Start your spring break off on the right foot with Gatlinburg Whitewater Rafting In March! Here is our Gatlinburg vacation guide to help you plan your trip.
Experience the beauty of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains and paddle through rolling rapids as you make your way down the river. The warm days and cool nights make for fantastic rafting conditions on the rapids. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views with your friends or family.


With its mild weather and stunning mountain landscape, Gatlinburg makes for an ideal place for a spring break adventure.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a fun introduction to whitewater rafting or an experienced rafter seeking thrills, there’s something here for everyone! So come join us in exploring the best of Gatlinburg whitewater rafting In March.

When Can You White Water Raft In Gatlinburg?
White water rafting in Gatlinburg is available from late February to early November. During the summer (from Memorial Day to Labor Day), scheduled trips are reliably offered on a regular basis, depending on the water level of the Pigeon River which is regulated by a dam.
In spring and fall (outside of the scheduled water release days) availability of white water rafting trips depends on local rainfall and any planned trips during this time may be canceled or rescheduled based on river levels.

Make sure you check the schedule before making plans to ensure that you can enjoy an exciting and safe white water rafting trip in Gatlinburg. It is also important to note that spots tend to fill up quickly, so make sure you book ahead of time!
Gatlinburg Whitewater Rafting In March
When it comes to outdoor adventures in the Smoky Mountains, there is nothing quite like riding the rapids.
As a gateway to the Smokies, Gatlinburg is a great place to start testing the waters.
The Pigeon River offers great scenic views of the surrounding mountains and unique sights of the countryside.
This famous river offers two sections of the river, the Upper which features as many as 12 Class-III and 3 Class-IV rapids, and the lower part which features more modest waves.
Surrounded by the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Rafting in the Smokies Pigeon River is one of the most accessible outposts in East Tennessee.
Aside from offering two different rafting trips, they also offer zip canopy tours and challenging rope courses.
To ensure everyone’s safety, riders are accompanied by certified and trained river guides. Enjoy a 5.5 mile trip on the upper section of the Pigeon River featuring 12 Class III and 3 Class IV adrenaline-pumping white water rapids.
No experience is necessary for 8 years old and above, and if you’re looking for a little less adventure, they also offer Lower Pigeon River Scenic Family Float Trips featuring Class I and Class II rapids.
Smoky Mountain Outdoors is located in Hartford, TN, and are just 45 minutes away from Gatlinburg.
If safety is your concern, no worries because Smoky Mountains Outdoors is one of the leading outfitters that sets the bar high when it comes to safety and fun on the waters ever since 1933.
For extreme white water rafting adventure, go for the Upper River Trip which is a 6.5-mile ride featuring class 3 and 4 rapids.
For a more extreme ride, they also offer extreme upper river rafting where you’ll ride a smaller boat as you hit bigger waves and more extreme rapids.
For family fun adventure and those who seek a calmer and more relaxed ride, there is the lower river rafting which is a 5.5 mile trip through the scenic Pigeon Forge River.
Every ride is accompanied by experienced and certified guides for a fun and safe trip on the river.
Located in Hartford, TN, Rip Roaring Adventures has been offering the best white water rafting in the Smokies for over 20 years!
Enjoy a gentle 6-mile ride on the Lower Pigeon River that features class I and II rapids that are perfect for families. They also offer Upper Pigeon River rides for the thrill-seekers, featuring class III & IV rapids, certainly extreme but still also safe enough for the entire family.
Children 8 years old and above are welcome to join this Smoky Mountains adventure!
For those who are going for a rafting trip, there are showers and changing facilities onsite. A free picnic area and fire pit are also in the area for those who would rather watch family or friends on their rafting adventure.
For those who just want a relaxing ride, the Lower Pigeon Rafting Adventure is safe enough for riders 3 y/o and up, featuring gentle rapids and swimming holes.
Their Upper Pigeon rafting expedition is a 5 mile trip along the scenic river with rapids that go from class III to IV plus refreshing swimming holes for riders to enjoy along the way.
If thrill is what you seek! go for their extreme Upper Pigeon Adventure which is a 5 mile scenic trip down the river in a smaller raft while hitting extreme rapids. Every ride is fully guided by a certified guide.
Big Bear Rafting offer rafting trips from March through September which are all accompanied by professionally trained and certified white water rafting guides.
They offer Lower Pigeon River trips featuring Class I and II rapids that are just perfect for families looking for a relaxing time on the water. Upper Pigeon River, on the other hand, features steep granite cliffs, breathtaking views, and Class III and IV rapids.
Each rafting trip starts upon arrival at Big Bear’s Hartford outpost where you will have a thorough trip & safety talk, along with the introduction of your guide.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get This FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist Now!
Recommended Gatlinburg Vacation Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
More Related Resources
If you’re planning to stay in Gatlinburg a little bit longer then here are 25 Things To Do In Gatlinburg, TN that you can enjoy with the whole family!
Make your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park more fun with this fun national park scavenger hunt idea.