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August 17th, 2021
Happy group kayaking in Gatlinburg, one of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains.

5 Reasons Kayaking in Gatlinburg is One of the Top Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

March 19, 2015 August 17th, 2021

We no longer offer inflatable kayaking trips.

Offering exciting fun on the beautiful Pigeon River, kayaking in Gatlinburg is one of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, you will love paddling down the river with Smoky Mountain Outdoors. Here are the top five reasons kayaking is a fantastic vacation activity:  

1. You’ll be Riding in High Performance Inflatable Kayaks

Smoky Mountain Outdoors uses an advanced, high performance type of inflatable kayak to ensure your comfort and safety. These kayaks are designed especially for the kind of rapids you’ll encounter on the Lower Pigeon River. Our kayaks are comfortable and easy to handle, even for beginners. This type of kayak, which is much lighter than the standard, rigid variety of kayak, is actually more stable and less likely to capsize.

2. A Fun Way to Spend the Day with Friends or Family MembersParent and child kayaking in Gatlinburg.

Kayaking in Gatlinburg is a fun and exciting way to spend time with your friends and family members while you’re on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s a healthy and wholesome activity that will provide you with many hours of enjoyment. If you are already an experienced kayaker, you can help your novice companions learn the ropes. If you are new to the sport yourself, you will be picking up a new hobby that you are probably going to want to try again as soon as possible!

3. All Trips Are Guided

Although you will be in your own kayak, you will never be alone in the water. Our guides will instruct you regarding safety and paddling techniques. They will also be nearby to escort you and make sure you stay on course. You’ll learn various ways to maneuver in the water, such as spinning, surfing, and sliding. Regardless of your experience, you will definitely emerge a more skilled kayaker after your trip!

4. A Healthy Form of Exercise

Kayaking is a vigorous sport that involves both muscular effort and cardiovascular exertion. Operating a kayak requires you to use both your lower and upper body. This makes it a thorough and fun whole body workout. You will also enjoy the benefits of breathing in fresh Smoky Mountain air as you exercise! Once you learn how to kayak, you can find many places to practice this exciting sport.

Family kayaking in Gatlinburg, one of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains.5. Kayaking is a Way to Feel Closer to Nature

Many people find that kayaking is a kind of active meditation. While it requires effort, you also have to stay very alert and pay close attention to your environment. This makes it an excellent way to feel closer to nature. As you conquer the rapids of the Pigeon River with a day of kayaking in Gatlinburg, you can take in all of the area’s spectacular natural beauty.

If you’re looking for more popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains, check out our Whitewater Rafting & Zipline combo package. Combining an exciting whitewater rafting trip from Smoky Mountain Outdoors with a thrilling canopy tour from CLIMB Works, this package is the ultimate way to experience everything the Gatlinburg area has to offer.