When spring and summer temps begin to rise, and the mountain waters turn to raging rapids, you know it’s time for one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains – whitewater rafting! The Smokies have some of the most exciting rafting trips you could ask for, with everything from heart-pumping Class IV rapids to relaxing floats and family-friendly adventures. Here are five of the highest rated whitewater rafting outfitters in the Smoky Mountains.

Smoky Mountain Outdoors

With names like ‘Lost Guide,’ ‘Accelerator,’ and Powerhouse, the Class III and IV rapids on the Pigeon River offer up plenty of excitement. And the experienced guides at Smoky Mountain Outdoors – an outfitter that’s been around since 1933 – will skillfully lead you over all of them. Located in Hartford, Tennessee, SMO is in the perfect spot to explore both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River. Take on the wild waters of the Upper River on a 6.5-mile whitewater rafting trip or bring the entire family along for the milder Lower River experience that stretches 5.5 miles across gentle rapids with spectacular scenic views. If you’re looking for a real thrill, though, opt for their Extreme Upper River trip in a smaller raft that allows you to feel every single rapid in a big way!

Nantahala Outdoor Center

One of the busiest – and most well-known – Smoky Mountain whitewater rafting spots is the Nantahala Gorge, located in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest just at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clear cool water, constant waves, and swift currents make the Nantahala River a spectacular place to paddle your heart out.

With outposts in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the Nantahala Outdoor Center takes on some of the most exciting rivers for whitewater rafting in the Smoky Mountains. Rush along the Nantahala and French Broad in North Carolina or the Pigeon River and Ocoee River in Tennessee. (Fun fact: The Ocoee was home to the 1996 Summer Olympic Whitewater Games!)

River Rat

Also operating on the Pigeon River in East Tennessee is the whitewater rafting outfitter, Smoky Mountain River Rat. Anyone 8 years old and up can enjoy a heart-pounding trip on the upper section of the river, and the lower section is perfect for younger kids or beginner paddlers. (There’s even an option where you can go fishing right from your raft!) Or if raging rapids aren’t your thing but you still want to have fun on the water, head to their tubing outpost in Townsend. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy a leisurely float while you soak up the sun and scenic Smoky Mountain views. Find some nice rock cliffs along the way to jump off of and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Smoky Mountain River Adventures

The Tuckasegee River (better known as “The Tuck”) starts near Cashiers, TN and ends in Fontana Lake in North Carolina. It’s a fun river that has regular whitewater due to the Lake Glenville Dam, especially when it releases water into the west fork of the river, creating epic rapids over a 5.5-mile run.

Most of the time, though, it’s a tame river with gentle Class I and II rapids – a great place where beginners can learn to paddle or hone their skills. Practice your eddy turns, ferries, and peel outs in safer waters where you can easily get back in the boat.

Smoky Mountain River Adventures is one of the premier whitewater rafting outfitters that takes folks along The Tuck. Located in Whittier, NC, they are just minutes from fantastic tourist spots like Cherokee, Bryson City, Dillsboro and Sylva, NC. Spend your summer day paddling, floating and splashing on the river, then get out and explore the amazing Western North Carolina Smokies.

Rafting in the Smokies

As one of the pioneer whitewater rafting outfitters on the Big Pigeon River, Rafting in the Smokies started in 1978 and even helped name some of the rapids. You’ll have an unforgettable time on the river with certified and trained guides who will share their knowledge of the great outdoors as you soak up the beauty of nature and the thrill of the ride. Brave adventurers, aged 8 and up, can tackle the upper section of the river, a 5-mile paddle with 12 Class III and 3 Class IV rapids. Or if you want something a little gentler, opt for the lower section and enjoy a relaxing – but still fun – float over 6 miles with easy Class I and Class II rapids. No matter which outdoor adventure you choose, you’ll make amazing memories as you enjoy whitewater rafting in the Smoky Mountains!