East of Gatlinburg, through the highly mountainous and wooded communities of Pittman Center, Cosby and the National Park is Hartford, TN, which we consider the center of one of the most action-oriented attractions in the Smokies: the age-old tradition of manning a small-party raft, navigating the waters of the mountains and crashing through the rapids known as whitewater rafting.

In this article, we wanted to highlight and list the many whitewater rafting providers that can be found in Hartford and between there and Gatlinburg. The list begins here:

Whitewater Rafting Attractions

• Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting 3299 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 (865) 430-3838 https://www.smokymountainrafting.com/

Come White Water Rafting in the Smoky Mountains. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) with one of our many white water rafting adventures in Tennessee. We’ve been setting the bar high for whitewater rafting service, safety and fun since 1993. Experience whitewater rafting in Tennessee and be assured of an exciting adventure as you romp through some of our class III and class IV rapids this rafting season!

• Raft Outdoor Adventures 3635 Trail Hollow Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 (866) 333-7238 https://raftoutdooradventures.com/

Whitewater rafting adventure near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Experience the Upper Pigeon River, one of the best family-friendly rafting trips in the Smoky Mountains. Just a short drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this guided rafting trip offers fun Class III rapids, plenty of splashes, and excitement for kids, families, and groups. Whether you’re visiting from Sevierville, Knoxville, or Asheville, rafting on the Pigeon River is a must-do outdoor activity.

• Big Bear Whitewater Rafting 3165 Big Creek Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 (844) 799-7238 https://www.bigbearrafting.com/

Experience the thrill and beauty of a guided whitewater rafting trip! Located just 45 minutes outside of the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Asheville, NC area, Big Bear Rafting is based just off the banks of the Pigeon River, one of the Southeast’s best-kept whitewater rafting experiences. Staffed by professionally trained and certified whitewater guides, Big Bear Rafting offers a first class adventure experience with a convenient location near the family attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Asheville.

• Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater Rafting 3630 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 (865) 448-8888 https://smokymtnriverrat.com/

Welcome to Smoky Mountain River Rat! We’re your award-winning destination for a cool escape in the heart of the Smokies. From top-notch Tubing to heart-pumping Whitewater Rafting, we specialize in making lasting memories. Family owned and operated since 1995, River Rat is a unique getaway into the great outdoors for the whole family. Grab your swim shoes, unplug and get ready to vacation as nature intended in Mother Nature’s Water Parks.

• Rapid Expeditions Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking 3605 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 (888) 504-7238 https://rapidexpeditions.app.resmarksystems.com/public/5a04dd79e4f54906b7da06b0

Hartford is located a short drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN. Just off I-40, halfway between Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC, you’ll find Rapid Expeditions—a quaint outpost decorated with colorful kayaks and located directly on the banks of the Pigeon River. The raft take-out is just steps from our front door, which means our guests can jump off their boats and not worry about any bus rides in their wet clothes. Instead, we suggest a nice hot cup of coffee from the restaurants next door or simply relaxing on our covered patio area with picnic benches and beautiful views of the mountains and river.

• Big Creek Expeditions 541 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753 (877) 642-7238 https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/

Big Creek Expeditions is a well-established company that has been providing guided rafting trips on the Pigeon River since 2004. We have a team of experienced and trained guides who are passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to providing a safe and exciting experience for our customers. We offer whitewater rafting and scenic float trips throughout the day or combine both for a full day river adventure. We also have options for family-friendly trips, group trips, and corporate events.

• 5 Rivers Adventures 3144 Dorsey Rd, Cosby, TN 37722 (888) 204-8779 https://fiveriversadventures.com/

5 Rivers Adventures, Inc. is a whitewater rafting company established in 1997 located on the beautiful Big Pigeon River in Hartford, TN. Our company boasts one of the finest outdoor attractions in the Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina areas. We are located approximately 30 minutes from Gatlinburg, TN and 45 minutes from Asheville, NC. We offer full-service whitewater rafting trips for all ages and skill levels. Our guided whitewater rafting trips provide the most exciting and fun Pigeon River rafting experience in Tennessee!

• Rip Roaring Adventures 3555 Wheat Way, Hartford, TN 37753 (800) 449-7238 https://raftingtennessee.com/

Offering the best SMOKY MOUNTAIN White Water Rafting Trips for over 20 YEARS! Rip Roaring Adventures offers white water rafting adventures on the Pigeon River. Spice up your next trip to the Smoky Mountains by spending a day whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River with the crew from Rip Roaring Adventures in Hartford TN. We’re located within an hour’s drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, and Asheville, NC.