15 Places
Water Adventures
Explore a variety of water adventures in the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. From whitewater rafting to serene swimming holes, find the perfect way to enjoy the region's rivers and lakes.
Hartford
Big Creek Expeditions
Rafting trips on Pigeon River
Hartford
NOC Lower Pigeon Rafting
Family-friendly scenic rafting
Hartford
NOC Upper Pigeon Whitewater
Thrilling Class III-IV whitewater rapids
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge Snow
Indoor snow tubing year-round
Hartford
Raft Outdoor Adventures
Thrilling whitewater rafting
National Park
Spruce Flats Falls - Swimming Hole!
Swim at scenic Spruce Flats Falls
Townsend
The Townsend Wye
Popular swimming spot at river confluence
Dandridge
Lakeside Resort & Marina + Cowboy's Bar & Grill
Scenic marina and bar with views
Gatlinburg
NOC - Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg
Outdoor gear & adventure trips
Sevierville
Douglas Headwater Campground - Kayak Rentals
Kayak Douglas Lake & water fun
Dandridge
Douglas Lake Marina Boat Rentals
Pontoon & Fishing Boat Rentals
Dandridge
Smoky Mountain H2O Sports
Boat & Jet Ski Rentals on Douglas Lake
Pigeon Forge
Winterfest Riverwalk
Holiday lights along Pigeon Forge Riverwalk
Dandridge
Vet Adventures Watercraft Rentals
Jet Skis & Party Boats for Fun
Dandridge
Lake Life Pontoon Rentals
Full & Half Day Pontoon Rentals
Picking the Right Water for Your Group
For Families with Young Kids
Visit Spruce Flats Falls Swimming Hole for a safe and scenic spot to cool off. The Townsend Wye offers gentle waters ideal for beginner paddlers and family picnics.
For Adventure Seekers
Try whitewater rafting with Big Creek Expeditions or NOC Lower and Upper Pigeon Rafting for exciting river rapids. Pigeon Forge Snow provides snow tubing during winter months for an alternative water-based thrill.
For Boat Enthusiasts
Lakeside Resort Marina Cowboy S Bar offers boat rentals and lake access perfect for fishing or relaxing on the water. Explore scenic lake views at your own pace.
For Couples or Groups Looking to Relax
Enjoy a peaceful day at The Townsend Wye or Spruce Flats Falls Swimming Hole where you can swim, picnic, and take in natural surroundings away from crowds.
For Visitors Interested in Guided Outdoor Experiences
Raft Outdoor Adventures provides expert guides for river trips suited to various skill levels. Big Creek Expeditions also offers well-organized rafting tours that combine safety and scenic beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of water activities are available in the Smoky Mountains?
Are there water adventures suitable for families with young children?
Do I need prior experience to go whitewater rafting here?
Can I rent boats or kayaks in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area?
Is snow tubing considered a water adventure in this region?
Are there swimming holes accessible to the public?
Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide
Water Adventures
Discover water adventures in the Smoky Mountains including rafting, swimming holes, and boat rentals around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
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hours & details
The Checklist
| Place | Rating | Hours | Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dandridge | |||||
| Lakeside Resort & Marina + Cowboy's Bar & Grill | 4.5 ★ | See Website | (865) 397-2822 | 1435 TN-139, Dandridge, TN 37725 | |
| Douglas Lake Marina Boat Rentals | 4.6 ★ | Daily 8am-6pm (seasonal) | (865) 397-3141 | 1170 TN-139, Dandridge, TN 37725 | |
| Smoky Mountain H2O Sports | 4.5 ★ | Daily 9am-6pm (seasonal) | (865) 397-1800 | Douglas Lake, Dandridge, TN | |
| Vet Adventures Watercraft Rentals | 4.5 ★ | Daily 9am-6pm (seasonal) | Douglas Lake, TN | ||
| Lake Life Pontoon Rentals | 4.4 ★ | Daily 9am-6pm (seasonal) | Douglas Lake area, TN | ||
| Gatlinburg | |||||
| NOC - Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg | 4.5 ★ | 10 AM - 6 PM | (828) 785-5082 | 1138 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | |
| 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 | |||||
| Spruce Flats Falls - Swimming Hole! | 4.7 ★ | Daylight Hours | Upper Tremont Road, GSMNP (near Townsend) | ||
| Pigeon Forge | |||||
| Pigeon Forge Snow | 4.4 ★ | 10 AM - 8 PM | (865) 365-1500 | 2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | |
| Winterfest Riverwalk | 4.4 ★ | Open 24 hours | Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | ||
| Sevierville | |||||
| Douglas Headwater Campground - Kayak Rentals | 4.5 ★ | See Website | (865) 933-4455 | 1680 Boat Launch Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 | |
| Townsend | |||||
| 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
Visit Spruce Flats Falls Swimming Hole for a safe and scenic spot to cool off. The Townsend Wye offers gentle waters ideal for beginner paddlers and family picnics.
For Adventure Seekers
Try whitewater rafting with Big Creek Expeditions or NOC Lower and Upper Pigeon Rafting for exciting river rapids. Pigeon Forge Snow provides snow tubing during winter months for an alternative water-based thrill.
For Boat Enthusiasts
Lakeside Resort Marina Cowboy S Bar offers boat rentals and lake access perfect for fishing or relaxing on the water. Explore scenic lake views at your own pace.
For Couples or Groups Looking to Relax
Enjoy a peaceful day at The Townsend Wye or Spruce Flats Falls Swimming Hole where you can swim, picnic, and take in natural surroundings away from crowds.
For Visitors Interested in Guided Outdoor Experiences
Raft Outdoor Adventures provides expert guides for river trips suited to various skill levels. Big Creek Expeditions also offers well-organized rafting tours that combine safety and scenic beauty.