31 Places
Rafting & Tubing
Hit the rivers around the Smokies for whitewater rafting, lazy river tubing, and kayaking adventures. The Little River and Pigeon River are local favorites.
Sevierville
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
50-acre waterpark with Tennessee's first coaster
Bryson City
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Scenic train rides from Bryson City
Gatlinburg
Ober Mountain
Year-round mountain fun and winter sports
Hartford
Big Creek Expeditions
Rafting trips on Pigeon River
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Abrams Falls Trail
5-mile trail to powerful waterfall
Cherokee
Oconaluftee Island Park
Picnic and river activities in Cherokee
National Park
Abrams Falls - Cades Cove
Powerful 20-ft waterfall & scenic trail
Hartford
NOC Lower Pigeon Rafting
Family-friendly scenic rafting
Sevierville
Wilderness at the Smokies - Wild WaterDome
Indoor waterpark with year-round fun
Hartford
NOC Upper Pigeon Whitewater
Thrilling Class III-IV whitewater rapids
Townsend
Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing
Lazy river tubing in Townsend
National Park
Cataract Falls
Accessible waterfall near Sugarlands
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge Snow
Indoor snow tubing year-round
Hartford
Raft Outdoor Adventures
Thrilling whitewater rafting
Gatlinburg
Wild Bear Falls Water Park
Exciting water slides and lazy rivers
Bryson City, NC
Indian Creek Falls Trail
Hike to two waterfalls on Deep Creek
Sevierville
Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark
Year-round indoor waterpark fun
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Little River Trail
Scenic 12.4-mile river trail
Pigeon Forge
Little River Gem Mine & Rock Shop
Gemstone panning and mineral shop
Sevierville
Wild Bear Tubing
Year-round snow tubing experience
Townsend
The Townsend Wye
Popular swimming spot at river confluence
National Park
Baskins Creek Falls
40-foot waterfall with a 3-mile hike
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Kephart Prong Trail
Easy 4-mile trail to CCC remains
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Cucumber Gap Loop Trail
Easy 5.5-mile loop with waterfalls
Sevierville
Mountain Cove Marina - Pontoon Rentals
Pontoon boat rentals on scenic lake
Dandridge
Smoky Mountain Lake Adventures - Jet Ski Rentals
Thrilling jet ski rentals on scenic lakes
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Meigs Creek Trail
Moderate 7-mile trail with stream crossings
Gatlinburg
Mills Park
Outdoor park with playground & pavilion
Sevierville
Douglas Headwater Campground - Kayak Rentals
Kayak Douglas Lake & water fun
Pigeon Forge
Fountain Display at The Island
Water shows with music & lights
Pigeon Forge
Winterfest Riverwalk
Holiday lights along Pigeon Forge Riverwalk
What to Know
Best Seasons
The rafting season generally runs spring through early fall, with the highest water in spring. Upper Pigeon whitewater depends on dam releases, while lower Pigeon family floats run most summer days. Tubing is a hot weather favorite.
What to Bring
A swimsuit, secured water shoes or strap sandals, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Leave phones and keys in the car or a waterproof case. Outfitters provide helmets and life jackets for whitewater trips.
Finding the Right River Trip for Your Group
For Families with Young Kids
Stick to the lower Pigeon float or a gentle tubing run. The water stays calm, life jackets are provided, and guides keep the group together. It is a great first river experience.
For Thrill Seekers
Book the upper Pigeon on a dam release day for genuine class three and four whitewater. It is one of the most exciting trips in the region and the guides know every rapid by name.
For Easygoing Afternoons
Creek and lake tubing is the low effort choice. Drift, float, and cool off without a schedule. It pairs well with a picnic and a slow summer day near the water.
Tips and Getting There
Insider Tips
- For real whitewater, book the upper Pigeon on a release day. The lower river is scenic and fun but stays mild the whole way.
- Wear sandals that strap on or water shoes. Flip flops disappear in the rapids and bare feet take a beating on the rocks.
- Photos are usually shot by the outfitter at the big rapid. Decide as a group whether you want the package before you launch.
Getting There and Parking
Most whitewater outfitters are clustered near Hartford by the Pigeon River, about a forty five minute drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Tubing and lake operators are closer in around Townsend and the local rivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to swim?
What is the difference between the upper and lower Pigeon River?
How old do kids have to be to raft?
When is the best time to go?
Should I book ahead?
What should I not bring on the water?
Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide
Rafting & Tubing
Whitewater rafting and river tubing near the Smoky Mountains. Float the Little River in Townsend or raft the Pigeon River near Hartford.
Scan for live
hours & details
What to Know
Best Seasons
The rafting season generally runs spring through early fall, with the highest water in spring. Upper Pigeon whitewater depends on dam releases, while lower Pigeon family floats run most summer days. Tubing is a hot weather favorite.
What to Bring
A swimsuit, secured water shoes or strap sandals, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Leave phones and keys in the car or a waterproof case. Outfitters provide helmets and life jackets for whitewater trips.
The Checklist
| Place | Rating | Hours | Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson City | |||||
| Great Smoky Mountains Railroad | 4.6 ★ | Departures vary | (800) 872-4681 | 226 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713 | |
| Bryson City, NC | |||||
| Indian Creek Falls Trail | 4.5 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Deep Creek, Bryson City, NC | ||
| Cherokee | |||||
| Oconaluftee Island Park | 4.8 ★ | Open 24 hours | US-441, Cherokee, NC 28719 | ||
| Dandridge | |||||
| Smoky Mountain Lake Adventures - Jet Ski Rentals | 4.7 ★ | See Website | (865) 397-5555 | 376 Morgan Way, Dandridge, TN 37725 | |
| Gatlinburg | |||||
| Ober Mountain | 4.4 ★ | Mon-Sun: 9AM - 9PM | (865) 436-5423 | 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | |
| Wild Bear Falls Water Park | 4.2 ★ | 11 AM - 9 PM | (865) 430-4800 | 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | |
| Mills Park | 4.6 ★ | Dawn - 9 PM | 309 Mills Park Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | ||
| Great Smoky Mountains NP | |||||
| Abrams Falls Trail | 4.7 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Little River Trail | 4.6 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Kephart Prong Trail | 4.4 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Newfound Gap Road, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Cucumber Gap Loop Trail | 4.5 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Meigs Creek Trail | 4.3 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Little River Road, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Hartford | |||||
| Big Creek Expeditions | 4.7 ★ | Mar-Oct: 8AM-6PM | (877) 642-7238 | 3541 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 | |
| NOC Lower Pigeon Rafting | 4.6 ★ | Mar-Oct: 8AM-6PM | (828) 785-5082 | 1077 Highway 321, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | |
| NOC Upper Pigeon Whitewater | 4.7 ★ | Mar-Oct: 8AM-6PM | (828) 785-5082 | 1077 Highway 321, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | |
| Raft Outdoor Adventures | 4.7 ★ | 8 AM - 8 PM | (800) 318-9898 | 3635 Trail Hollow Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 | |
| National Park | |||||
| Abrams Falls - Cades Cove | 4.8 ★ | Daylight Hours | Abrams Falls Trail (off Cades Cove Loop Road) | ||
| Cataract Falls | 4.6 ★ | Open 24 hours | Cove Mountain Trail, Great Smoky Mountains | ||
| Baskins Creek Falls | 4.6 ★ | Daylight Hours | Baskins Creek Trail (via Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail) | ||
| Pigeon Forge | |||||
| Pigeon Forge Snow | 4.4 ★ | 10 AM - 8 PM | (865) 365-1500 | 2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | |
| Little River Gem Mine & Rock Shop | 4.8 ★ | Mon-Sat: 10AM - 5PM | (865) 774-4224 | 3324 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | |
| Fountain Display at The Island | 4.7 ★ | Hourly shows | (865) 286-0119 | 250 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | |
| Winterfest Riverwalk | 4.4 ★ | Open 24 hours | Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | ||
| Sevierville | |||||
| Soaky Mountain Waterpark | 4.5 ★ | Seasonal: Mid-May through early September, 10 AM - 7 PM | (833) 687-6259 | 175 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 | |
| Wilderness at the Smokies - Wild WaterDome | 4.3 ★ | 9 AM - 10 PM | (877) 325-9453 | 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37876 | |
| Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark | 4.5 ★ | 10 AM - 10 PM | (865) 453-7777 | 190 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 | |
| Wild Bear Tubing | 4.5 ★ | 10 AM - 5 PM (Seasonal) | (865) 774-8989 | 1980 Pittman Center Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 | |
| Mountain Cove Marina - Pontoon Rentals | 4.6 ★ | See Website | (865) 428-5070 | 1590 Dyke Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 | |
| Douglas Headwater Campground - Kayak Rentals | 4.5 ★ | See Website | (865) 933-4455 | 1680 Boat Launch Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 | |
| Townsend | |||||
| Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing | 4.6 ★ | 10 AM - 5 PM | (865) 448-8888 | 205 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN 37882 | |
| The Townsend Wye | 4.8 ★ | Open 24 hours | Laurel Creek Rd & Little River Road, Townsend, TN 37882 | ||
Picking the Right One for Your Group
For Families with Young Kids
Stick to the lower Pigeon float or a gentle tubing run. The water stays calm, life jackets are provided, and guides keep the group together. It is a great first river experience.
For Thrill Seekers
Book the upper Pigeon on a dam release day for genuine class three and four whitewater. It is one of the most exciting trips in the region and the guides know every rapid by name.
For Easygoing Afternoons
Creek and lake tubing is the low effort choice. Drift, float, and cool off without a schedule. It pairs well with a picnic and a slow summer day near the water.
Insider Tips
- For real whitewater, book the upper Pigeon on a release day. The lower river is scenic and fun but stays mild the whole way.
- Wear sandals that strap on or water shoes. Flip flops disappear in the rapids and bare feet take a beating on the rocks.
- Photos are usually shot by the outfitter at the big rapid. Decide as a group whether you want the package before you launch.