5 Tips for White Water Rafting in the Smoky Mountains as a Family

Looking for a new kind of adventure for your next family vacation? Come to Tennessee and let Smoky Mountain Outdoors take you white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains! We offer family-friendly rafting trips near Gatlinburg that provide the excitement of a lifetime. To guarantee you have the best time when you visit us, we’ve made a list of some helpful tips for planning! Here are 5 tips for white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains as a family:

1. Choose the perfect date during the rafting season.

Smoky Mountain Outdoors is open from early spring through early fall. Since the flow of the river is regulated by a dam upstream, the schedule of rafting trips can vary depending on which time of year you choose. The spring and fall trip availability will be based on local rainfall. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the flow is consistent, and we can schedule accordingly. During the summer months, we raft Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday!

Since this is such a popular attraction, reservations should be made as early as possible, especially if you are planning a summer vacation. Please note that trips will not be cancelled due to rain! White water rafting in the Smoky Mountains is one of the best rainy-day activities because getting wet is part of the fun! However, we may delay the trip for a few minutes to allow a strong storm to pass.

2. Pack What to Wear White Water Rafting

One sure thing about a Smoky Mountain Outdoors adventure is that you will get wet! Packing appropriately will ensure each family member has the most comfortable experience. Avoid wearing anything made from cotton, wool, or denim. Fleece or other synthetic items are recommended in the spring and fall. For those coming during the summer months, be sure to pack shorts and be aware that jeans and denim are not allowed. Bathing suits or tee shirts may be worn.

Proper footwear is very important. Shoes must be secure, so tennis shoes or sandals with a back strap are recommended. Flip-flops are not allowed. Each family member should also bring a change of clothes, shoes, and a towel with them.

3. Don’t stress out about safety.

Safety is a top priority at Smoky Mountain Outdoors, and families can be assured the guides here are very well-trained and offer a fun and exciting experience for ages three and up. All of our trips are fully guided. Their calm, friendly personalities and terrific senses of humor are sure to put all family members at ease.

Each rafting adventure begins with a 20-minute safety lesson. Participants are also given a personal flotation device approved by the Coast Guard!

4. Pick the right rafting trip for your family.

Although no prior experience is necessary for any of our adventures, choosing the right trip for your family is very important. The Lower Pigeon River trip is best for families with young children. With a slower pace and less challenging rapids, this five-and-a-half-mile excursion is packed with beautiful scenery and lots of splashing fun!

Not for the faint of heart, the Upper Pigeon River trip is two hours of exhilarating adventure. Rafters navigate plenty of heart-stopping drops and sizeable waves as they follow the guide’s commands for paddling through the moving waters. No one younger than 8 years of age or weighing less than 70 pounds can take this trip, so factor that into your planning. If you’re looking for a thrill, this is the trip to go on!

For a really special treat, reserve a combo trip and raft both the Upper and Lower River sections. What a spectacular day for the whole family!

5. Take advantage of our attraction packages.

Once you decide on white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains, consider one of the packages offered by Smoky Mountains Outdoors. We have an incredible rafting and zipline package that allows you to visit us on the river, as well as go on an incredible zipline tour with CLIMBworks in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a peaceful, scenic drive from our outpost and is home to more family fun. If you choose to take the drive to Gatlinburg, we also recommend taking advantage of our discount attraction packages that help you save at popular Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions, like Anakeesta! This is the perfect way to make the most of your family’s white water rafting trip in the Smoky Mountains.

Are you ready to go white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains with your family? Take a look at our trips, and make your reservations on the river today!