best river rafting in smoky mountains

I’ve been rafting in the Smoky Mountains several times‚ and I can tell you that it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. The rivers are beautiful‚ the rapids are exhilarating‚ and the scenery is breathtaking. I’ve rafted with several different companies over the years‚ and I’ve always had a great time. The guides are always friendly and knowledgeable‚ and they make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Introduction

I’ve been rafting in the Smoky Mountains several times‚ and I can tell you that it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. The rivers are beautiful‚ the rapids are exhilarating‚ and the scenery is breathtaking. I’ve rafted with several different companies over the years‚ and I’ve always had a great time. The guides are always friendly and knowledgeable‚ and they make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

My first rafting trip was on the Pigeon River. It was a relatively tame river‚ perfect for beginners. I was a little nervous at first‚ but the guides quickly put me at ease. They gave me a thorough safety briefing and made sure I knew how to paddle properly.

We started out in calm water‚ but it wasn’t long before we hit our first rapid. I was surprised by how much fun it was! The water was cold and refreshing‚ and the rapids were just the right amount of excitement. We rafted for several hours‚ and I had a blast.

After my first rafting trip‚ I was hooked. I’ve been rafting in the Smoky Mountains several times since then‚ and I’ve never had a bad experience. I’ve rafted on the Pigeon River‚ the French Broad River‚ and the Nolichucky River. Each river has its own unique character‚ but they’re all beautiful and fun to raft.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to experience the Smoky Mountains‚ I highly recommend river rafting. It’s a great activity for families‚ friends‚ and couples. And don’t worry if you’ve never rafted before. The guides will teach you everything you need to know.

Here are a few tips for planning your rafting trip⁚

• Book your trip in advance‚ especially if you’re going during peak season.
• Choose a rafting company that has a good safety record.
• Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
• And most importantly‚ have fun!

Choosing a Rafting Company

When choosing a rafting company in the Smoky Mountains‚ there are a few things you should keep in mind⁚

• Safety⁚ Safety should be your top priority. Make sure the company you choose has a good safety record and that their guides are experienced and certified.
• Experience⁚ How long has the company been in business? Do they have a good reputation? Reading online reviews can be a helpful way to get an idea of what other people’s experiences have been like.
• Cost⁚ Rafting trips can vary in price‚ so it’s important to compare costs before you book. Be sure to factor in the cost of transportation‚ food‚ and any other activities you may want to do.
• Location⁚ Where is the rafting company located? Is it convenient for you to get to? If you’re staying in a particular area of the Smoky Mountains‚ you may want to choose a company that is nearby.
• Type of trip⁚ What type of rafting trip are you looking for? Are you interested in a scenic float trip or a more adventurous whitewater rafting experience? Some companies offer a variety of trips‚ while others specialize in a particular type of rafting.

Once you’ve considered these factors‚ you can start narrowing down your choices. I recommend reading online reviews and talking to friends or family members who have rafted in the Smoky Mountains before.

Here are a few of the most popular rafting companies in the Smoky Mountains⁚

• Smoky Mountain River Rat
• Rafting in the Smokies
• Big Bear Rafting
• Nantahala Outdoor Center
• Wildwater Rafting

I’ve personally rafted with Smoky Mountain River Rat and Rafting in the Smokies‚ and I had a great experience with both companies. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable‚ and they made sure that everyone had a safe and enjoyable time.

No matter which company you choose‚ be sure to book your trip in advance‚ especially if you’re going during peak season. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water‚ sunscreen‚ and appropriate clothing and footwear.

The Trip

I’ve rafted the Pigeon River several times‚ and it’s one of my favorite rivers to raft. The scenery is beautiful‚ the rapids are exhilarating‚ and the guides are always friendly and knowledgeable.
My most recent trip was with Smoky Mountain River Rat. I booked a full-day trip‚ which included a lunch break at a scenic spot along the river. The trip started with a safety briefing‚ and then we were fitted with life jackets and helmets.

We started out on a calm stretch of river‚ which gave us a chance to get used to the rafts and paddles. As we paddled‚ our guide pointed out some of the local landmarks and wildlife.

After about an hour‚ we reached the first set of rapids. The rapids were Class II and III‚ which means they were fairly mild. We all got a little wet‚ but it was all part of the fun.

We continued down the river‚ and the rapids got progressively more challenging. By the end of the trip‚ we were all soaked to the bone‚ but we were also exhilarated and exhausted.

The lunch break was a welcome opportunity to rest and refuel; We ate our sandwiches and snacks‚ and then we took a short hike to a nearby waterfall.

After lunch‚ we continued down the river. The rapids were still challenging‚ but we were all starting to get the hang of it. We even managed to navigate a few Class IV rapids without flipping over.

The trip ended at the takeout point‚ where we were met by our shuttle driver. We all piled into the van‚ and we were back at our starting point in no time.

I had an amazing time rafting the Pigeon River with Smoky Mountain River Rat. The guides were great‚ the scenery was beautiful‚ and the rapids were exhilarating. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a fun and adventurous way to experience the Smoky Mountains.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your rafting trip⁚

• Be sure to book your trip in advance‚ especially if you’re going during peak season.
• Arrive at the rafting company’s office on time for your scheduled trip.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. You will get wet‚ so it’s best to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting soaked.
• Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
• Listen to your guide’s instructions and follow their commands.
• Have fun!

Tips for Rafting in the Smoky Mountains

I’ve been rafting in the Smoky Mountains several times‚ and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your rafting trip⁚

• Book your trip in advance. Rafting is a popular activity in the Smoky Mountains‚ so it’s important to book your trip in advance‚ especially if you’re going during peak season.
• Arrive at the rafting company’s office on time for your scheduled trip. This will give you time to get fitted for your life jacket and helmet‚ and to listen to the safety briefing.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. You will get wet‚ so it’s best to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting soaked. I recommend wearing a swimsuit or quick-drying shorts and a t-shirt. You should also wear water shoes or sandals with a good grip.
• Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun‚ so it’s important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Listen to your guide’s instructions and follow their commands. Your guide is there to keep you safe‚ so it’s important to listen to their instructions and follow their commands.
• Have fun! Rafting is a great way to experience the Smoky Mountains. Relax‚ enjoy the scenery‚ and have some fun.

Here are a few additional tips that I’ve found helpful⁚

• If you’re going rafting with a group of friends or family‚ consider renting a private raft. This will give you more flexibility and privacy.
• If you’re not sure what level of difficulty to choose‚ ask your guide for advice. They can help you choose a trip that is appropriate for your skill level and experience.
• Be prepared to get wet. Even if you don’t fall out of the raft‚ you’re likely to get splashed by the water. So be sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.
• Bring a change of clothes and shoes for after your rafting trip. You’ll be glad to have dry clothes to put on after you’ve finished rafting.

I hope these tips help you have a safe and enjoyable rafting trip in the Smoky Mountains.