6 Things We Love About Rafting in the Smokies

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure like no other, consider a white water rafting trip at Smoky Mountain Outdoors this spring. Our high energy journeys down the gorgeous Pigeon River in the Great Smoky Mountains are an unforgettable way to see the natural beauty of East Tennessee. Here are our six favorite things about white water rafting in the Smokies:  

1. Perfect For Beginners

We offer rafting trips for people of all experience levels. The Lower Pigeon River offers a five and a half mile ride with many mild Class 1 and Class 2 rapids. This is ideal for people who want to enjoy all the fun of white water rafting in a gentle environment. The Lower Pigeon is also perfect for kids or older rafters.

2. Rafting That’s a Real Adventure

For more adventurous rafters, the Upper Pigeon River offers exhilarating Class 3 and 4 rapids. This is a six and a half mile trip through incredible Smoky Mountains scenery. You will get to experience plenty of surfing, drops, and big waves on an Upper Pigeon River rafting adventure. Guests can also take advantage of our combo trips, which combine the best of  both the Lower and Upper Pigeon River.

3. Rafting is Safe as Well as Fun

You can be assured that your white water rafting trip is safe and enjoyable. Everyone who rafts with us at Smoky Mountain Outdoors is issued a coast guard-approved flotation device. This makes rafting safe even if you don’t know how to swim. We have been offering rafting in the Smokies for over 20 years and only hire the most experienced and well trained staff. All trips are fully guided and you will be instructed on all of the practices essential for a safe trip.

4. Group Rafting Trips

Nothing is more fun than getting together with the whole family or a group of friends and going rafting! Guests even get special group rates when they reserve with a large party. For every ten people you bring, one person gets to go for free. Group rafting is ideal for big families, reunions, or corporate events. Rafting is an activity that naturally fosters teamwork, making it a fantastic way to bring people closer together.

5. Conveniently Located

Even though your rafting adventure will take you out into the pristine wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains region, our Pigeon River outpost is less than an hour from Gatlinburg and close to other nearby cities such as Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. This means if you are staying in one of the area’s hotels or cabins, you won’t have to travel far at all.

6. You Can Combine Hiking and Rafting

If you want to make the most out of your day at Smoky Mountain Outdoors, you can sign up for our Hike and Paddle Package, which begins with a morning hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hike takes you through some of the park’s most beautiful areas. After lunch by the river, you will embark upon your rafting adventure. This is the perfect way to experience the great outdoors on foot and in the water.

Give us a call today to schedule your rafting adventure in the Smokies!