Spring and summer may feel a long way off, but it’s not too early to start thinking about your summer fun in the sun! If you’re planning to go rafting this season, it’s always a good idea to book and prep sooner rather than later. This is especially true if you’re interested in a trip over a holiday weekend. Popular dates like Memorial Day and the 4th of July see some of the year’s biggest rafting crowds, and there’s nothing worse than scheduling a holiday family retreat to Gatlinburg only to find that your rafting dates of choice are fully booked. Don’t let it happen to you by planning early! Below are our biggest tips to help you plan a rafting trip over a holiday weekend.
Book early
Holiday weekends, especially in the summer, fill up quickly. While you may be able to snag a rafting spot with a last-minute booking, the chances are that every raft will be full. It’s never a bad idea to book a few months in advance–you’ll ensure that you get your ideal time and trip type locked in from the start. We recommend booking as soon as you’ve secured a lodging spot–that way, you’ll be guaranteed the time slot of your choice.
Mind the crowd
Celebrating summer holidays in the great outdoors is a national tradition. When you come to raft over a holiday weekend, keep this in mind! Come prepared to wait in line for longer than usual, and expect a busier river. Embrace it as part of the fun of the holiday! If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds, you can also consider booking in the morning or around lunchtime.
Beat the heat
One thing is for sure: if you’re rafting in the Tennessee summer, you need to bring sunscreen! While it’s easy to forget little details like drinking water and SPF 50 in the excitement of the holiday celebrations, your skin will remember later! A ball cap is also a great choice to protect your face if you’re taking the more leisurely Lower Pigeon River float–just prepare to hang on tight!
Don’t forget the after-party
Don’t let the fun stop after you’ve beached your raft and put away the paddles! Our Family Adventure Island at Rafting in the Smokies offers the perfect spot for your 4th of July or Memorial Day picnic. Reserve a pavilion (it’s free!), explore the natural beauty of our 10-acre island, and take on a challenge with our ropes course or ziplining package! It’s the perfect spot to reconnect with nature while celebrating summer. Just make your reservations for the pavilion and book your ropes course or zipline adventure as soon as possible to make sure you get your spot.
Stay safe
In all the holiday excitement, it’s essential not to forget safety in and out of the water. Always follow your guide’s instructions, leave valuables at home, make sure to lock your car, and don’t bring food on the river. By taking a little extra time to read the what to bring page on our website, you’ll be prepared beforehand and ready to start your rafting trip without delays.
Are you ready to celebrate your summer holidays on the river? Join us at Rafting in the Smokies for a holiday memory your whole group will cherish! By following a few essential tips, booking early, and keeping crowds in mind, you can take your holiday rafting trip from good to great. Whether you choose a family paddle with a relaxed pavilion picnic or an exciting rafting trip followed by a ziplining adventure high above the trees, we’re confident that summer celebrations in Gatlinburg will be memories to cherish!
