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July 22nd, 2021
White water rafting group

3 Ways to Have an Adventure Vacation in Gatlinburg

October 22, 2014 July 22nd, 2021

Some people do the same thing on vacation year after year: lay around at the beach, read a few magazines, eat an overpriced hamburger, and go home with sunburnt shoulders. While taking it easy for a bit can be fun at first, it quickly loses its appeal as boredom begins to set in. Instead of spending your vacation lounging around like a sloth, why not add some excitement to your time off with a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains?

Here at Smoky Mountain Outdoors, we have a great collection of trips along the Pigeon River that will kick your getaway into high gear. Read on for 3 ways that you can have an adventure vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee:

(See Also: 5 Benefits of Going White Water Rafting in Gatlinburg With a Group)

1. Extreme Upper River Rafting 

raftThrough the months of May to September, put on a brave face and experience the Extreme Upper River Rafting. If you want to experience  white water rafting with the biggest amount of adventure we offer, this is the trip for you! This trip is also great if you are rafting with a small group of people and do not want to be put with another group on the trip. The Extreme River Rafting has a smaller raft with the maximum of three riders and a guide. On the ride, you will experience the fastest current and come face to face with the biggest waves on a joyous thrill ride through the Smoky Mountains! Your adventure vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee begins with extreme white water rafting.

2. Upper Pigeon River Rafting

If your whole family is looking for an adrenaline fueled experience, you just can’t beat our Upper Pigeon River rafting trip. This 6 and ½ mile tour features 70 rapids, with lots of class 3 and class 4 rapids in the mix. You will spend two hours on the water, conquering crashing waves and dramatic drops.

This trip is popular with groups because everyone travels in the same boat. An experienced guide will navigate the raft for you, but it’s up to you and your shipmates to paddle. No prior rafting experience is required; so your family can learn the ropes together.

3. Hike and Paddle Package

Couple hiking in the forestCombining the best of both land and water, our Hike and Paddle package is a daylong adventure. At 9 a.m. guests embark on a two hour hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As the most visited national park in the United States, the Smokies are home to diverse wildlife and gorgeous mountain scenery. During your guided tour you will walk along the famous Big Creek, one of the park’s most picturesque streams. We will even provide you with a picnic lunch when you finish the hike.

Next, it’s time to hit the river! After seeing the beauty of East Tennessee in the national park, you’ll get a whole new perspective as you cruise down the Pigeon River for the white water rafting portion of your journey. Expect plenty of splashing and surfing as you make your way through a parade of class 3 and 4 rapids.

If you’re ready to start planning your adventure vacation in Gatlinburg give us a call today!