Trip Overview
Dates: Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
Location: Chilhowee Campground, Chilhowee Recreation Area — Chilhowee Mountain, TN (near 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:
How to Sign Up
Sign up and pay 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 Last Year
