Ducktown Copper Basin

Becky WiseOcoee River

The Ducktown Basin located by the Ocoee Riverhas a long history starting back in the 1800’s where the area was used for waste disposal, sulfuric acid manufacturing, and copper mining.  The mining, smelting and resulting acid rain stripped the soil of nutrients and caused a barren 75 square mile long piece of land that could be seen from space.  Fortunately, the Copper Basin over the past decade has made a 180 degree turn from a barren waste land to a lush forest.

 If you want to learn more about the Ducktown Copper Basin and its history you can visit: http://www.nooga.com/165052/historic-ducktown

 Or…

There is a Ducktown Basin Museum where you can learn more about the Burra Burra Mine and its history.  You can even see the old fiddle on display that to belonged to George B. Barnes, who played is fiddle to sooth his mules hauling the copper. http://www.ducktownbasinmuseum.com/

 And, if you want to see the Copper Basin come out to the Ocoee River Basin Canopy Tour and see the turn around for yourself! https://wildwaterrafting.com/portfolio-item/ocoee-river-canopy-tours/

Copper Basin Before

Copper Basin Before

Copper Basin After

Copper Basin After