Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
Learn more
I EasyII NoviceIII IntermediateIV AdvancedV Expert/ExtremeVI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:Put-in at this locationThis location is on the runTake-out at this location Downstream from hereUpstream from here
The Nancy Ward access site provides a convenient boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorized boats onto the Ocoee River in Polk County, Tennessee. This section of the Ocoee is known for its class I flatwater, making it an ideal stretch for recreational boating and paddling.
The boat ramp sits right below the Ocoee Dam 1, allowing easy access to the start of the Lower Ocoee River. Free parking is available, and restrooms are provided on-site for paddlers' convenience. This access point is one of several public access areas along the Ocoee, with other options like Sugarloaf Mountain Park and Reynolds Bridge Road nearby.
Paddlers should be aware that the Ocoee River is a medium-sized mountain river with varying flow rates and rapids. While the section near the Nancy Ward ramp is relatively calm, boaters should still exercise caution and be prepared for the river's dynamic conditions. Nearby campgrounds like Lost Corral Horse Camp provide accommodation options for those looking to explore the Ocoee and the surrounding Cherokee National Forest.