Leave immediately when warning systems activate; no fixed warning interval is assured.
Official sources checked:
Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
$3 user fee for the lower parking lot; check current Forest Service notices.
Best season
Check current site notices and TVA conditions. Neither weekdays nor an absent scheduled release establishes safe swimming
Nearby towns
Chattanooga, Cleveland, Ducktown
Water body
Ocoee River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Chattanooga, Cleveland, Ducktown
Access location not verified
DUCKTOWN, TN
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Blue Hole and the Upper Ocoee
Blue Hole is associated with the Upper Ocoee near the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Start trip planning with the Forest Service site information and current TVA warnings, rather than an old swimming report.
Plan around the river, not the calendar
Whitewater recreation releases are intended for paddlers, not a swimming timetable. Releases can change without notice. Do not assume that a weekday or a gap in the published schedule means the river is safe. Leave immediately when horns, lights or other warnings activate. There is no verified one-hour grace period for this listing.
Facilities after the visitor-center fire
The visitor-center building was destroyed by fire on April 26, 2022. The Forest Service says trails and both parking lots have reopened, but the fenced visitor-center area remains closed. Current facilities are vault toilets; potable water is not available. Bring drinking water.
Parking and access
The lower-lot fee is $3. The recreation area and lower lot operate during daylight hours year-round, subject to current closures. Do not enter parking areas when gates are shut. Use the official directions to the Whitewater Center on Highway 64 and follow current on-site signs. The old pool-entry point has not been independently checked, and this page does not provide a verified water-entry route.
Getting There
Use the official Forest Service directions to Ocoee Whitewater Center on Highway 64. From Chattanooga, take I-75 north to Exit 20, follow the connection to Highway 64 east and continue toward the signed center. Stay outside the fenced former visitor-center area and follow current trail and parking signs. A specific Blue Hole water-entry route has not been independently verified.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The Forest Service lists swimming among Ocoee Whitewater Center activities. This is a dam-controlled river, not a guarantee that any particular pool is safe or open. Do not swim during releases, enter restricted areas or rely on weekdays as safe days. Leave immediately when warning systems activate; no fixed warning interval is assured.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
The Forest Service lists swimming among Ocoee Whitewater Center activities. This is a dam-controlled river, not a guarantee that any particular pool is safe or open. Do not swim during releases, enter restricted areas or rely on weekdays as safe days. Leave immediately when warning systems activate; no fixed warning interval is assured. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Tumbling Creek Campground
Campground
4.1 (63)
Tumbling Creek Rd, Cleveland, TN 37312
RestroomRunning waterTent sites
FantacularDesigns
Public bathroom
5 (1)
1426 19th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311
Cleveland Greenway Parking & Restrooms
Free parking lot
4.8 (4)
Cleveland, TN 37312
Restroom
Shackalakin What's Crackin RV Park and Resort
Campground
1350 Tunl Hl Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Picnic tablesRunning waterTent sites
Red Clay Visitor Center
Visitor center
5 (4)
1140 Red Clay Park Road SW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Restroom
Red Clay State Historic Park
State park
4.8 (1327)
1140 Red Clay Park Road SW, Cleveland, TN 37311
State park with Native American exhibits & cultural activities, plus picnic areas & an amphitheater.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Journey
Campground
4.3 (789)
Exit 20, 648 Pleasant Grove Rd I75, McDonald, TN 37353
Free Wi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Hole - Ocoee
Are weekdays guaranteed safe for swimming?
No. TVA releases can change without notice. A weekday or an absent scheduled release does not establish safe conditions. Do not swim during releases and follow current restrictions and warnings.
How much warning time is there before water rises?
Do not rely on a fixed warning interval. Leave immediately when warning systems activate. The old claim of a one-hour grace period has not been verified.
Is the visitor-center building open?
No. The Forest Service reports that the building was destroyed in April 2022 and its fenced area remains closed. Trails and both parking lots have reopened, subject to current notices.
Are toilets and drinking water available?
The Forest Service lists vault toilets and no potable water. Bring drinking water rather than relying on the former visitor-center facilities.
What does parking cost?
The Forest Service lists a $3 lower-lot fee. The recreation area and lower lot are open during daylight hours year-round, subject to closures. Vehicles are not permitted in parking areas when gates are shut.
Highlights
Forest Service recreation site
Vault toilets and daylight lower-lot access
Current TVA release warnings essential
Unique Features
Upper Ocoee river setting
Former Olympic whitewater venue
Hiking and picnicking alternatives
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
Do not swim during releases or enter restricted areas.,Leave immediately when warning systems activate; do not wait for an assumed travel time.,Schedules can change without notice.,Do not jump, dive or enter underwater tunnels.,Bring drinking water; there is no potable supply.
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The Ocoee River hosted Olympic whitewater events in 1996, marking it as a site of international sporting significance. The surrounding towns reflect East Tennessee’s rich history and outdoor culture.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
River scenery from open trails and public viewing areas; do not enter restricted areas for a photograph.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Protect native plants and wildlife by avoiding littering or disturbing habitats. Respect water schedules.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current site notices and TVA conditions. Neither weekdays nor an absent scheduled release establishes safe swimming.
Difficulty Level
Recreation trails and river entry are different activities. A specific pool-entry route has not been verified.
Fee
$3 user fee for the lower parking lot; check current Forest Service notices.
Facilities
Vault toilets are listed by the Forest Service. Potable water is not available, so bring drinking water. The visitor-center building was destroyed in 2022; its fenced area remains closed. Trails and the upper and lower lots have reopened, subject to current notices.
Activities
River recreation subject to conditions, hiking, biking and picnicking
Phone
Cherokee National Forest Supervisor's Office: (423) 476-9700. Ask for current Ocoee site information.
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Plan overnight stays separately using current Forest Service campground information; this page does not establish camping or swimming access at nearby campgrounds.
Nearby Attractions
- Ocoee Whitewater Center - Historic Site / Recreation Center
- Cherokee National Forest - National Forest
- Thunder Rock Campground - Campground
- Bald River Falls - Waterfall
- Chattanooga, Tennessee - Town
- Cloudland Canyon State Park - State Park
- Ducktown Basin Museum - Historic Site
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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