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May 31st, 2023
Happy family waving while enjoying white water rafting near Pigeon Forge

Sun Sentinel Names Smoky Mountain Outdoors an Exciting Part of a Pigeon Forge Trip

March 16, 2015 May 31st, 2023

The Sun Sentinel recently named Smoky Mountain Outdoors an exciting part of a Tennessee family vacation! Read on to find out what southern Florida’s top newspaper said about white water rafting near Pigeon Forge with us.  

The Sun Sentinel Article

The recent Sun Sentinel article was written by Geri Irwin Clem and is an account of her summer vacation to Pigeon Forge and the surrounding region with her husband and three children. After visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a couple of days, Clem and her family decided to check out some of the outdoor activities in Pigeon Forge. According to Clem, “one of the most exciting was white water rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors.” Clem’s family chose our Upper Pigeon River trip, a thrilling journey featuring many class 3 and 4 rapids. Clem wrote that with her three children in the raft, she “did not once feel apprehensive about their well-being, and we all laughed and gleefully shrieked the whole trip”.

You can read the full article on the official Sun Sentinel website: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2015/01/07/a-tennessee-family-adventure/

About Smoky Mountain OutdoorsLots of waves as a group goes white water rafting near Pigeon Forge

As noted in the Sun Sentinel article, Smoky Mountain Outdoors is one of the most exciting attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains! Our Pigeon River Outpost is situated only about 45 minutes north of Gatlinburg, making us the most convenient destination for white water rafting near Pigeon Forge. We offer white water rafting on both the Lower and Upper Pigeon River, or guests can take one of our combo trips to experience both sections of the river. All of our white water trips at Smoky Mountain Outdoors take place even if it’s raining.

Lower Pigeon River Trip

Our Lower Pigeon River Trip is a gentle 5.5 mile expedition through the scenic Pigeon River gorge that is ideal for families with younger children. During this rafting trip, you will experience approximately 50 class 1 and 2 rapids, with one class 3 rapid at the end for the grand finale. Kids love the Lower Pigeon River Trip and enjoy the opportunity to splash around and have fun!

Upper Pigeon River Trip

Our Upper Pigeon River Trip is an exciting rafting journey through the heart of the Smoky Mountains with nearly 70 class 1 – 4 rapids! This trip features large drops, splashing through huge waves, and lots of surfing. Although the Upper Pigeon River Trip has more dynamic action than the Lower River Trip, this trip is for both experienced and inexperienced paddlers and is fine for the kids. If Geri Irwin Clem and her family could tackle this trip, then so can you!

Family posing for a picutre while white water rafting near Pigeon ForgeSafety

Smoky Mountain Outdoors is dedicated to maintaining the highest level of safety standards on the river. All of our guides are certified in Standard First Aid, and there is a waterproof first aid kit included on every trip. Our guides participate in a rigorous training program that requires at least 15 to 20 trips down the river before they can run a trip with guests. In addition, there is a 20 minute safety briefing prior to every trip so that you and your family feel as comfortable as possible. We want all of our guests to have the best time possible with us!

Visit our Reservations page to book a thrilling day of white water rafting near Pigeon Forge with your family!