Which White Water Rafting Trip in Gatlinburg Is Right For You?
When you raft with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, you get a variety of options for your trip when it comes to white water rafting Gatlinburg TN. This makes it easier when choosing which tour down the Pigeon river is best for you because there is something for everyone, including young rafters age 3 and older. Find out all of the information you need below about each of our rafting trips, so you can start preparing to have the time of your life on a Smoky Mountain raft.
Upper River Rafting
If you want to enjoy a 
rafting trip near Gatlinburg that has lots of opportunities for big waves and huge drops, then rafting on the upper portion of Pigeon River is perfect for you. When you choose white water rafting Gatlinburg TN on this part of the river, you will be faced with 3 and 4 class rapids, which will have you maneuvering through exciting waves and splashing around rocks all while surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
To be eligible for upper Pigeon River rafting you must be 8 years old or weigh at least 70 pounds. At Smoky Mountain Outdoors we take safety very seriously, so you will be equipped with the best life jackets, guides, helmets and safety training in the Smokies for your adventure. However, this trip is for experienced and inexperienced rafters, so it isn’t necessary for you to have any prior knowledge to enjoy these fun rapids.
Lower River Rafting
When preferring to go rafting somewhere the rapids aren’t as intense, you might enjoy lower Pigeon River rafting, especially if you are indecisive about your trip as a first time rafter. Rafting on the lower portion of the river features class 1 and 2 rapids with one class 3 rapid at the end. This trip is perfect for kids age 3 or older, but we require they are accompanied by an adult.
This experience isn’t as fast paced and busy as the upper Pigeon River options, but it is just as fun. It is a 5 and a half mile trip that will provide you with a wonderful scenic view of the Smoky Mountains, and it is a great tour to take with the whole family.
Upper Pigeon Extreme
This white water 
rafting Gatlinburg TN trip will take you through the same exciting rapids as the regular upper Pigeon River tour, but it has a few differences that make it a little but more extreme. You will be in a smaller raft that will have a maximum of 3 rafters in it, plus your guide.
If you want to venture on a real thrill ride, try upper Pigeon River extreme rafting. A smaller raft will move you faster along the water and impact the movement even more, which creates an impressive and exciting trip along these class 3 and 4 rapids. Before deciding to raft extreme, you must be at least 12 years old and know how to swim. We also prefer you have previous rafting experience as well.
Combo Trips
If you know you will love white water rafting near Gatlinburg no matter which trip you choose, then a combo trip is definitely for you. At Smoky Mountain Outdoors we offer the upper and lower Pigeon River trips together for one deeply discounted low price. Rafters choosing to do a combo trip must be a minimum of 8 years old or 70 pounds. This option will have you raft down the portion of your choice first, then stop for a delicious lunch at the Lost Guide Grill. Once lunch is over, you will resume your trip down the river on the opposite portion.
Now that you know the best white water rafting Gatlinburg TN trip for you, contact us today for more specific information and scheduling your Pigeon River tour.
