Warmer temps and rushing rapids can only mean one thing in the Smokies…it’s time for whitewater rafting! Whether you want the exciting adrenaline rush of Class IV rapids, or you’re looking for an easy family-friendly float, the rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains make rafting one of the most exciting things to do in the area.
There’s everything from Olympic-tested rapids with thrills and spills to calm stretches that give you the freedom to relax and soak up the natural beauty of the Smokies. Whether you’re planning a day trip, or you want a full-fledged Smoky Mountains whitewater rafting adventure, these four rivers are must-paddle spots that offer something for all age groups and skill levels.
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Nantahala River
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.
The word “Nantahala” comes from the Cherokee language and means “Land of the Noonday Sun.” The river carves a path through the deep and narrow gorge, which means there are some spots where the sun only shines directly when it’s straight overhead at noon. The nine-mile course is scattered with stretches of flat water that give you a moment to rest in between the over 20 class II and III rapids before it cascades into the peaceful waters of Fontana Lake.
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Pigeon River
Located in the Gatlinburg, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN area of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Pigeon River serves up two incredible whitewater rafting options (as well as some amazing fly fishing)! The lazy rapids of the Lower Pigeon River are a great introduction for novice paddlers or for families with younger children. You’ll get a fun taste of tamer rapids while still having a chance to take in the breathtaking sights of the Smoky Mountains.
But if thrills and adventure is what you’re looking for, head to the Upper Pigeon River where you’ll take on five fast-paced miles of intermediate class III and IV rapids. With names like Powerhouse, Big Rock, Roller Coaster, and Lost Guide, you get an idea of the kind of rapids you’ll be facing.
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Ocoee River
One of the premier whitewater rafting rivers in the entire country is the Ocoee River. Located in Polk County, TN, it was home to the 1996 Summer Olympic Whitewater Games, and its numerous rapids and river formations offer exciting currents and epic surf opportunities for creative and skilled paddlers. A combo of the Upper and Middle Course lasts for about six hours and makes for an exciting day on the water.
The dam-released waters mean you get rapids even when it’s hot and dry. For a real thrill, put in at the base of the dam. You’ll kick things off with the first major rapid, a rolling class III known as Grumpy. From there on out the rapids are relentless, ranging from class II to class III+, guaranteeing smiles and cheers for adrenaline seekers. Drop into rapids like Staging Eddy, Broken Nose, Double Trouble, Flipper, the Doldrums, and Surprise Ledge.
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Tuckasegee River
The Tuckasegee (better known as “The Tuck”) originates near Cashiers, TN and ends in Fontana Lake, like the Nantahala. 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, however, 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. It’s also really easy to get to “The Tuck” with 13 public access areas at various spots along the river, providing convenient locations to put in.
Visit the Gateway to the Smokies podcast to listen to an interview with Olwen Claiborne from Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting. She talks with host, Joseph McElroy, about her time as a rafting guide and all the best places for swimming and whitewater rafting in the Smokies.
