All whitewater rafting in the Smoky Mountains takes place on the Pigeon River, which is dam-controlled. The dam releases at different times/dates depending on the season. All adventures and trip times are fully available starting on Memorial Day.
SPRING RAFTING: MARCH 8 – APRIL 30
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
SPRING RAFTING: MAY 1 – MAY 24
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday (varying adventure times depending on date)
FULL SEASON: MAY 25 – SEPTEMBER 1
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturdays
FALL RAFTING: SEPTEMBER 2 – SEPTEMBER 30
Tuesday, Thursday
Please call or check reservations for alternate trip times.
Go to traffic light #3 in Gatlinburg and take Highway 321 N/East Parkway. Follow 321 N all the way to stop sign. (approximately 15 miles). Take a left to continue on 321 (GPS may direct you to turn RIGHT but DO NOT turn right at stop). Go approximately 1 mile to the Foothills Parkway. Turn right onto Foothills Parkway until you get to I-40. Take I-40 E and exit at the first Exit #447, (Hartford Road) Take a left at the first stop sign then straight through the second stop sign. River Rat Whitewater is just up on your left in the old Hartford School building.
Turn right onto Dolly Parton Parkway/411, travel on 411 for approx. 18 miles until it ends. Turn right on 25/70 and take I-40 East. Travel approx. 15 miles to Exit #447 (Hartford Road) Take a left at the first stop sign then straight through the second stop sign. River Rat Whitewater is just ahead on your left. Look for the giant River Rat!
Take I-40 W to second exit in Tennessee, Exit #447 (Hartford Road) Take a left at bottom of exit and then left at stop sign. River Rat Whitewater Rafting is just ahead on your left. Look for the giant River Rat!
Smoky Mountain River Rat is located in the heart of Hartford, Tennessee, home to the #1 Whitewater Rafting river in America. Hartford is now known as “The Adventurous Side of the Smokies”, thanks to the top-tier, thrilling rafting adventures offered here. Hartford is also the only place to whitewater raft on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, we hope you’ll consider adding Smoky Mountain River Rat to your itinerary. We can’t wait to see you on your next trip.
