Embark on a rip-roaring rafting adventure on the most challenging rivers along the Smoky Mountains! Surrounded by lush forests and stunningly scenic panoramas on all sides, whitewater rafting on famous local rivers like Pigeon River will plunge you headfirst into the Cherokee National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Appalachian Trail, and the Martha Sundquist State Forest.
What to Know Before Whitewater Rafting near Gatlinburg
Rafting charter services like Rafting in the Smokies will take you to the uppermost portion of Pigeon River, which is renowned for its whitewater rafting near Gatlinburg. Spanning about five and a half miles of river, the rapids that you’ll encounter while in the company of these expert guides will mostly range from Class III to Class IV, though many rafting charters will also have options for those who want the option of thrill-seeking on a Class V rapid (the most challenging and risky type of river rapid).
These guide services will include life jackets and/or personal flotation devices (PFDs), helmets, and all of the gear needed to traverse the river. There’s usually an age or weight requirement for whitewater rafting near Gatlinburg on the upper parts of the Pigeon River as well, specifically for those eight years and above, or seventy pounds and over, due to the strenuous and physically demanding nature of these rafting trips.
Rafting along the Pigeon River normally takes about an hour and a half. Scheduled water releases from the dam that controls Pigeon River occur from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturdays. We recommend reserving your rafting trip ahead of time to ensure that you get your pick of the date and time, though many charters also take walk-ins.
When preparing for your whitewater rafting trip near Gatlinburg, be sure to wear quick-drying materials for shorts, t-shirts, or swimsuits; you are guaranteed to get wet while on the river, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re wearing something you’re comfortable getting wet in. Recommended footwear includes tennis shoes, deck shoes, or river sandals. Do not wear flip flops, crocs, jewelry, or any loose articles of clothing that can come off easily. Be sure to bring an extra change of clothes and a towel as well. Tickets range from $42 per person to a season pass for $69, though special promotional discounts and packages are also offered.
The Cabin Rental Store – Where Your Gatlinburg Vacation Begins
Contact our team of reservation specialists to learn more about whitewater rafting near Gatlinburg and other thrilling activities in Gatlinburg TN that are waiting for you in this beautiful Tennessee town when you reserve your stay in one of the unbelievably luxe vacation rental properties that The Cabin Rental Store has available for your trip accommodations today!
