Rhododenron Trail

The Cherokee Forest is probably most popular for its whitewater rafting offerings on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers. Many are also quite aware that it was the site of the canoe, kayak, and slalom events in the 1996 summer Olympics. Still others know the area for its many hiking trails.

One of these hiking trails is called Rhododendron Trail. It starts at Ocoee Powerhouse No. 3 (also known as Thunder Rock) and follows the Ocoee River for just over a mile. It ends at the picnic area near the Ocoee Whitewater Center (sometimes called the Ocoee Olympic Center).

The Rhododendron Trail is one of my favorites when I want to be outside in nature but without a strenuous hike or when I want to have a picnic halfway through the hike but don't want to walk too far with my backpack full of food. It is a very easy trail because it is almost completely flat. During your 2.5 mile (round trip) hike, you will be able to catch some outstanding views of the Ocoee. Some areas contain some fairly shallow water, so you can enjoy looking out at the sun as it glistens off the wet rocks. The best view is probably on a section of boardwalk that juts out over the river. This section of the river is deep enough for rafters and kayakers, and you can stop here to watch some if you like.

The only thing I don't like about this trail is that it is somewhat close to the road at times, so you do get some road noise and don't feel like you are just out in nature. But that may not be a bad thing for some people.

To get to the Rhododendron Trail, take highway 64 and turn in where you see the Thunder Rock campground sign. It will direct you across a bridge, and past the Ocoee Powerhouse No. 3. The trailhead sign is to the left, but parking is in the gravel lot to the right. If that lot is full, you can also park near the campground across the gravel road.

The other options is to start at the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Look for the big sign that indicates it was a site of the 1996 Olympics. Turn in and go right. There is a very large parking area here, but it is a fee area. Go across the bridge (not the one closest to the information/welcome center). The trailhead sign is to the right just past the bridge.

Don't forget to explore this beautiful area and the walking bridge while you are there! Driving through the Cherokee Forest is always worth it to me: passing through Parksville Beach and the basin allows for a very scenic drive.