Rafting in the Smokies
By Dave Ford
Put on your life jacket and have the time of your life.
The weather is warming and the time is right to jump into a whitewater adventure by checking out Rafting in the Smokies.The staff is made up of professionals who have been battling the rocks and waves since 1978, and 31 years later, still have the passion to provide you and your family with an unforgettable experience.
Guests are escorted down five miles of rich and lively whitewater in the Big Pigeon River, rafting through Class III and IV rapids such as “Too Late Vegamatic,” “Razor Blade,” “After Shave” and “Lost Guide.”
All four courses are surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Martha Sundquist State Forest and the Appalachian Trail—some of the most breathtaking sites in East Tennessee.
Minimum requirements to enjoy a guided raft are eight-years-old or 70 pounds. Reservations for the 1 1/2 hour tour are required, and run $39 per person plus tax.
A few tips to remember before making the commute to the site include the following:
•Wear shorts, a t-shirt or a bathing suit.
•Wear tennis shoes, deck shoes or river sandals.
•No crocs, flip-flops or bare feet.
•Bring a towel and change of clothes.
•Never wear jeans or sweats, especially during rainy or cool weather conditions.
•Wool socks are recommended in the spring and fall seasons.
•Do not wear jewelry of any kind.
•If bringing a camera, make sure it’s waterproof—there will be a professional photographer on site, and pictures may be purchased after your trip. Be sure to remember your guide’s name.
So charge up your will power and find your adventurous side, it’s fun for one or two and even the whole family. Rafting in the Smokies is located at 3595 Hartford Rd.
Just take exit 447, Hartford, off I-40 near the Tennessee/North Carolina border and you're there! It's that easy. Located only 45 minutes outside of Gatlinburg and just 1 hour from Knoxville.
For more information including directions, call (865) 436-5008 or 1-800 PRO-RAFT, or log onto www.raftinginthesmokies.com.
