Going white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains is an exciting adventure that you won’t want to miss! Before you grab a paddle and jump in, make sure you have everything you need for your rafting trip. We’ve put together this list of things to bring for a successful and enjoyable white water rafting trip in the Smoky mountains:
Clothing for White Water Rafting
One of the most important things you need to know is what to wear white water rafting. Make sure you wear clothing that you can get wet, as you will get splashed and sprayed as you navigate the rapids on the river. Lightweight synthetic materials are best because they dry quickly. You could also wear a bathing suit or T-shirt and shorts that you’re comfortable getting wet in. Stay away from jeans and sweatpants, as these hold a lot of water and take a long time to dry. We recommend bringing an extra set of dry clothes and shoes to change into after your white water rafting trip so you can be nice and dry for your car ride.
Secure Footwear
When deciding on footwear for your white water rafting trip, you’ll want to choose shoes with a strap that goes around your heel and keeps them secure on your feet. You don’t want your shoes to fall off while you’re out on the river. We recommend water shoes, sports sandals with a heel strap, or deck shoes that are waterproof, as your feet will get wet. If you’re okay with soggy socks, you could also wear an old pair of sneakers that you don’t mind getting wet. For your safety, bare feet and flip-flops are not allowed.
Sun Protection
There’s no shade in the middle of the Pigeon River, so you will likely be exposed to a lot of sun during your white water rafting trip. We recommend wearing sunscreen and a lip balm with SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. You may also want to wear a hat to shade your face. Just make sure it’s a hat that you don’t mind getting wet. If you want to wear sunglasses, we encourage you to choose a pair with plastic lenses and a strap.
Other Items to Bring
You’ll definitely want to bring a towel to dry off after your white water rafting trip. If you want to take photos during your adventure, bring a waterproof camera. We recommend a disposable waterproof camera in case it gets lost in the rapids. If you need to bring anything that isn’t waterproof on your trip, pack a dry bag with a clip to protect these items. This is a great way to store any emergency medications you may need to keep on hand during your trip.
What We Provide
You only need to worry about bringing personal items on your white water rafting trip. Our Smoky Mountain river rafting outpost provides everything else you’ll need for a safe and successful time on the river. We provide you with a raft, life jacket, helmet, and paddle. Each raft has a guide who is well-trained and equipped with additional safety and rescue gear, so you can rest assured that we are prepared for any situation that could arise on the river.
Book Your Next Smoky Mountain White Water Rafting Trip
Make sure you bring these items to have a fun and safe white water rafting trip in the Smoky Mountains! Are you ready to plan your next outdoor adventure? Learn more about our Smoky Mountain rafting trips and book yours today!
