Don’t miss the adrenaline center of the mountains in Hartford! Hartford is the whitewater rafting capitol of the Smoky Mountains, now ranked #1 in the United States. If you’re going to raft, then raft with the best! River Rat Rafting is now ranked #1 and among the top 10% of attractions worldwide within its industry. Our guides our top-tier, well-trained rafting professionals that are ready to will make sure your trip is both safe and exciting. Our White-Water rafting trips are perfect for the whole family! No experience is required. We have something for everyone – from serene to extreme. So come on down to Hartford, TN and enjoy some of the most exciting White Water rafting that the Smoky Mountains have to offer. You won’t regret it!
White water rafting is open in Hartford, TN from Memorial Day to Labor Day (plus pre-season starting in March and sometimes post-season in September). This is a great opportunity for people who want to have a thrilling experience. Adrenaline-seekers and new rafters alike will love the Class III and IV rapids of the Upper Pigeon and Xtreme Upper, and younger kids can get their toes wet by rafting the Lower Pigeon River. If you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than Smoky Mountain River Rat! Our White-Water rafting trips are perfect for the whole family. We have something for everyone!
What makes the River Rat different? Many outfitters only focus on getting from point A to point B, but River Rat focuses on filling every moment of the journey in-between with cool local history, fun whitewater rafting facts, and exciting “tricks” like surfing rapids! If you’ve never done this before, ask your River Rat guide about it and they’ll be sure to show you.
For those ready to step it up even more, try our Xtreme Upper Pigeon Adventure! No experience required. You won’t find another Rafting adventure like this in the Smokies! Our specialized Xtreme raft plus our world-class guides allows you to enter each rapid with more agility and control, so you are sure to get wet and feel the full excitement of every rapid. This is the ultimate way to raft in the Smokies! Each X-Boat hold up to four rafters plus your experienced guide. Have more than 4 people? We will send you in multiple boats at the same time.
White Water rafting is the perfect activity for families. It’s a great way to have fun together and experience some excitement. Safety is one of their highest priorities! The experience and excitement for you and your family will always be accomplished safely and responsibly. River Rat’s experienced guides will make sure everyone onboard has a one-of-a-kind experience during your white-water trip.
The drive from Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg to Hartford is less than an hour, and the views once you reach Hartford are just gorgeous. It’s worth the drive to experience some of the best White-Water rafting. So come on down to Hartford and enjoy some of the most exciting rafting that the Smokies have to offer! You and your crew will be talking about this for years to come. River Rat is the closest whitewater rafting to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
When you come to Smoky Mountain River Rat for your White-Water rafting trip, be sure to bring the following items:
- Water shoes or secure footwear (required!!)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses (with a strap sunglasses strap to keep them on)
- Clothes that can get wet
- A change of clothes
- Towel
- Extra money to tip your guide and purchase food, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and craft draft beer for after you raft
Check out River Rat’s rafting adventures here: https://smokymtnriverrat.com/rafting-adventures/
Or give them a call: 865.448.8888
Looking for somewhere unique to stay while you come Whitewater Rafting? Stay Minty provides gorgeous and unique glamping setups nearby in Cosby and Pigeon Forge! You’ll never stay anywhere like it. Each glamping site has everything you need to have a luxurious, yet immersive outdoors experience. Check out their amazing vacation stay options today: https://stayminty.com/cities/smoky-mountains/
