Weekend Trips in Tennessee

July 2, 2020

Weekend Getaways in Tennessee

The beauty and variety of the state of Tennessee are unparalleled. From the exciting cities of Nashville and Memphis to the scenery of the east, our state is amazing! We believe to truly experience all that the Volunteer State has to offer, traveling to the mountains in the eastern half of the state is a must. Our Whitewater Express location in Copperhill, Tennessee is situated near the Ocoee River and is perfect for getting into nature. If you are hoping to plan a weekend getaway in Tennessee for your family or friends, we put together a full guide of things to do, places to eat, and sightseeing opportunities during your trip. Enjoy!

Whitewater Raft the Ocoee River
Hike in the National Forest
Explore the Ocoee Whitewater Center
Play disc golf, experience a high ropes course, horseback ride, & other high adventure activities
Learn about the history of the area at the Ducktown Basin Museum
Enjoy a meal in Copperhill, TN or Mccaysville, GA

Things to do

1. Raft the Ocoee River with Whitewater Express

Home to the 1996 Olympic Whitewater canoe and kayak events, the Upper and Middle Ocoee are hailed as some of the most supreme commercial whitewater locations in the country! Enjoy scenic views of the Cherokee National Forest as you paddle your way down the “Rollercoaster of the South” – that is, the Ocoee River! Rafting the Ocoee on a three hour Middle Ocoee trip (our most popular trip) is an incredible adventure that you’re sure to remember forever. Combine the Upper and Middle trips and white water raft on the Ocoee River for five amazing hours! Experience Ocoee River rafting with Whitewater Express!

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2. Hike in the National Forest

One of the best ways to get close to nature and take in the beauty of the Tennessee mountains is by hiking through them! With so many great hiking options to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to go. Some of our favorite hikes include:

Goforth Creek – Located about halfway down the Middle section of the Ocoee River, the Goforth Creek hike is a wonderful place to spend a couple hours exploring.
Turtletown Falls – Although it is a little off the beaten path, the hike to Turtletown Falls is sure to satisfy anyone chasing waterfalls as it comes out to a gorgeous split waterfall. For maximizing time on your weekend getaway, stay to the left on the trails to reach the most popular falls quickly. Following the full trail takes you to a second waterfall.
Copper Valley Overlook – Located on our Ocoee Camp property, the Copper Valley Overlook trail is a short hike (0.56 mi, 322ft) that brings you to one of the best views in the whole county! Enjoy a picnic or watch the sunset at the amphitheater at the top where you will be standing in North Carolina, looking out across the Tennessee Valley at the Georgia mountains in the distance.
Jacks River Falls – For an all-day hike, it’s hard to beat the Jacks River Falls hike. Be prepared for a long drive on forest service roads, but the waterfall at the end is worth the trek!

3. Explore the Ocoee Whitewater Center

One of the best places to explore on a weekend getaway is the Ocoee Whitewater Center. As the site of the canoe and kayak events for the 1996 Olympics, the OWC provides a wonderful spot to sit beside the river and have lunch while watching rafters take on famous rapids such as Godzilla and Humongous. The OWC is also the centerpoint of the Tanasi Trail System, featuring over 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. During the week, the river is diverted through a flume line, turning the mighty river into a calm section of swimming holes, known as “bluehole”.

4. Experience High Adventure Activities

For all of your adventurous needs, we’ve got you covered at Whitewater Express. With horseback riding, paintball, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, a ropes course, disc golf, a lake with a blob, gorgeous views, and world-class staff, we can help you turn a weekend getaway into an unforgettable memory!

5. Visit the Ducktown Basin Museum

To slow things down for a moment, consider visiting the Ducktown Basin Museum to learn about the wild history of the copper mining industry in the area and our duty to protect nature.

Places to eat

Copperhill, TN

The rapidly growing town of Copperhill, TN, and Mccaysville, GA (split across state lines) provides many great dining and shopping options. Be sure to get a picture standing in both states at once! Our favorite eating spots include:

Blue Ridge, GA

With a plethora of dining and shopping options, Blue Ridge, GA is a larger city that has retained its small-town charm around its central main street. Our favorite eating spots include: