More Gatlinburg Sports to Try: White Water Rafting and Kayaking with Smoky Mountain Outdoors
If you’re in town for a tournament at Rocky Top Sports World, be sure to take advantage of all the other excellent Gatlinburg sports opportunities in the area. Located just a short drive away from our sports campus, Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers exciting white water rafting, kayaking, and hike and paddle excursions through some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery! Read on to learn about all of the thrilling trips offered at Smoky Mountain Outdoors.
Lower Pigeon River Rafting
The Lower Pigeon River Rafting trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors is a 5.5 mile journey through the scenic Pigeon River gorge that runs through a series of approximately 50 class 1 and 2 rapids, with one class 3 rapids at the end of the trip. This trip is perfect for younger kids as it is a relatively gentle ride, allowing for lots of friendly splashing and water fights! The Lower Pigeon River Rafting trip begins at the Smoky Mountain Outdoors outpost and finishes at the Denton Bridge, where guests are transported back up to the outpost.
Upper Pigeon River Rafting
The Upper Pigeon River Rafting trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors is a thrilling 6.5 mile white water rafting adventure through a series of class 3 and 4 rapids in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! During this exciting journey, rafters will experience approximately 70 rapids that range from class 1 to 4 as certified guides navigate the rafts around rocks and through big waves and large drops. The Upper Pigeon River Rafting trip starts with a 10 minute bus ride from the outpost to the starting point, and the trip eventually ends up back at the outpost.
Combo Trips
For those who would like to try both sections of the Pigeon River, Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers a fun combo trip for a full day out on the water. The trip starts with the Upper Pigeon River portion before stopping for a delicious lunch riverside at the Lost Guide Grill, where guests can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, chips, and drinks. During the second portion of the trip, guests can relax in a guided raft or try out a one or two person kayak!
Inflatable Kayaking on the Lower Pigeon River
For a totally unique adventure with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, guests can try out inflatable kayaks which have been specially designed for maximum performance, comfort, and stability. Our kayaks are perfect for both novice and experienced kayakers, and a professional guide will follow guests on the river at all times. Surfing, sliding, and spinning in a kayak on the Pigeon River just might become one of your new favorite Gatlinburg sports!
Hike and Paddle Package
The Smoky Mountain Outdoors Hike and Paddle Package offers the best two ways to enjoy the incredible scenery of the Smoky Mountains. Experienced guides take guests on an easy to moderate two hour hike along some of the area’s best mountain trails, including those with swimming holes and mountain creeks. The package also includes a tasty lunch at the Smoky Mountain Outdoors riverside outpost and a rafting excursion through either the Lower or Upper Pigeon River.
For more great things to do in Gatlinburg, check out the Rocky Top Sports World Sponsors page!
