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May 31st, 2023
group rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors on the Pigeon River

5 Reasons Family White Water Rafting in Gatlinburg is the Ultimate Vacation Adventure

January 29, 2023 May 31st, 2023

Want to add some adventure to your family getaway in the Great Smoky Mountains? A white water rafting trip at Smoky Mountain Outdoors is the perfect way to kick your vacation into high gear! Here are five reasons family white water rafting in Gatlinburg is a can’t-miss addition to any retreat in East Tennessee:

1. Rafting Trips for Almost Any Age

A white water rafting trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors is suitable for nearly all age groups, and absolutely no prior experience is required! Children as young as three years old can participate in our mild Lower Pigeon River rafting trip, which features mainly class 1 and 2 rapids. Kids who are at least eight years old or 70 pounds will love our exciting Upper Pigeon River rafting trip, which offers exhilarating class 3 and 4 rapids. Our staff is always happy to recommend the ideal rafting trip for your family.

 2. Breathtaking Scenery and Thrilling Rapids

rafters going through a rapid on the Pigeon RiverFamily white water rafting in Gatlinburg is the adventure of a lifetime! Guests will enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while simultaneously conquering thrilling rapids. Our Upper Pigeon River trip offers big waves, large drops, and lots of surfing, guaranteeing a huge adrenaline rush. The journey takes about 2 hours and contains approximately 70 rapids. Our Lower Pigeon River trip travels through about 50 rapids and is perfect for families with younger kids. Regardless of which trip you choose, it will be an excursion that your family will remember forever. You can see what families have said about their rafting experience on the official Smoky Mountain Outdoors TripAdvisor page.

3. High Safety Standards

At Smoky Mountain Outdoors, our #1 goal is keeping you and your family safe on the river. All of our professional guides are certified in Standard First Aid, and every raft is furnished with a waterproof first aid kit. Every guide participates in a demanding training program that requires that they take at least 15 to 20 trips down the river before qualifying to lead a commercial trip. In addition, prior to each trip, every group is provided a 20-minute safety talk to prepare families for a safe and enjoyable rafting trip. Our safety standards are some of the highest in the industry, so your family can simply focus on having fun!

4. Convenient Trip Times

group rafting with Smoky Mountain OutdoorsWhite water rafting trips at Smoky Mountain Outdoors are offered at convenient times that can easily fit into your family’s vacation schedule. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, we operate trips frequently so you won’t miss out on the action!  The Pigeon River is not a free-flowing river and a dam upstream from our launch area regulates the amount of water flow. Although the flow is consistent during the summer, spring and fall trip availability are dependent upon the amount of local rainfall. Therefore, feel free to call us for the most up-to-date trip information for these times of the year!

5. Rainy Day Activity

Unlike many of the outdoor attractions in the region, white water rafting in Gatlinburg is a perfect rainy-day activity. After all, getting wet is part of the family adventure! Of course, we may delay a trip for a few minutes if a storm needs to pass, but otherwise, it is business as usual on the Pigeon River. Regardless of the weather, be sure to bring along a towel and dry clothes so that you can change immediately following your trip.

To go family white water rafting in Gatlinburg this spring, visit the Smoky Mountain Outdoors Reservations page.