Top Tennessee Wildlife Encounters

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.

Take to the water for an adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting adventure along the Upper Pigeon River. Enjoy spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains as you paddle through the gorge, tackle more than a dozen thrilling Class III and IV rapids such as ‘Snapdragon’ and ‘Powerhouse’, and perhaps jump in to cool off with a swim.

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.

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.

Discover the enchanting world of rare synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains during a guided night hike. As twilight descends, witness the mesmerizing light show of these unique creatures as they synchronize their flashes in a pulsating rhythm. Along the way, enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of rivers and rapids and learn from a certified Wilderness First Responder with over a decade of experience. Settle in with provided chairs and headlamps for an unforgettable evening under the stars, where you have the opportunity to see rare synchronous fireflies and capture stunning time-lapse photos. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature.