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 between Memorial Day – Labor Day.
SPRING SEASON: APRIL 1 – MAY 23
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturdays (Water release times will vary)
Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM
FULL SEASON: MAY 24 – SEPTEMBER 1
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturdays
Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM
FALL RAFTING: SEPTEMBER 2 – SEPTEMBER 30
Tuesday, Thursday (Water release times may vary)
Please CLICK HERE to check available trip times or CALL if you’re unable to find what you’re looking for.
- Go to traffic light #3 in Gatlinburg and take Highway 321 N/East Parkway
- Follow 321 N approximately 15 miles until you reach the 3-way intersection stop sign in Cosby
- Landmarks = Fireworks Empire on Left / Post Office on Right / 3-way Bar Straight Ahead
- Take a left to continue on 321 (CLICK HERE to view intersection map)
- Google maps misdirection notice!! GPS may direct you to turn RIGHT but DO NOT turn right at stop sign. If you turn right you will lose cell signal and get lost!
- Guests will be on Hooper Hwy (321), turn left at the stop sign onto Cosby Hwy (321), staying on 321
- Follow signs to I-40 and Foothills Parkway for about 1 Mile
- Turn right onto Foothills Parkway
- Follow the parkway, then take I-40 E
- Take Exit #447 onto Hartford Road
- Take a Left at the first stop sign
- Then Straight through the second stop sign at the three-way intersection near the gas station
- You’ll see River Rat Whitewater Rafting Outpost on your left!
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 at the three-way intersection. You’ll see River Rat Whitewater Rafting Outpost on your left!
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.
