Top Tennessee On the Water

We have the best location on the Nantahala River being located right at the takeout. This means you'll only ride the bus once and you'll finish at your car. After the river, enjoy one of our two restaurants by the river.

Enjoy a thrilling day out on the Pigeon River with this private guided whitewater rafting tour. Meet in Hartford for a safety briefing, the head to the river to tackle 5 miles (8 kilometers) of class III to class IV rapids, with scenic views of the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains along the way. No experience necessary.

With as many as 100,000 endangered grey bats coming to roost around the caves of Nickajack Lake, this kayaking tour near Chattanooga offers an exceptional opportunity to watch them on their nightly hunts. You’ll visit the Nickajack Bat Cave and Wildlife Refuge in the Tennessee River and paddle out to the bat cave. While these animals take to the sky during sunset, you’ll learn about the local efforts made to protect and preserve the species.

Travel down the Cumberland River on a 2-hour pontoon cruise designed for you to have fun whilst enjoying the sights of Nashville! The Nashville Water Taxi is the premier water activity company in town with easy boarding location within walking distance of Downtown Nashville. You'll be greeted by your licensed USCG Captain and Deckhand who will offer you drink (for purchase) before setting sail, giving you the opportunity to relax on board, soak in the sights, and enjoy some Nashville History. Live narration will begin after departing the dock and will continue while cruise along the Scenic Cumberland River. Don't miss out on the local history, wildlife, and amazing photo opportunities of the Nashville Skyline! Note: Bar is available onboard to purchase a wide variety of drinks including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. (Ex. water, soda, local & domestic beer, wine, canned cocktails and champagne!)

Go whitewater rafting in Tennessee with this half-day adventure along the Ocoee River. After a short safety introduction, board a private bus for a ride through the Cherokee National Forest. Climb aboard the raft and experience more than 20 class III and class IV rapids while descending the river gorge. Enjoy plenty of opportunities to swim, if you wish, on this nature-filled escape from the city.

The Ocoee River formed naturally without any of the undercuts or sieves present in most waterways. For our rafters that means we can push the boundaries of what a non-professional can experience. At OAR we train for longer then any other company. We are also the only company that requires each guide to complete an EMR certification as well as a Swiftwater Rescue class. This enables us to confidently do things on the water other companies can't and take guests that other companies won't.

Test your rafting skills on the white-water rapids of the Upper Pigeon River with this private rafting adventure. Set off with an expert guide to take on the churning river and enjoy views of the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains. Navigate the river with tips from your guide, stopping along the way to take a dip.

Prepare to get wet on an exciting Smoky Mountain rafting adventure down the Pigeon River. Even if it’s your first time, grab a paddle and navigate dozens of class I and II rapids that offer plenty of splashes and thrills but are perfect for beginners. The closest rafting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this 2-hour afternoon trip makes a great addition to any Smoky Mountain family vacation.

Explore Nashville from the iconic Cumberland River aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat. This delightful sightseeing cruise features live narration and music, providing a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Music City. Relax in the Victorian dining rooms or enjoy the river breeze on the promenade deck. Lunch and a full bar are available for purchase, making it an ideal outing for families and groups alike. Don't miss the chance to see historic steam engines in operation on the Steamer Nashville, one of only three remaining western river steamboats. - 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise with live narration and music - Family-friendly atmosphere with indoor/outdoor seating options - Lunch and full bar available for purchase on board - Unique opportunity to tour historic steam engines in operation

No need to travel far to take this thrilling Pigeon River white-water rafting tour, which departs from a central location right by Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg—one of the closest put-ins in the area. As the lengthiest rafting trip on the Pigeon River, this excursion is perfect for thrill seekers, while a guide on every raft makes it appropriate for rafters of all experience levels.

A cornerstone of Smokies vacations, the Pigeon is the closest whitewater rafting tour to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The nation's most-popular whitewater rafting trip offers near-constant excitement from start to finish and is located just below the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course. Many rafters consider the Ocoee’s intensity and difficulty “just right" with a greatest hit compilation of rapids. Highlights of the run—and there are many—include huge waves at Double Trouble, fast, frenzied currents at Tablesaw and the boat-drenching punch through Hell Hole rapid.

Discover Chattanooga from the water with an electric Boat rental. Navigate the serene Tennessee River at your own pace, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and iconic downtown views. This eco-friendly, easy-to-drive boat is ideal for families, couples, and friends looking for an unforgettable day on the water. - Captain your own electric boat—no boating experience required - Enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing on the water - Bring your pets and pack snacks for a personalized adventure - Take in breathtaking sights beneath famous bridges and along the waterfront

The Ocoee River is one of the most popular destinations for whitewater rafting in Tennessee and flows through the heart of the Cherokee National Forest. On this tour, you’ll get a full day on the water, with full instruction and lunch included. Get your adrenaline pumping as you tackle Class III and IV rapids, admire the views as you cruise downstream, and raft down part of the ‘Olympic section’.

See the highlights of Memphis and learn about the city in a deeper way than you could on your own on a city tour. Get your bearings as you pass by key landmarks or upgrade to a package that includes a ride on a riverboat and or a visit to Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley recorded his first song.

Combine a party atmosphere with Nashville sightseeing from the water by setting off on this scenic pontoon ride. A stress-free alternative to hiring your own boat—the cruise includes a captain and deckhand, so someone else can drive, while you relax and enjoy the country music soundtrack and great views. Key sights that the tour route showcases include Downtown Nashville, the Nissan Stadium, and the “Batman” building.

Paddle into scenic serenity with this small-group clear kayak tour of Old Hickory Lake, led by a knowledgeable guide. Glide across transparent waters, spot wildlife beneath your kayak, and learn about local ecology and waterways on this immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience. Ideal for nature lovers, couples, and adventurers who want a unique perspective on Nashville’s lakeside beauty.

Discover Memphis’ rich history, musical heritage, and Southern cuisine on this comprehensive “best of Memphis” tour. Take in all the highlights of downtown Memphis, from the Blues bars of Beale Street and historic Victorian mansions, to the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and one of Elvis’ early apartments. Get insight into the city's amazing heritage at the your choice of one of three museums only found in Memphis: The National Civil Rights Museum, the Smithsonian's Rock 'n' Soul Museum, or the Edge Motor Museum. After visiting your museum of choice, you'll be driven safely to the Memphis Riverboat to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.

The rushing waters of the Middle Ocoee River are your playground during this whitewater adventure. Climb into a kayak and paddle down the Middle Section of the Ocoee River through Chattanooga National Forest with a guide. Those new to this adrenaline-filled sport will find the pre-launch safety briefing and orientation helpful. Paddle through more than five-miles of the river where you’ll encounter 270-foot drops and Class III/IV waves.

Go white water rafting in Tennessee with this half-day adventure on the Ocoee River. Get your adrenaline pumping during this seasonal excursion along 10 miles (16 kilometers) of rapids, including class III and IV rapids. A riverside picnic lunch is also included, so you don't have to worry about packing snacks. Children must be at least 12 years old to participate.

The Tennessee River’s Chickamauga Dam is a marvel of engineering, holding back floodwaters while producing hydroelectric power. Experience this impressive structure up close by kayaking through the dam’s lock on this remarkable guided tour. Over the course of around three hours, you’ll paddle into the lock, watch the gates close, and slowly sink down some 50 feet before paddling back out into the river.

Get a new perspective on Chattanooga with a rafting adventure tour on the Middle Ocoee River. After a safety demonstration, set off on a white water rafting excursion through the scenic Cherokee National Forest. Experience class III and IV rapids as you descend the river gorge. Paddle through the rapids during this exhilarating river adventure.

NOC Lower Pigeon River rafting is the highlight for families vacationing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee or those looking for a relaxing scenic trip. Paddlers ages three and up will enjoy this float trip with gentle rapids and splashing waves, while professionally trained river guides bring the fun with stops for swim and play. Our trips offers scenic views as it flows along the Northern border the along the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. With just a short drive from both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this trip provides an unforgettable experience and enjoyment for the whole family. Experience the river with NOC's trained guides who bring the trip to life with stories, knowledge of flora and fauna, and stops along the way for swimming and play along the Great Smoky Mountains.