How to Plan the Ultimate River Rafting Near Gatlinburg TN Trip
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States! Blessed with an unparalleled location at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this charming city offers a seemingly endless variety of fun attractions and activities. Here at Smoky Mountain Outdoors, we believe that no getaway to Gatlinburg is complete without taking a scenic drive to our outpost for a white water rafting adventure on the Pigeon River. To help you make the most of your trip, we have put together a guide to planning a Smoky Mountain vacation that includes river rafting near Gatlinburg TN.
When to Visit the Gatlinburg Area
Gatlinburg is a popular destination all year long. However, if taking a white water rafting trip is on your vacation itinerary, be sure to plan your trip to coincide with the rafting season! The Pigeon River is controlled by a dam, so it has a standard schedule of water releases. During the spring and fall, trip availability is based on local rainfall, and our trips are dependent on natural flow. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the flow is consistent, and we can schedule accordingly! For the most up-to-date rafting trip dates and times, visit our Trips page.
If you have any questions about when Smoky Mountain Outdoors schedules its trips, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff! Anyone who can’t make it to Gatlinburg during the spring or summer should check out our guide to the best activities for the white water rafting off season.
Where to Stay Near Gatlinburg
There is no shortage of places to stay in the Gatlinburg region! The downtown area offers many hotels and condos, while the foothills of the mountains are home to thousands of cabin rentals and chalets. As you consider where to stay, keep in mind that the city of Gatlinburg is about 40 minutes from Smoky Mountain Outdoors.
If you would like to go camping during your vacation, we suggest staying at Pigeon River Campground. Located literally just steps away from Smoky Mountain Outdoors, this campground is perfect for folks who can’t wait to get out on the water. Pigeon River Campground offers tent camping, RV hook-ups, and a number of camping cabins situated right on the Pigeon River. Guests will love being near our rafting outpost, as well as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest. When you stay at Pigeon River Campground, you’ll have access to fun amenities like a Kangaroo jumping pillow, seasonal outdoor pool, outdoor games, and more. Enjoy a comfortable stay while being surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies!
Which Rafting Trip to Choose
Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers a number of fun ways to go river rafting near Gatlinburg TN. If everyone in your group is at least 8 years old or 70 pounds, we suggest choosing our Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip. This thrilling ride features roughly 70 rapids ranging from Class 1 to Class 4. No prior experience is necessary, and you don’t even need to know how to swim. It’s the longest trip on the Pigeon River!
If you are traveling with children who are at least 3 years old but don’t meet the age/weight requirements for the Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip, consider taking our Lower Pigeon River Rafting Trip. This calm ride features Class 1 and Class 2 rapids and plenty of beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery. The Lower Pigeon River Trip is also great for anyone looking for a relaxing float rather than an exhilarating adventure. There’s also opportunities to get out of the raft and splash around in the river!
In addition to the trips listed above, Smoky Mountain Outdoors also offers a special Upper Pigeon River Extreme Rafting Trip for guests with some previous rafting experience who are looking for a thrill. This trip runs from May through September and features a smaller raft, meaning you’ll feel bigger hits. It’s a fast and dynamic experience. If you can’t decide which trip to take when you go river rafting near Gatlinburg TN, choose the combo package, which allows you to experience both the Upper and the Lower Pigeon River!
Plan Your River Rafting Near Gatlinburg TN Trip
You don’t want to miss your chance to enjoy river rafting near Gatlinburg TN! Take a look at all of our trips, and book your adventure today.
