On the Water
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$49
per adult
Rafting in the Smokies
Rafting in the Smokies
5
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Inspired Fun in the Great Smoky Mountains! Offering whitewater rafting, family float trips, ziplines, a challenging ropes course, and rock climbing wall. VACATION PACKAGES FOR AFFORDABLE SMOKY MOUNTAIN FUN! Come play with us and then enjoy the rest of your day on our Family Adventure Island with complimentary picnic tables, grills, walking trail, and family playground. We are a one-stop-adventure-shop serving ages 3 and up. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. 44 years of rafting experience. Restrictions may apply. Raft with the best: Rafting in the Smokies!
Tours and Tickets by Rafting in the Smokies
Kayaking Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$45
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,334 reviews
Excellent
3,141
Very good
127
Average
31
Poor
12
Terrible
23
Cathy M
6 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
What a BLAST! We had such an awesome trip down the rapids of the upper Pigeon River with Heather as our guide. Heather asked what type of trip we wanted to have and she delivered, one rapid after another and we enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend Rafting in the Smokies with Heather as your guide, you’ll have an amazing, thrilling experience of a lifetime.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet C
Ann Arbor3 contributions
Aug 2020
We really enjoyed our white water rafting trip with Rafting in the Smokies. We appreciated, during these COVID times, that the windows on the bus transporting us to our launch site were kept open and our life jackets and helmets were dunked in a sanitizing solution immediately after we got out of our rafts. Our guide, Vince, seemed to know the river very well and gave us good instructions as to when and where to paddle. He was lots of fun while at the same time taking his job in guiding us through safely very seriously. For those who love photo documentation, Rafting in the Smokies has a photographer set up in a location where they can take great photos (for puchase).
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie J
Staunton, VA366 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
We went here on June 25, 2020 for the 1:20 lower Pigeon River rafting trip. Lindsey was our guide and she did an awesome job. This was a relaxing and fun trip, great for small children and even my teenagers. Everyone had a wonderful time. It was just under a two experience. Well worth the money and was very affordable. Pictures are offered at the end. Definitely recommend taking cash to tip your guide because they do a great job of making the experience everything you expect it to be.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina326
Arlington, IL65 contributions
Jul 2020
We had a fantastic rafting trip. My raft included family from mid 60s to 9. I personally felt safe but prepared incase something else did happen. They do a great job of telling you what to do if you do fall off (without scaring you!) We had a great guide, he was very talkative and nice and loud when it came to giving us directions. I highly recommend doing river rafting and highly recommend going with Rafting in the Smokies!!
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarriedTravelers85
St. Paul, MN6 contributions
Jun 2020
The Family Float was perfect and so much fun! We had a group of 4 adults and 3 children (ages 9, 5 and 3). Some of us had been rafting before and some had not. It was so much fun and I wish we had had more time to try the next level of rafting. The weather was cloudy and a little cool; by the end of the experience, we were all quite cold. However, it was totally worth it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
Written June 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsey W
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We had such a great experience with the white water rafting. Charlie was our guide and he made sure we were safe along with laughing the whole time. He was great.
The only downfall was if you book rafting and zip lining, allow almost 6 hours. We had a 12 pm raft time, were back at 1:30 and they said we could go right over and zip line, although our time slot was 3pm for that. We walked over and the guys turned us away because they go to lunch at 2, which is understandable, and to be back at 3. Went back at 3 and they didn’t even start putting people in gear until 3:30 almost and by that point they were so backed up, we had to cancel. Luckily they were just as understanding and did refund us our money without any trouble. I would almost recommend booking zip lining first and rafting after.
Overall the rafting was well worth the money spent and I can’t speak for the zip lining.
The only downfall was if you book rafting and zip lining, allow almost 6 hours. We had a 12 pm raft time, were back at 1:30 and they said we could go right over and zip line, although our time slot was 3pm for that. We walked over and the guys turned us away because they go to lunch at 2, which is understandable, and to be back at 3. Went back at 3 and they didn’t even start putting people in gear until 3:30 almost and by that point they were so backed up, we had to cancel. Luckily they were just as understanding and did refund us our money without any trouble. I would almost recommend booking zip lining first and rafting after.
Overall the rafting was well worth the money spent and I can’t speak for the zip lining.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JLN
Bixby, OK12 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Choose another company. This company is dishonest and is only after your money. Previous to booking our family lower float trip I contacted the reservation number to check on their COVID-19 procedures. I was told that they have procedures in place. Upon our arrival it was evident immediately that there were no procedures in place. No social distancing. No cleaning of equipment or busses. And No mask wearing by employees. When I asked the woman at check in about mask wearing she yelled at me and told me they don’t have to wear them because Cocke County doesn’t require them. I asked about getting a refund since the reservation line told us that COVID-19 procedures would be in place. She told me that we could not get our money back because it was not with in the 48 hour window.
Additionally I contacted the reservation line and asked for a manager to contact me about being misleading when booking our reservation. It is now 3 days after our trip and I have not received a phone call.
Additionally I contacted the reservation line and asked for a manager to contact me about being misleading when booking our reservation. It is now 3 days after our trip and I have not received a phone call.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad
Thompson s Station, TN1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Family
Web crushed it. We did the lower Pigeon as we had three kids age 6 and under and four adults. The adults had varying levels of experience from never, me and my wife, to experienced, our friends who joined.
He was very knowledgeable about the river, safe and fun. He answered all our questions and had a few lame jokes that made us laugh.
Web did awesome and we really appreciated him.
I will say for those who decide to go they will tell you to arrive very early. Don’t have to. Just get there an hour ahead of time. Max. Also the zip line and the ropes course are for kids 45 pounds and over so our youngest couldn’t do it. We ended up hiking and swimming in the river while we waited. Alls well that ends well.
He was very knowledgeable about the river, safe and fun. He answered all our questions and had a few lame jokes that made us laugh.
Web did awesome and we really appreciated him.
I will say for those who decide to go they will tell you to arrive very early. Don’t have to. Just get there an hour ahead of time. Max. Also the zip line and the ropes course are for kids 45 pounds and over so our youngest couldn’t do it. We ended up hiking and swimming in the river while we waited. Alls well that ends well.
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K4780SE
6 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
If you want to get COViD-19, this is the place to go. The waiting area is packed, no-one is wearing a mask, you will be packed in a raft with strangers and at the end you ride in a packed bus with no masks on. The lower run is like a lazy river, but instead of being on a tube by yourself, you are on a raft, with paddles and helmets and life vests!? The guides are funny and interesting.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah B
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Our group of 7 (3 adults and 4 kids, ages 6-10) had the best time rafting the lower river. It was a great introduction for the kids with class1-2 rapids, and our guide Nick made the whole experience even more fun with stories and jokes along the way. We highly recommend this adventure and Nick as your guide.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are tips expected? If so how much is standard?
Written June 13, 2022
Allisun G
Malvern, Arkansas
Are there any white water rafting places open on Sunday's or Monday's? They are the two days we will be in the area and seem to be the days the places I have found are closed.
Written July 2, 2021
My hubby and son are going to go rafting..my daughter in law and myself are not adventurous. What is the 10 acre island like. Are there chairs to read and relax in by the river or should we bring our own or is it flat enough to just lay on a towel like at the beach and can we swim in the river? We are Florida ppl so dont know what the mountains are like lol...Are the a restaurant and restrooms on the island ? Any nature trails ? Thanks so much !
Written June 5, 2020
The lower pigeon takes about 2 hours and is very calm
Written June 10, 2020
Is there anywhere around to stop for lunch? Prior to our rafting trip we will be in sevierville at forbidden caverns then headed to Hartford for our rafting trip looking to eat lunch more towards Hartford, any lunch ideas?
Thanks
Written February 23, 2020
Yes there is, right next to the rafting landing where you sign in, change, etc. We didn't eat there but our guide said it was very good.
Written February 23, 2020
How far is clingsman dome and cades cove from rafting in the smokies? Is it possible to both in one day?
Written January 18, 2020
It would be a full day.rafting and clingman done at sunset would be a good fit. Not all three
Written January 18, 2020
What is the address to this? We are not from the area and cannot seem to find an address. Thank you in advance.
Written June 30, 2019
3595 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753
21 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Written July 1, 2019
Has anyone done the Rafting in the Smokies Combo with ziplining and or horseback riding>?
Written June 24, 2019
Yes! we did rafting and horseback riding combo. It was worth it. Rafting was a very fun experience and the horseback riding was more peaceful and enjoyable. The rafting you do in a town about 45 min from Gatlinburg while the horseback riding is in Gatlinburg. There is a ticketing office in Gatlinburg where we picked up the pre-paid tickets for horseback riding. The Rafting in the Smokies person I spoke w/ on the phone to book everything explained the process and also sent a pretty detailed email.
Written July 5, 2019
We are thinking about going here in August 2019. Do we need to buy tickets way ahead of time or can we do day of? There are 5 or 6 of us (2-3 adults and 3 kids 11-15). Thanks!!
Written June 21, 2019
i would suggest doing that! it just ensures that you will have your tickets ready and you will have a specific departure time, so the earlier you book, the better chance you have of leaving when you want. i hope you decide to go and enjoy it! we had a blast and i would go back in a heartbeat!
Written June 22, 2019
What is the minimum amount of people allowed per raft? We have to do separate river trips for our family vacation in Pigeon Forge this summer (adults have to be available at all times to watch the little ones!), and I only have 2-4 adults that prefer white water rafter to kayaking...Would they for sure be placed with other random people in their raft?
Written June 16, 2019
There were 3 of us and we were placed with 2 others plus the guide.
Written June 23, 2019
We are s family of 4 .. a very adventurous 10 year olds bit of a scaredy cat 6 year old , a scaredy mom who's not a big water fan and a dad whom is pretty adventurous.
We ate wondering if we book the lower river.. Will put 10yo be disappointed ... or should we split up and 2 of us do the lower and our 10 yo and hubby do the upper rafting... thoughts please?
Written July 9, 2018
The lower river is more of a family float. There is a little excitement on the lower river and so if you want to keep it a fun family affair, then do the lower together and everyone will have a blast for the first time. If you don’t mind being split up and Dad wants to push himself with 10yr old, then it will be a ride of a lifetime...but they should be good swimmers. If they don’t follow directions, well they will go in! The upper is class 3 and 4+. It’s a ton of fun and we just brought my 11 almost 12 year old this year...after my wife and I did it 2 yrs ago. The guide makes the difference and so request Staci if you do upper! Hope this helps!
Written July 10, 2018
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