Whitewater Rafting Near
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN

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Ocoee River Rafting Near Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Looking for the best whitewater rafting near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? The Ocoee River is one of the top outdoor adventures in the Smoky Mountains, drawing visitors from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and across the Southeast for unforgettable whitewater rafting experiences.

Located in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River is home to the famous 1996 Olympic whitewater course and offers some of the best rafting in Tennessee. With thrilling Class III and IV rapids, scenic mountain views, and guided rafting trips for beginners and experienced adventurers alike, Ocoee River rafting is the perfect day trip from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.

Every year, millions of visitors travel to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to experience the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, hiking trails, mountain cabins, shopping, and family attractions. Many travelers also add Ocoee whitewater rafting to their Smoky Mountain vacation itinerary because it delivers an adrenaline-filled outdoor experience unlike anything else in East Tennessee.

Whether you’re vacationing in Gatlinburg, staying in a cabin in Pigeon Forge, camping near the Smokies, or exploring East Tennessee, rafting the Ocoee River is one of the top things to do near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during spring, summer, and fall.

From scenic mountain drives to roaring rapids, the Ocoee offers the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. Visitors can also enjoy nearby RV parks, campgrounds, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, and scenic overlooks throughout the Cherokee National Forest region.

      Why Choose Ocoee River Rafting Near Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge?

      • Only about 1.5 to 2 hours from Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
      • Home of the 1996 Olympic whitewater rafting events
      • Over 20 exciting Class III & IV rapids
      • One of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in Tennessee
      • Great for families, groups, beginners, and thrill-seekers
      • Scenic rafting trips through the Cherokee National Forest
      • Full Ocoee & Middle Ocoee rafting trips available
      • Guided whitewater rafting tours with experienced river guides
      • Easy day trip from the Great Smoky Mountains
      • Raft with trusted outfitters like Cherokee Rafting

      Things To Do Near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & The Ocoee River

      When visiting the Smoky Mountains, many travelers combine whitewater rafting with other popular East Tennessee attractions, including:

      • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Dollywood
      • Pigeon Forge attractions & dinner shows
      • Gatlinburg mountain coasters & skylifts
      • Cabin rentals & RV camping
      • Hiking & waterfall adventures
      • Ziplining & off-road trails
      • Fishing, kayaking, & outdoor recreation

        Ocoee River Rafting Trips – Exciting Whitewater Trips for All Levels BOOK A OCOEE RIVER

        WHITEWATER RAFTING TOUR CLICK ON ANY TRIP BELOW THATS RIGHT FOR YOU!

        3 Hour Middle Ocoee River Trip

        THE MIDDLE RIVER

        Ocoee River rafting for beginners and experienced adventurers, with fun, fast-moving rapids for all skill levels.

        5 Hour Full Ocoee River Trip with Lunch

        THE FULL RIVER

        Experience the Upper and Olympic sections of Ocoee River rafting, featuring nonstop whitewater and iconic rapids.

        5 Hour High Adventure Rafting Trip

        HIGH ADVENTURE

        For thrill-seekers ready for intense, fast-paced rapids on the Ocoee River, packed with nonstop whitewater action.

        Voted Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting – Tennessee’s #1 Rafting Adventure

        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Hailey B profile picture
        Hailey B
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        Best rafting company on the Ocoee! We had the best time! This was my very first whitewater rafting trip, and it completely exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Hunter, was absolutely amazing—kind, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. He made the entire experience both exciting and safe, while keeping everyone laughing along the way. I’ll definitely be back, and I’ll be bringing more friends next time. If you go, ask for Hunter—he’s the best! Highly recommend!
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Alison A profile picture
        Alison A
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        A smile maker! We had a blast rafting the Ocoee! Our guide Hunter had years of experience and provided an unforgettable trip down the river. The rapids were nonstop and I had a smile on my face the whole way! Highly recommend. We’ll be back next year!
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Jeanne J profile picture
        Jeanne J
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        Best rafting ever 5Awesome ride guided by Hunter. He made it a blast. Great guy and very safe. The entire crew was attentive to all our needs and especially our safely.
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Jeff P profile picture
        Jeff P
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        Best Whitewater Rafting Experience Ever Best rafting company ever! The guides are professional and fun. Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee is the perfect mix of excitement, adventure, and safety. It is such a unique experience, unlike anything at a theme park. I have been down the river three times, including the Upper Ocoee, the Full River Trip, and the Middle Ocoee. I can't emphasize enough how fantastic each of our experiences have been.All of the rafting guides are awesome at Cherokee, and I have had the pleasure of riding with three of them. When you register, I highly recommend you request Clara, Everett, or Ethan!
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Joseph M profile picture
        Joseph M
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        great time Great fun adventure, everyone who works there makes you feel like your family!The company does an excellent job in briefing you and educating you on the rapids, our guide Hunter was professional, great knowledge of the water and made us feel safe while having a blast!We can't wait to do it again next season!
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Jaclyn T profile picture
        Jaclyn T
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        So worth it Great experience. I have been to two other places in the last few years and this was the best experience. Hunter was a great guide and recommend him for the best trip.
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Scott profile picture
        Scott
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        Family/couples fun on the river. We had a fantastic day on the river with Cherokee Rafting. Easy setup, easy check in, nice facilities, and great value. Our guide, Trey, was a pro and customized our trip with just the right amount of whitewater adventure.
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Rippy profile picture
        Rippy
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        Absolute BLAST !! Can't wait to do it again ! Went with a work group and some friends. We had an absolute blast !! Will be returning with my wife at some point. The guides were great and everyone was very friendly. Just an FYI - the water is cold ! But just for the first couple of rapids then you're acclimated, and it isn't bad at all after that. Our guide, Chad, was very knowledgeable of the river and knew where to avoid and where to go. We made the entire trip and didn't flip or lose anyone out of the boat, which is good ! Highly recommend. Can't wait till we go back !!
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Jessica M profile picture
        Jessica M
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        Great experience Our family did the middle Ocoee with our guide Aaron. He was absolutely amazing and put us on as many surfs as we could get. Would definitely recommend Aaron for your guide! We will be back for more adventures.
        Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
        Jessica M profile picture
        Jessica M
        Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
        High adventure was amazing We had an amazing time with our guide Travis! He put us on every surf possible! We will absolutely be back for another high adventure!

        Awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence consistently for the past 10 years! Selected by National Geographic as an official destination for Geo-tourism. If there’s any question which rafting company to use for your Ocoee River white water adventure, you’ve found the right place. Grab a paddle, snap your buckles, let’s go! Click the logos to see what they say about Cherokee Rafting!