Rafting in the Smokies is home to fun family-friendly activities like whitewater rafting, family floats, the zipline canopy tour, rock climbing wall, and the high elements ropes course. If that isn’t enough adrenaline for you, we have even more! There are plenty of other activities in the Smoky Mountain area you might enjoy.
Horseback Riding
We have great deals if you would like to add horseback riding as a combo package with one of our other activities. You may have already read about our partnership with Smoky Mountain Riding Stables, but we want to bring it up again as a scenic family-friendly adventure that will put you inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you can appreciate the beauty of the area.
ATV Rides
Bluff Mountain Adventures in Pigeon Forge offers guided ATV trail rides through mountain trails in the foothills of Eastern Tennessee. Passengers must be at least 57” tall (over the age of 12 to drive). The trails are 1–2 hours long, and there are four different options: family introduction ride, mountain trail adventure ride, custom trail ride (reservations are needed at least one day in advance), and the ride run (for experienced riders who want a challenge).
Mountain Coasters
There are numerous mountain coasters in the Smoky Mountain area you should try! Ober Gatlinburg (36” and up) has a Ski Mountain Coaster that you can reach either by the aerial tram from Gatlinburg or a drive to their amusement park and ski area. There is another coaster right before you enter Gatlinburg by way of the Spur called the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, which also offers night rides. Kids over 38” can ride. Children ages 3 and up can ride on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster located in Wears Valley. Rowdy Bear Mountain, newly opened in Gatlinburg, offers a coaster and a mountain glider, which is similar to ziplines. You are harnessed in the glider, but you have less control and are connected to a fixed metal guide like a coaster.
Are these options too intense for you, but you love the outdoors? The Smoky Mountains offer year-round fishing (you’ll need a license), and places like the Smoky Mountain Angler, which offer guided fishing trips for specific species like mountain trout and smallmouth bass. Plus you can learn unique fishing methods like European nymphing. A Walk in the Woods offers guided tours through nature walks, hikes, and even backpacking trips.
