White Water Rafting Gatlinburg TN: 4 Ways to Save Up to 26% Off

Dive into a wet and wild adventure on the Pigeon River! Here’s your ultimate guide to white water rafting in Gatlinburg.

White water rafting in the Pigeon River has been a favorite outdoor activity in Gatlinburg and Pigeon River for decades! Your river rafting trip consists of gorgeous mountain views, thrilling class III and IV rapids, or, if you prefer, a relaxing ride and swimming on the lower Pigeon River!

Whether you have a thirst for adventure or want to serenely paddle down a river with friends and family, we recommend white water rafting Tennessee as part of your Gatlinburg vacation! But first…

What is a whitewater rafting trip?

A white water rafting trip is one of the most thrilling recreational outdoor activities that uses an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other body of water.

This adventure is particularly exciting when undertaken on rivers with varying degrees of rough water, known as white water, challenging rafters with waves, rocks, and other obstacles.

It’s not just about the adrenaline rush, though. It’s also an opportunity to experience stunning natural landscapes, bond with fellow rafters, and learn new skills under the guidance of experienced guides.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rafter, a white water rafting trip offers a unique and unforgettable way to engage with the great outdoors!

People White Water Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Smoky Mountain Outdoors via Facebook

White Water Rafting Gatlinburg Discount Tickets

So you’ve decided you’re ready to experience the greatest white water rafting experience of your life. You’re ready to pack your things and travel to the beautiful Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, but there’s still one question you need an answer to.

How much is white water rafting in Gatlinburg, TN? The simple answer is it depends!

White water rafting prices depend on the inclusions in your package and the duration of the rafting experience, among other things. We wanted to give you the top 4 Gatlinburg rafting experiences at discounted prices, which you’ll see below.

Rafting with Big Creek Expeditions at 3671 Hartford Road is recommended for families with children. This white water rafting experience in Gatlinburg is perfect for families with kids as young as three! No need to worry about a lost guide here! Your guide is a guaranteed river expert!

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC is recommended for the ultimate thrill-seekers! Nantahala Outdoor Center at NOC Pigeon River Outpost invites experienced white water rafters to three full hours of rafting excitement and scenery. Get ready for class III-IV white water rapids on this upper Pigeon trip!

Related Post: Gatlinburg TN Itinerary – Your Ultimate Blueprint for an Unforgettable Vacation

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors at 3299 Hartford Rd is recommended for guests looking for a more relaxed rafting experience. Older adults or those just wanting to experience rafting at a free and easy pace will have the best time with Smoky Mountain Outdoors.

Psst.. Did you know that SMO is celebrating 30 years of river rafting fun? Don’t miss out on the celebration!

Rafting in the Smokies is recommended for those who want to pack a ton of adventures in their itinerary! Along with white water rafting the upper Pigeon River, Rafting in the Smokies also offers canopy ziplining, ropes courses, rock climbing, and much more! Start your adventure at 3595 Hartford Rd.

group white water rafting in Gatlinburg Tennessee

Gatlinburg White Water Rafting Coupons and Discounts

White Water Rafting Gatlinburg Military Discount

Veterans and active military service members don’t need to look for rafting in the Smokies discount code! Nantahala Outdoor Center is known for celebrating veterans and active military members with free white water rafting every July 4th! Be prepared to provide proof of service upon trip check-in.

White Water Rafting Gatlinburg AAA Discount

We regret to inform you that there is currently no AAA discount for white water rafting in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. However, you can still have the best upper-section white water rafting experience in Gatlinburg at discounted prices!

The top 4 Gatlinburg white water rafting outfitters offer discounted white water rafting tickets for single travelers, small groups, and big groups on Tripster. Raft the upper region, the lower region, or both at more affordable rates!

Group of People White Water Rafting

Rafting in Tennessee: Senior Discount

There is currently no senior discount for white water rafting in Gatlinburg, TN. However, that’s not to say that there are no discount tickets at all!

Related Post: Packing List for Pigeon Forge Trip – The Ultimate Checklist

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, which offers family-friendly lower Pigeon River rafting trips, has discounted tickets on Tripster.

Whitewater Rafting Adventure: Group Travel Deals

Planning a whitewater rafting trip with a group of 10 or more? Big Creek Expeditions is offering special rates for groups!

No matter your reason for gathering in the Smoky Mountains, river trips with Big Creek Expeditions will provide an experience that will leave you and your group solidified and feeling accomplished.

Hotels Near White Water Rafting Gatlinburg

Rafting on the lower Pigeon River is perfect for little kids and leisurely rafters. However, rafting the upper pigeon will take you through class III to IV rapids! Talk about extreme upper river rafting!

The entire experience is thrilling and totally unforgettable, but we know you’ll want a nearby comfortable bed to sink into right after! Here are the top nearby Gatlinburg hotels that will give you the best comfort creatures when you need it most:

Exterior ground view of the Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA

Gatlinburg Attractions

Smoky Mountain Llama Treks

Gatlinburg outdoor adventures aren’t just made on the Pigeon River. You can also make it up the Smoky Mountain with llamas by your side!

Smoky Mountain Llama Treks at 640 Padgett Mill Road welcomes adventurers to join an experienced guide along with fluffy and trained llamas up the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

Marvel at the views, take in the wildlife and scenery, and make new memories with the friendly llamas!

Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

Ober Gatlinburg is a magnet for outdoor sports enthusiasts all year round. After white water rafting in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head to Ober Gatlinburg at 1001 Parkway for more outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and seasonal outdoor activities. Don’t forget to ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway!

Enjoy spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains on a 10-minute journey up the mountain. Trying to decide which mountain-top theme park to visit? Read our guide and then decide which is better: Anakeesta vs. Ober Gatlinburg.

Anakeesta

Anakeesta at 576 Parkway is not your ordinary outdoor adventure theme park. Here, you’ll enjoy top-notch treetop adventures, shopping, dining, and entertainment–surrounded by epic mountain views!

We’re ready to go just for the breathtaking scenery, but we know you’ll also enjoy riding the mountain coaster, chondola, and much more!

Looking for tips and tricks to score Anakeesta discount tickets? Read our ultimate guide to uncover all the ways to save!

aerial view of Anakeesta surrounded by trees with mountains in distance during day in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Anakeesta via Facebook

Insider White Water Rafting Pigeon Forge TN Tips

Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Rafting: What to Bring

While guests can bring cameras on the trip, we do not recommend taking anything with you that you do not wish to get wet or, worse, drop on the Pigeon River! If you must take your phones or cameras with you, we recommend bringing waterproof cases as well.

Related Post: Pigeon Forge Spring Break – Your Complete Guide

Your Gatlinburg white water rafting experience, including Big Creek Expeditions, comes with a professional photographer, so you can just focus on your rafting adventure in the Smoky Mountains! You’ll be able to purchase individual photos or a USB drive after your trip.

And of course, don’t forget to bring a set of dry clothes to change into after your trip. Socks, too, if necessary!

White Water Rafting Near Gatlinburg: What to Wear

Wondering what to wear for white water rafting? Put secure footwear number one on your list; it’s a requirement on the river. Regarding clothes, wear something that you’ll be comfortable getting wet in! Soaking wet is an understatement.

group of people on raft holding oars for AVA White Water Rafting in Buena Vista, Colorado, USA
photo credit: AVA Rafting & Zipline via Facebook

Little Pigeon River Rafting Parking

Rafting in the Smokies, directions are easy to follow! The outpost’s address is 813 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

The rest of the rafting outfitters and outposts are located along Hartford Rd Hartford TN 37753 next to the Pigeon River, also known as the “Gateway to the Smokies.”

Gatlinburg White Water Rafting Reviews

Want to find out what other readers think of White Water Rafting Gatlinburg? Check out the most recent River Rafting Smoky Mountain reviews.

White water rafting in the Smokies or even canoeing in Gatlinburg is a great experience for solo travelers, small groups, and big groups!

Meet new friends, use the time as a great team-building experience, or just spend time trying new outdoor adventures with the people you love the most!

White Water Rafting in Gatlinburg FAQs

Absolutely, white water rafting is not just an exhilarating adventure; there are thousands of health benefits as well. Engaging in this sport can improve your cardiovascular fitness, boost your adrenaline, and enhance muscle strength.

It's also a great way to relieve stress and improve mental well-being, as navigating the rapids requires focus and teamwork. Plus, the sense of accomplishment and connection with nature you get is unmatched.

Have You Been White Water Rafting in The Smoky Mountains?

What was your favorite part of rafting in Pigeon Forge TN? Can you suggest more white water rafting near Gatlinburg TN spots? Share with us below your best white water raft outdoor adventures!


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Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...


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