~ Carmen
We recently returned from our annual whitewater trip to the Ocoee River in eastern Tennessee (read Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River). Â For the last four years, we have stayed and ridden the river with Whitewater Express.
3 Reasons to Stay at Whitewater Express
1. Â Great lodging for the price.
We save money by purchasing a Living Social Escape Kit which cuts the cost in half of regular prices and has an open ended availability for 1 year. Here is a sample of the Whitewater Express offer through Living social. (see Living Social offer as of this writing here). Check for future offers by subscribing to Living Social.
Escape Kit
- A Two-Night Stay for Two in a Deluxe Cabin at Ocoee Camp ($199)
- White-Water Rafting on the Ocoee River for Two
- Choice of Horseback Riding, Paintball, Mountain Bike Riding, or Treetop Ropes Course for Two
- Valid for Stays from October 6, 2016 to October 10, 2017
I don’t think I would call it a deluxe cabin, but the cabins have everything you would need for a short stay. Â Â They’re clean and the staff is quick to correct any issues.

Our cute little cabin!
2) Â Variety of Activities!
Amenities include a volleyball court with sand, Frisbee golf course, the blob (see video below), horseback riding, mountain bike trails, paintball, a ropes course, and hiking.  With the Living Social offer, you can choose one additional guided activity in addition to the whitewater rafting (paintball, ropes or  horseback riding).  We usually go horseback riding, but others in our group have done the ropes course and had a great time.
In addition to the guided activities, you are free to participate in the other activities as much as you want.  Personally, I enjoyed making a bonfire by the cabin and soaking up the gorgeous fall weather.  Joe, on the other hand, spent hours on his mountain bike, exploring the nearby Cherokee National Forest (read Why You Should Ride the Tanasi Mountain Bike Trails).

Ropes Course

Horseback Riding–the horses are well fed and rotated out for resting

View from mountain bike trails
“The Blob!”

View from our raft
3. Â Rafting the Ocoee
Of course the number one reason outdoor enthusiasts flock to this area is to raft the famed Ocoee River. Â It is the most commercially rafted river in the United States. Â Home to the 1996 Olympic canoeing and kayaking events, it is sure to give even experienced rafters a thrill. Â It has 20 back-to-back category III & IV rapids in a five mile stretch. Â It is not recommended that you try and raft or kayak it without a guide unless you are very experienced. Â With a guide, you’ll have quite the ride!
See the video from our rafting trip!

Gorgeous Ocoee River surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest
Have you ever tried whitewater rafting or ever wanted to try? Â Please share by commenting below! Â
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Mike
December 15, 2016 7:18 pmThis looks like a ton of fun! I want to go rafting so badly. Will have to check out White Water Express next time I’m in Tennessee!
Pack Your Baguios
December 18, 2016 7:02 amIt is such a good price. Only $199 for 2 and that includes lodging plus one other activity!
Shelby Hart
December 17, 2016 9:31 amWow this looks so fun! I’ve been white water rafting once and it’s definitely an experience worth trying!
Pack Your Baguios
December 17, 2016 9:37 amYes it is. Every time we go, I have to talk myself into overcoming my fears. Once we hit the water, it is a pure rush!
Erica Valentin
December 17, 2016 11:31 amIm terrified of white water rafting but I can’t get enough of cozy cabins so I would def check this out!
Pack Your Baguios
December 18, 2016 7:04 amI’m always scared before we hit the water, but once we get going it is a totally rush!
Angie Rose
December 17, 2016 2:06 pmThis looks like so much fun! Those ropes courses and the horseback riding look like an absolute blast. I really want to go now! That view looks like it belongs on a post card. How stunning!
Pack Your Baguios
December 18, 2016 7:06 amIt is a lot of fun. That’s one reason (besides hanging out with our friends) that we go every year.
Agnes
December 18, 2016 12:36 pmThis is such a nice place to spend your free time! I love all the activities it offers and would really love to try out the blob. The cabins surrounded by nature look lovely too.
Pack Your Baguios
December 18, 2016 4:17 pmThe blob was so much fun! The cabins were nice, too!
allison
December 18, 2016 7:38 pmWhat a fun place to stay! We love more ‘rustic’ vacations and this looks perfect!
Pack Your Baguios
December 19, 2016 6:32 amIt is definitely rustic. You are surrounded by mountains and there is limited cell service. We love being where we can hike, mountain bike, and just get away from it all!
Kathy
December 18, 2016 11:10 pmI tried white water rafting in Peru and absolutely loved it. I’m keen to do it some more. Thanks for reminding me and inspiring me 🙂
Allison Jones
December 20, 2016 9:01 amThis looks like so much fun! I went white water rafting in Bali but I would love to do it in the states too. Thanks so much for participating inn the Thursday 3 Link Party on LiveLifeWellBlog.com. I hope to see your posts again in the future.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Pack Your Baguios
January 1, 2017 4:26 pmThank you for having us!
Rahul Khurana
April 28, 2017 10:02 amI love white water rafting and ropes course too. It’s always fun camping out. I liked the place, it looks so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the adventure. 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
May 9, 2017 9:40 amWe love this place and have stayed here three different times!
Drew
October 12, 2017 1:04 pmA variety of activities can really make a trip worthwhile. If there are enough things to do then there should be something for everyone. Thanks for sharing!
Pack Your Baguios
October 16, 2017 9:46 amYou’re welcome! The Ocoee River area has lots of things to do and places to explore!