smoky mountain river rat whitewater rafting in the smokies

WHITEWATER RAFTING

HARTFORD, TN

River rat whitewater rafting in pigeon forge

Take Vacation by the Paddle

#1-Ranked Rafting Outpost in the Smokies

River Rat is THE premium whitewater outpost in the Smoky Mountains. That means top-tier guides, high-quality gear, and each trip catered to the adventure level you’re looking for. We offer serene, extreme, and everything in-between.

ADVENTURES SUITABLE FOR: Families, first-time rafters, and experienced adventure-seekers. No experience necessary! Adventures available for ages 3+. Groups of all sizes are welcome. The bigger your group, the bigger your discounts!

WHERE WE RAFT: We raft the Pigeon River, one of the most popular rafting locations in the United States. This is the only whitewater rafting river in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains.

Rafting Adventures

RESERVATION REQUIRED

Choose from 4 Awesome Adventures

Upper Rafting

smoky mountain upper rafting adventure river rat

OUR MOST POPULAR TRIP

This one is for the adventurous:

  • Suitable for families and adventure buddies…beginners and experts alike!
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Route: Upper section of the Pigeon River (class III-IV rapids)
  • Adventure Level: Moderate
Age Requirement: 8+ Years

Xtreme Upper

river rat extreme upper rafting adventure

OUR BEST UPGRADE

Thrill-seekers, this one is for you:

Take on the Upper Rafting route in our smaller, specialized rafts that provide more agility and access to unique routes.

No experience necessary!

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Route: Upper section of the Pigeon River (class III-IV rapids)
  • Adventure Level: Wild
Age Requirement: 8+ Years

Lower Rafting

river rat lower pigeon rafting adventure for kids and families

POPULAR WITH YOUNG FAMILIES

For our relaxation-enthusiasts & youngest River Rats:

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Route: Lower section of the Pigeon River (class I & II rapids)
  • Adventure Level: Mild
Age Requirement: 3+ Years

Daycation Rafting

daycation full day rafting adventure

OUR FULL-DAY ADVENTURE

Double the excitement with your choice of 2 Rafting Adventures.

  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Route: Your choice of either 2 Upper Rafting Adventures (recommended) OR 1 Upper and 1 Lower with a break in between.
  • Adventure Level: Moderate

Try our XTREME Daycation!  This upgrade is a guest favorite. You’ll see why! Upgrade your second trip to an Xtreme Upper Rafting Adventure for only $20 more per pass. Call us to book your Xtreme Daycation.

Age Requirement: 8+ Years
BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Guided Whitewater Rafting expedition
  • Expertly-trained raft guide in each boat
  • High-quality rafts and necessary rafting equipment (PFD, helmet, paddle)
  • Premium, water-resistant splash tops & pants (upon request): Designed to keep you dry in cooler weather

ONSITE AMENITIES

  • Photos of your adventure for purchase (digital album)
  • On-site local food truck
  • Craft beer on draft (available after your trip)
  • Picnic space & covered outdoor seating
  • Souvenir / river gear shop
  • Hot showers, changing rooms, & restrooms
  • Key check
  • Free parking & bus parking
View rates & packages

UPPER RAFTING ADVENTURE

OUR MOST POPULAR TRIP

This one is for the adventurous:

It’s perfect for families and adventure buddies…beginners and experts alike! Our Upper Rafting Adventure boasts five miles of gorgeous views and excitement along the upper section of the Pigeon River (class III-IV rapids). Splash through the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains on one of the most popular rafting rivers in the US.

Our Rat Pack promise is that each expedition is uniquely catered to you! Communicate your ideal level of adventure with your guide, as there are many ways we can add adrenaline your adventure. Our guides take the time to get the most out of each rapid, filling the moments in-between with laughter and learning as well. There’s a reason River Rat is top-ranked in the Smokies!

Age Requirement: 8+ years old

Looking for a more extreme adventure? click here

Looking for an adventure for ages 3-7? click here

BOOK NOW

HOW MANY PEOPLE FIT IN A RAFT?

We use full-sized rafts for the Upper & Lower Rafting Adventures. The capacity for these rafts is up to 7 guests plus your guide. This may vary depending on the size/weight of those in your group.

Have a bigger group? All reservations in a time slot raft at the same time! If your group is placed in more than one boat, you will still be adventuring together.

EXPERIENCED OR FIRST TIME?

We raft every day with guests that range from first-timers to avid rafters. The river is the same for all rafters – but it’s the quality of your raft guide and your equipment that truly creates your experience.

As a premium outfitter, we cater each trip to the guests in the boat. Whether you’re nervous but excited OR you’re ready to experience everything each rapid has to offer – communicate with your guide and we’ll create that experience for you.

If you are looking to max out the full thrills of each rapid, we recommend booking the Xtreme Upper Adventure instead. Those specialized, agile rafts are sure to deliver.

ADVENTURE DURATION

2 Hours

(Includes safety talk)

HOW MANY PEOPLE FIT IN THESE RAFTS?

Our Xtreme rafts fit up to 4 guests plus a guide.

Have a bigger group? All reservations in a time slot raft at the same time! If your group is placed in more than one boat, you will still be adventuring together.

EXPERIENCED OR FIRST TIME?

Every day, guests raft in our Xtreme boats that range from first-timers to avid rafters. These rafts are more agile and as they are smaller, have the ability to enter rapids in unique ways and do more “tricks” in the water.

The river is the same for all rafters – but it’s the quality of your raft guide and your equipment that truly creates your experience. Your Xtreme raft guides are pros at crafting your trip with the level of adrenaline you’re looking for.  Simply communicate with your guide and we’ll create that experience for you.

ADVENTURE DURATION

2 Hours

(Includes safety talk)

XTREME UPPER RAFTING ADVENTURE

OUR BEST UPGRADE

Thrill-seekers, this one is for you:

Once rafters take our Xtreme rafts for a spin – they’re hooked! No experience necessary. This trip is perfect for families, friends, or couples that want to take their adventure up a notch. Splash through the Upper Rafting Adventure route (class III & IV rapids) in our smaller Xtreme rafts.

An Xtreme raft plus our world-class guides allows you to enter each rapid with more agility and control. These specialized rafts provide a unique experience not commonly found in the Smokies.

Our Rat Pack promise is that each expedition is uniquely catered to you! Communicate your ideal level of adventure with your guide, as there are many ways we can add adrenaline your adventure.

Age Requirement: 8+ years old

Looking for a family friendly adventure? click here

Looking for an adventure for ages 3-7? click here

BOOK NOW

LOWER RAFTING ADVENTURE

For our relaxation-enthusiasts & youngest River Rats:

Rafting in the Smoky Mountains with young ones or just want to take it easy?  Then the Lower Rafting Adventure is your ideal trip! With a top-tier guide in each boat, this adventure is mellow enough for your youngest rafters with smaller rapids to satisfy their craving for excitement. It also features refreshing swimming holes to enjoy along the way. You and your little ones will absolutely love this unique adventure.

Age Requirement: 3+ years old

Looking for a more extreme adventure? click here

Looking for a more family friendly adventure? click here

BOOK NOW

HOW MANY PEOPLE FIT IN A RAFT?

We use full-sized rafts for the Upper & Lower Rafting Adventures. The capacity for these rafts is up to 7 guests plus your guide. This may vary depending on the size/weight of those in your group.

Have a bigger group? All reservations in a time slot raft at the same time! If your group is placed in more than one boat, you will still be adventuring together.

EXPERIENCED OR FIRST TIME?

We love introducing young children to their first-ever rafting adventures! Each of our guides is thoroughly trained and embarks on each trip with you in mind. The river is the same for all rafters – but it’s the quality of your raft guide and your equipment that truly creates your experience. We are excited to introduce your young family to an amazing rafting experience.

ADVENTURE DURATION

2.5 Hours

(Including safety talk)

UPGRADING TO XTREME

Upgrade your second trip to an Xtreme Upper Rafting Adventure for only $20 more per PASS. This upgrade is a guest favorite. You’ll see why!

I DON'T SEE AVAILABILITY

Are all Daycations booked for the day? We may be able to book you at alternate times.

Give us a call and we’ll see what we can do!

ADVENTURE DURATION

5 Hours

(Includes safety talk and transitional break between trips)

DAYCATION RAFTING ADVENTURE

OUR FULL-DAY ADVENTURE

Want a full day of excitement or just can’t pick between the adventures? Experience it all with our Daycation!

This adventure includes 2 Rafting expeditions of your choice. Start the day off with rushing Class III-IV rapids on the Upper Rafting Adventure (11:15AM). You’ll then have time for a lunch break (view our onsite lunch options – usually open between May and September) before your second expedition. The adventure continues with your choice of either a second Upper Rafting Adventure at 2:00PM (recommended) or the Lower Rafting Adventure at 1:30PM.

Our Rat Pack promise is that each expedition is uniquely catered to you! Communicate your ideal level of adventure with your guide, as there are many ways we can add adrenaline your adventure.

Age Requirement: 8+ years old

BOOK NOW

Frequently asked questions

Where is River Rat Whitewater located?

River Rat Whitewater is the closest rafting in the Smokies to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville. The pigeon river is where we adventure! This is the only whitewater rafting river in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains.

Visit our “Hours & Directions” page for a Google Maps link and written directions to our whitewater rafting from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, and Asheville.

Address: 3630 Hartford Road, Hartford, Tennessee 37753

When should I arrive for my reservation?

Please arrive 30 minutes before your reservation time. You will need time to be checked in and to get ready for your safety orientation before the adventure begins.

What should I bring?

  • Secure footwear is required (also available in our Gift Shop).
  • Quick-drying clothes or a swimsuit are recommended.
  • A change of clothes & towel (for after your trip).
  • A bag to hold your wet clothing.

Visit our Rafting FAQ page page for a full trip preparation checklist. If you’re missing any river gear, our Gift Shop has everything you’ll need!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE & SAVE