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Grab a paddle and join an experienced rafting guide on one of Tennessee’s beautiful rivers. Whether you want heart-pounding whitewater adventures or a scenic float, suitable for kids, river rafting is an unmissable part of any visit to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
A few tips:
- Most rafting doesn’t require any previous experience.
- Many trips are appropriate for young children.
- Most rapids mentioned here range from Class 1 (gentle) to Class 4 (more difficult and turbulent). The highest levels of rapids, 5 and 6, are for experienced rafters.
1. Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting
SMO’s offerings include a 6.5-mile trip through Class 3 and 4 rapids, and a separate, scenic raft trip that’s just right for families. For fun in the air as well as on the water, get a combo ticket for rafting and ziplining.
2. Smoky Mountain River Rat
Choose among four different trips, including an “extreme trip” for thrill-seekers, a family rafting ride, and a full-day trip. If rafting isn’t your thing, try tubing: Gliding downstream, floating in an inner tube, at the river’s own gentle pace.
3. Nantahala Outdoor Center
This 40-year-old outdoor center leads rafting trips along several Tennessee and North Carolina rivers, with adventures ranging from challenging whitewater to family-friendly trips. Kayaking, canoeing, paddling lessons, and ziplining are also available.
4. Big Creek Expeditions
Conquer the rapids, take a calmer “float trip,” or combine both into a day-long outing. Back on land, go horseback riding along trails with spectacular views, or book a ride on the highest zipline east of the Grand Canyon.
5. Big Bear Rafting
Big Bear’s whitewater trip takes you through Class 3 and 4 rapids, suitable for adventurers as young as eight. A gentler but still exciting ride through Class 1 and 2 rapids is a great beginner’s trip, suitable for kids as young as three.
6. Raft Outdoor Adventures
This outfitter offers two trips. One takes you through “beginner-friendly” rapids for groups including kids ages four through seven. The other trip features Class III rapids appropriate for everyone aged eight and up.
Make a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin your home base for outdoor adventures. Reserve a Smoky Mountain cabin now and start planning your getaway in the Smokies.
