Trip Overview
Dates: Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026
Location: Chilhowee Campground, on Chilhowee Mountain, TN, part of the Chilhowee Recreation Area (near the Ocoee and Hiwassee rivers, NE of Chattanooga)
Activities: Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River (older/experienced Scouts) or kayaking on the Hiwassee River (first-year Scouts), plus camping, hiking, and swimming at the campground.
Troop 8 has run this trip for several years, and it’s one of our favorite outings of the summer. Read on for the full itinerary, packing list, and answers to common questions, or jump straight to what you need:
Itinerary Directions Packing List FAQ
How to Sign Up
Sign up through TroopWebHost, which has the current sign-up deadline and trip cost. Cancelling after the sign-up deadline may still result in a charge, since the troop prepays the outfitters for rafting and kayaking spots.
Who Rafts, Who Kayaks?
- First-year Scouts kayak the Hiwassee River. Hiwassee kayaks are two-person tandem kayaks, so first-year Scouts need a parent attending the trip to be their kayak partner.
- Older and more experienced Scouts raft the Ocoee River with a professional outfitter, which provides the life jacket and helmet.
If you have questions about which activity applies to your Scout, ask your Patrol Leader or a trip leader.
A Few Photos From Past Trips
Rafting the Ocoee:
Kayaking the Hiwassee:
