Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking

Whitewater rafting is one of the most pulse-pounding recreational activities available near the Great Smoky Mountains. Rafting can be enjoyed by anyone and can be done with little to no experience. There is nothing quite like speeding down river in a rubber raft crashing through rapids, over waterfalls while paddling furiously to stay on course. Check out our Attractions page to find a company for your great adventure! Rapids are classified on a scale from one to six-six being the highest and commercially unrunnable-and one being easy and mellow. There are three different class level rivers to choose from that flow near and in the Smokies. These rivers are the Nantahala, Big Pigeon, and the Ocoee Rivers. The river that you choose to raft will depend on the kind of ride for which you desire.

The Big Pigeon River is located off of Interstate 40 at exit 447 in Hartford, Tennessee. You can raft the upper or the lower float portion of the Big Pigeon. The upper is dam-controlled with scheduled water release days and has a minimum age of 8 years old and weight limit of 70 lbs. The lower float trip is a relaxed one-hour ride down river for ages three and up. The Ocoee River has two sections from which to choose, the middle and the upper "Olympic" section. The Ocoee is located in Ducktown, Tennessee not far from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Both sections of the Ocoee have an age limit of 12 years and up.

Rafters on the Ocoee are on the water for about one and a half hours. The Ocoee is dam-controlled like the Pigeon and has certain guaranteed release days. The Ocoee has class four and five rapids and was the site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Competition!

The Nantahala River is located on the Western North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, Tennessee. This river is considered to be the beginner river with rapids classed at 2s and 3s, and has a weight limit of 60 lbs. Rafters on the Nantahala River are on the river for about two and a half hours for a ride that covers eight miles.

For kayak and canoe enthusiasts, the Smoky Mountains provide many opportunities for individuals with their own equipment. Those interested in learning or simply renting equipment should not fear! The surrounding communities offer rafting and tubing adventures, as well as equipment rental. Aside from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, look to the Ocoee and Nantahala centers or smaller locally operated rental companies for assistance in planning your adventures.

Check out our Attractions page for rafting opportunities!