Ocoee Flume Line & Dams

Old Ocoee Powerhouses

The Ocoee powerhouses, dams and flume line are part of an ambitious hydroelectric power project that began in 1910. Constructed by Eastern Tennessee Power Company, this series of historic hydroelectric structures are tucked into the narrow Ocoee River Gorge, all located within a stretch of only 12 miles.

Contact

Ocoee Flumes
Hwy 64/Ocoee Scenic Byway
877-510-5765

More Information

Ocoee Dam Number One was built over the site of the old farming community of Parksville, with workers housed in what amounted to a small city. Upon its completion it was named Parksville Dam, and the new powerhouse dubbed Ocoee Powerhouse Number One. Locals referred to it as “The Big Concrete Dam,” a term that was common then but seldom used today. Ocoee Number One is the oldest dam in what is today the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) system. Construction of Ocoee Powerhouse Number Two, located just a few miles upriver from Powerhouse Number One, began in 1912. To provide adequate water volume to drive the turbines, a wooden flume line was constructed to carry the river waters to the powerhouse. A second dam was built upriver to hold the waters destined for the Flume. Officially named the Diversion Dam, old-timers still refer to it as “The Stick Dam.”

The Ocoee Flume is a unique structure, the only one of its kind in the nation. Constructed of tongue-and-groove California longleaf pine, it resembles a wooden trough snaking along the rock bluffs that line the Ocoee River. Its purpose is to capture the Ocoee River as it pauses at the Diversion Dam, and then force the waters through the narrow flume to the powerhouse to turn the turbines. In 1939 Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) purchased the powerhouses, dams, and flume line. In 1941 TVA began construction of Powerhouse Number 3 to serve increased power demands during World War II.

The structures are not open for tours but are easily seen from Hwy 64(Ocoee Scenic Byway)

What People Are Saying

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Road trip

Linda, NC.

This was a very beautiful drive. It had a lot of overlooks and the trees were very beautiful. We also rode over to Joyce Kilmer Forest. This was a very nice hike and was amazing to see all the older trees. I would advise to take a bathroom break before the trip across the mountain.

Unbelievable beauty

dbauman, TN

Incredible drive through the Cherokee National Forest. Lots of hiking, waterfalls and mountain streams. Areas of the skyway are rather curvy, so beware. Some like to speed through this area either in road rally’s or on motorcycle. Have seen several severe accidents. A MUST visit for all the beauty!

Gorgeous views

Mike, AL.

We were surprised at how beautiful this route is. Sadly, our trip was cut short from annual undergrowth burning. We will definitely come back this way.

Awesome road and view

Illinois

Nice smooth road that’s a lot of fun with beautiful sights. There’s plenty of pull offs for photos and small hikes and it makes a really nice scenic drive.

Beautiful

Bruce, MS.

We were in town to view the fall foliage. We hit it just right. This drive is magnificent. Several viewing sights along the way. Take advantage of all if possible.

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See For Yourself

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Places to stay near here

FIND COMFORT NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

The Tennessee Overhill region covers several areas that are full of wonderful places to stay. No matter where you end up, you can rest easy knowing days full of fun and adventure await!