Top 3 Things to Do While Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains
Pigeon River Campground is one of the most popular places to go camping in the Smokies for good reason. After all, our campground is conveniently located near some of the most popular attractions in the area! Here are the top three things to do while camping in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Naturally, one of the most popular activities in the region is hiking on the scenic trails through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hikers can enjoy the park’s trails throughout the year, with each season presenting a different and unique experience.
The spring season showcases a spectacular variety of wildflowers and blooming trees, while the summer is a great time to follow mountain streams to stunning waterfalls. Meanwhile, the fall and winter have crisp and cool air, providing a refreshing environment for hikers to explore the historic foundations and stone walls left behind by former residents.
There are more than 150 hiking trails that extend for over 850 miles within the park’s boundaries, so there is sure to be a trail to appeal to hikers of all skill levels. Check out our Hiking in the Smoky Mountains page for more information.
2. White Water Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors
Another one of the best things to do while camping in the Great Smoky Mountains is white water rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors! This professional white water rafting outfitter is located in the heart of the Smokies and provides exhilarating rafting trips through some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery.
Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers rafting trips on either the Lower or Upper Pigeon River, or guests can participate in both sections of the river on a combo trip. The Lower River trip is a 5.5 mile journey through the beautiful Pigeon River gorge where guests will experience approximately 50 class 1 and 2 rapids, along with one class 3 towards the end. This option is particularly popular with families with young kids, as it is a relatively gentle trip.
The Upper Pigeon River trip is an adventurous 6.5 mile journey through class 3 and 4 rapids, where the certified guides at Smoky Mountain Outdoors navigate rafts through big waves and around rocks. During this trip, guests enjoy approximately 70 rapids that range from class 1 to class 4. It’s a real wild ride!
3. Ziplining with CLIMBWorks
Ziplining with CLIMBWorks is another thrilling attraction your family will enjoy when you go camping in the Smoky Mountains. CLIMBWorks offers an adrenalin fueled zipline canopy tour, taking guests across three sky bridges and nine world class ziplines in the gorgeous surroundings of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The adventure begins with a four-wheel voyage to the top of the mountain, where guests make their first steps on the 2.5 hour tour that consists of 14 unique adventures throughout the canopy of the trees. While gaining knowledge about nature, guests will also be conquering their fears and enjoying incredible bird’s eye views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as they zip over streams, ravines, wildlife, and trees.
The tour even ends with a fantastic and unique surprise! CLIMBWorks is perfectly safe for both first time and experienced guests, as the company’s trained staff takes care of all the necessary safety operations from start to finish, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Still unsure about ziplining? Here are some reasons why you’ll love ziplining in the Smoky Mountains!
For more advice about things to do while camping in the Great Smoky Mountains, give our vacation specialists a call today!
