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A group of people river rafting in the Smokies.
January 25, 2017

The Great Smoky Mountains are Heaven on earth for nature lovers. Whether you choose to hike the trails, see the sights on horseback or drive the leisurely Cades Cove loop, you’ll be in awe of the beauty that surround you in every direction. For a new and exciting way to enjoy the Smokies, we recommend spending a day river rafting in the Smokies! In order to help you make the most of your day on the water, we’ve put together a list of our top 4 tips to make sure your family has a splash!

1. Check the Forecast

When planning your day of river rafting in the Smokies, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the forecast to see what the weather will be like during your trip. Our rafting tours are rain or shine, so don’t feel like you have to cancel your trip because of a little rain, but you’ll want to be prepared with the proper clothes no matter the weather conditions. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and you’ll definitely want to wear something that can get wet!

2. Bring Sunscreen and Proper ClothingA woman putting on sunscreen.

If you’re planning your white water rafting trip for the spring season when it isn’t quite hot outside yet, you’ll want to avoid cotton clothing because it will absorb water and make you feel cold. We recommend wearing fleece, and we provide nylon jackets and pants to wear over your clothing to help keep you dry.

If you’re traveling in the heat of the summer, the best bet is to wear shorts and a bathing suit. This will keep you cool and allow you to soak up some sun!

No matter what season you’re visiting, you’ll need to wear either tennis shoes or sports sandals. No flip flops allowed! And don’t forget your sunscreen and a change of clothes for the ride home!

3. Choose a Package

When you’ve finished your time river rafting in the Smokies, it doesn’t mean that your fun day in the Smokies has to be over! We offer several package deals to help you extend the adventure while saving a little money. For the 2 best ways to see the sights and soak in the beauty of the mountains, we’ve partnered with Climbworks to offer a river rafting and zipline combo package. You’ll love taking in the views while floating down the river and then getting a whole new perspective from high in the sky!

We also offer a variety of packages with some of the Smoky Mountain’s other popular attractions, including Dollywood, the Dixie Stampede and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! There’s nothing more fun than spending the day on the river and then spending the evening enjoying a dinner show or a concert!

A group of friends posing for a photo before their rafting trip.4. Invite Some Friends

Last but not least, you’ll have an even better time on your white water rafting trip when you invite a group of friends along for the fun! Experiencing a new and exciting adventure with friends will help you bond and will create memories that you’ll share for a lifetime. Read about our whitewater rafting group information, and start inviting your friends today!

No Smoky Mountain vacation is complete without a day of river rafting in the Smokies, so make your reservations today!

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Rafting Experiences

Upper Pigeon River
  • Moderate Trip - 2 Hours
  • Ages 8+ or 70lbs
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Lower Pigeon River
  • Easy - 1 to 1/2 Hours
  • Trip times may vary with water levels
  • Ages 3+
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Extreme Upper Pigeon River
  • Moderate - 1 1/2 to 2 Hours
  • Trip times may vary with water levels
  • Ages 12+
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