In the upper reaches of the highlands, natural springs release pure, natural water down mountain slopes known as watersheds. These waters gather into streams that find their way to creeks, flowing along until they merge with mountain rivers as they journey across the land and out to sea. In 1911, President Theodore Roosevelt sought to protect these watersheds and therefore authorized the purchase of these public lands, creating The Cherokee National Forest.
The Ocoee River is one of these mountain rivers. Its headwaters descend from the mountains in northern Georgia cutting its way into southeastern Tennessee, weaving its rushing whitewater westward, down the Ocoee Gorge and into Lake Ocoee.
Originally owned by the Eastern Tennessee Power Company, the river was dammed to build hydro-electric plants. The river is now controlled by three dams, operated by the TVA [Tennessee Valley Authority power company].
The Ocoee Dam No.1 and Ocoee Dam No.2 were built between 1910 and 1913, along with the historic wooden flume (trough) that diverted the waters of the upper river into an elevated water path, concentrating water pressure for the hydro-electric powerhouses.
The TVA purchased the power system in 1939. In September 1976, the wooden flume was shut down for reconstruction and once again the river ran unabated.
Soon, people began showing up to the Ocoee with army surplus rafts to run the five miles of whitewater rapids. Rafters struggled with TVA to obtian the right to ride the whitewater. After much resistance, TVA agreed to schedule water releases into the river, and commercial rafting found a home on the Ocoee River in 1977 .
Whitewater racing events have been held on the Ocoee since 1977, bringing the infamous gorge to the attention of the world. From three rafting companies in 1977 to 24 in 1997, the Ocoee River has become a world class whitewater river, accommodating 200,000 rafting visitors annually.
The Upper Ocoee riverbed had been dry throughout most of this century, which enabled the manipulation and construction of a world class racing course. The Ocoee Gorge is wider at this point, with plenty of room for spectators.
The Ocoee is approximately 100 miles north of Atlanta, all three of these factors made the Ocoee River the ideal place to hold the 1996 Summer Olympics Slalom Canoe/Kayak competition.
July 1996 brought 14,000 spectators and more than 1,000 volunteers/staff to the banks of the Ocoee River to witness the excitement of approximately 135 world Olympic competitors. The Olympics created a new course and awakened more people to the excitement of whitewater sports.
Copper Basin Restoration: Until recently, much of the Copper Basin, located a few miles upstream from Ocoee Dam No. 3, was barren and bleak, the effect of years of copper mining and smelting. The practice of burning the ore to get rid of sulfur produced acid rain, which denuded an area of more than 50 square miles.
Astronauts could once see the red scar on the earth from outer space. Today, thanks to restoration efforts by TVA and other organizations, the Copper Basin’s recovery is almost complete, and the area has been returned to its former beauty.
Recreation Areas: The U.S. Forest Service manages a number of recreation areas in the Ocoee River region. Swimming, picnicking, and camping facilities are available, as well as boat launching ramps. |
