There are some things in life that you have to really understand and practice quite a few times before you master it. For some, whitewater rafting is one of those things. Therefore, we have provided some helpful tips for using the paddles on the raft. The technique you use when paddling a raft plays a…
Smoky Mountain River Rat offers all kinds of whitewater rafting adventures for a fun and exciting experience for the whole family from our convenient Hartford, Tennessee location. Whether you want to make a quick adventurous ride down the Pigeon River in the midst of your Smoky Mountain vacation, or if you plan to make an…
There are many important things to consider before your next whitewater rafting adventure. At Smoky Mountain River Rat, it is important to be familiar with a few rules and guidelines before heading towards the rapids. Rafters cannot miss the safety orientation that starts at their scheduled rafting time, so we ask that all guests arrive…
In order to have the best whitewater rafting experience, it’s important to remember: safety first. If you’re a first-timer, preparing beforehand will help you feel calm and confident on your rafting trip. At River Rat, we provide quality equipment and professional guides to ensure you have a safe and fun experience. Here’s a few tips…
Let’s throw a twist on the common cliche and say, “Don’t judge an experience based on its most popular video on social media.” That sounds about right, right?! You might see the viral videos that involve “extreme” rafting adventures as you scroll through your feed. However, these videos don’t exactly paint the most accurate portrait of…
There are plenty of great whitewater rafting destinations in Tennessee and North Carolina — in fact, here are the best 50 rivers in the Southeast. However, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite spots right here in Tennessee (or places so close that they’re nearly Tennessee) that are great for those who are new…
Stretching from North Carolina to East Tennessee, the Pigeon River runs 70 miles from its mouth at the French Broad River, to its discharge location in Newport, Tennessee. The river is impounded by the Walters Hydroelectric Dam in Haywood, NC, and flows through the Great Smoky National Park and into Tennessee. The Pigeon River also…
Summer is now at its peak. It’s hot, and you’re probably looking for something fun to do with your family and friends. Well, look no further. At River Rat, we offer a wide variety of fun, outdoor activities that are suitable for groups of all ages. From our signature rafting adventures to kayaking and zip…
Sitting at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest is Newport, Tennessee — the largest city in Cocke County. Even with this designation, it’s a small city compared to the large cities it lies between on Interstate-40: Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina. While Newport (found just off I-40 exit 435)…
What is more fun than an exhilarating, heart-pumping, potentially soaking wet, warm-weather afternoon? Whitewater rafting is one of the most fun activities to do on a hot summer day. Whether it’s a family vacation, team-building exercise with coworkers, or a group of friends on an afternoon trip; whitewater rafting is a great activity for people…
