6 Things You Didn’t Know About Gatlinburg River Rafting
White water rafting is one of the most popular things to do for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. Combining thrilling fun with some of the most beautiful scenery in the South, a rafting trip on the Pigeon River is truly an unforgettable experience. To help you learn a little more about this can’t-miss activity, Smoky Mountain Outdoors has put together a list of six things you may not know about Gatlinburg river rafting:
1. Rafting Trips are Suitable for Kids and Beginners
While white water rafting is rightfully considered an exciting and adventurous sport, there are also rafting trips for beginners, kids, older people, and others who prefer a gentler ride. The Lower Pigeon River is ideal for a slower yet still breathtaking rafting experience. Perfect for families with young children, these Lower Pigeon River rafting trips are mostly Class 1 and 2 rapids. Kids must be at least three years old to participate.
2. White Water Rafting is Very Safe
No matter which trip you choose, rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors is completely safe. Everyone wears a flotation device, so even non-swimmers are able to participate. All rafting trips are led by guides who are put through rigorous training, including Standard First Aid certification, before they are permitted to lead trips. We have the highest safety standards in the Smokies!
3. You Can Enjoy Extreme Rafting in Gatlinburg
Guests who want to make their rafting experience even more thrilling will love our Extreme adventures! These trips use smaller boats built for four (including your guide), so you really experience each wave and feel the full force of the river. Upper Pigeon River Extreme Rafting is recommended for people with some rafting experience who know how to swim. If you’ve done some rafting and are ready to step it up a notch, you may be ready for this fun challenge.
4. Rafting is Good For Your Health
While most people go white water rafting for the fun and excitement, it can also be very good for your physical and mental health. First of all, you will be spending plenty of time outdoors, breathing in fresh mountain air. Also, you will be using your upper body muscles while rafting, which makes it a strength building exercise. The vigorous exercise and concentration you will be applying is also a great way to let go of stress.
5. Rafting is a Powerful Team Building Activity
White water rafting is a high energy activity that requires focus and cooperation. This makes it a powerful way for people to feel closer to one another. A rafting trip is a great way for families to bond. It can also be useful on corporate retreats where it’s important for people to work together as a team. Our Gatlinburg river rafting trips are also popular with youth groups, church groups, family reunions, and other groups who are looking for a fun way to become more cohesive.
6. Rafting is Even More Fun When 
Combined With Other Activities
Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers several combo packages that combine the thrills of white water rafting with other exciting outdoor activities. Our Pigeon River Combo Package, for example, begins with a rafting trip on the Upper Pigeon River and follows this up with an adventure on the Lower Pigeon River. Still another package that we offer is the Zipline & Rafting Combo, which includes a rafting trip and a canopy tour at CLIMB Works.
For more information about Gatlinburg river rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, check out our White Water Frequently Asked Questions!
