White water rafting is exciting, adventurous, and (dare we say it) good exercise. In addition to the great team-building and stress-burning you’ll experience while on the water, here are four other things to do while you’re rafting with Rafting in the Smokies on the Pigeon River.
1. Take in the beautiful scenery
While you might want to focus on getting down the river, make sure you spend some time to enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Forest, and surrounding areas. You might be able to see some wildlife on your journey as well. Our guides often point out highlights of their experiences with nature. Maybe they’ve seen deer walking along the banks for a drink or observed a heron flying overhead. With such a variety of natural beauty surrounding you as you raft down the river, you’re sure to have an amazing time filled with memorable moments that will last a lifetime.
2. Enjoy the experience
Don’t forget to have fun while you’re rafting! Perfect for adults and children, white water rafting can be a personal challenge filled with fun and excitement. Try and remember all the names of the notable rapids you encounter. Compare in your group with who got drenched more. Your guide might try a rafting trick on your group or get into a paddle-splash battle with another raft. Take it all in and have a blast!
3. Ask questions
Our guides are very knowledgeable about the river and its surroundings. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. They truly enjoy talking about their encounters on the river. Ask them why they decided to be a guide. Ask them if they’ve seen any animals while rafting. Ask what their most memorable raft experience was. You might even learn more, like how they live while being a guide, or what they do when they aren’t rafting.
4. Pay attention
While you’re doing everything else, make sure you are also paying attention to your immediate surroundings. It’s easy to get caught up in the joy of heading down the churning river and not notice a branch that is right in front of you. While the guides are very skilled at charting a safe course through the rapids, sometimes they have to get closer to the banks to avoid dangerous spots. See if you can get through the whole trip without forgetting to hold your paddle properly and participate in all the verbal instructions made by your guide.
If you haven’t realized it yet, white water rafting is a great outdoor activity you should try! Speaking of being outdoors, Rafting in the Smokies offers other activities you should experience. We have a zipline canopy tour, a high elements ropes course, and a new rock climbing wall that can challenge you and the rest in your group.
