There are countless activities for the outdoor enthusiast staying in Gatlinburg cabin rentals. The Smoky Mountains offers hiking, fishing, camping, and lots of other activities. For example the area offers numbers opportunities for rafting, both gentle paddling and whitewater adventure.

Pigeon River Trips

One of the most popular rafting destinations for people staying in Gatlinburg cabin rentals is the Pigeon River. The Upper Pigeon River is the destination for people who like whitewater rafting. Locals consider this the best whitewater experience around. This part of the river has continuous class II through class IV whitewater providing plenty of exciting moments for both experienced rafters and adventurous first-timers. The breathtaking natural backdrop adds a special touch to the experience.

For those who want sometime more relaxing, the Lower Pigeon River is a slow winding waterway. Rafts gently make their way along the currents giving passengers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and abundant wildlife.

Paddling the Alpine Lakes

Just south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, easy to reach from your cabin, are five lakes called the Finger Lakes of the South: Calderwood, Cheoh, Fontana, Nantahala, and Santeetlah.

These lakes offer plenty of paddling opportunities as well as forested shorelines, trout-filled streams, and plenty of natural wonders to explore both by boat and on foot. Even though millions of tourists flock to the area every year, few of them discover these secluded areas.

Even locals come across new surprises when they visit. The area is vast and unspoiled, offering endless adventure to visitors. Campsites and hiking trails provide plenty of exploration opportunities. Many visitors like to paddle for a while and then camp and explore the area before paddling to a new destination. You could spend months here and never visit the same place twice.

Creeks Around Fontana Lake

All of the lakes have many creeks to explore. Let’s look at a couple of examples near Fontana Lake. One nice trip is down Hazel Creek starting in Cable Cove Landing. If you like you can camp at Proctor campsite and explore the ruins of an abandoned logging town that once boasted a thousand residents. Paddle your way to Fontana Lake then into Eagle Creek where you can camp at Lost Cove for plenty of fishing and swimming.

Another option from Fontana Lake is along Forney Creek. Camp at Lower Forney and hike up to High Rocks for breathtaking views. Or paddle west to Chambers Creek. The campsite there is harder to get to, but the pioneer history in the area makes the trip worthwhile.

If you will be staying in Gatlinburg, opportunities for some of the best rafting, kayaking, and canoeing in the world are nearby. When you see how much natural beauty awaits you, it will be hard to tear yourself away.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Smoky mountain cabin rentals visit http://www.apmcabinrentals.com/.

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