The Great Smoky Mountains have long been a popular destination for tourists seeking beautiful views and a renewed connection with nature, although modern adventures in the Smokies often include great dining, outlet shopping, and a host of great attractions offering a broad array of things to do during your Smoky Mountain getaway. If you’re planning…
You’ve decided to try your hand at whitewater rafting during your next visit to the Great Smoky Mountains? We think that’s a phenomenal idea! If you’re planning your whitewater rafting adventure, we have some suggestions about how to choose the best whitewater rafting company to adventure with. Here are few things you’ll be glad you…
Whether you’re a returning visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains or have decided that it’s a good place to vacation for the very first time, taking advantage of the great outdoors and the beauty of the locale is an absolute must. If you really want to have an amazing Smoky Mountain outdoor experience, whitewater rafting…
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…
