Rafting in the Smokies, Hartford, TN -

Since 1978, Rafting in the Smokies has offered guests thrilling adventures in the great outdoors, which today include whitewater rafting, scenic family float trips, a zipline, a ropes challenge course, and a rock climbing wall. Built to reflect sustainable tourism, Rafting in the Smokies helps locals and visitors come as close to possible as nature to enjoy experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.

We are located right on the banks of Pigeon River, which offers Class III and IV rapids. It is perfect for our beginner guests yet still gives them a thrill and a challenge. We also have our own 10-acre Family Adventure Island, accessible by a 150-foot suspension bridge. Here you’ll find our zipline and ropes challenge course, as well as games, picnic and barbecue areas, and a nature trail.

Rafting in the Smokies hires approximately 50 river guides and 20 zipline guides from around the world. Our employees are leaders who are flexible with their time and willing to put in hard work- this is, after all, a very physical job! Raft guides need to be physically fit and should love the beautiful surroundings of the Smokies. For those who are up for the challenge, it is an incredible adventure, filled with adrenaline, sunshine, cool water, and lifelong friends!

We provide free training as a professional river guide to gain working knowledge of boat control, water features and customer relations. We accept all skill levels, no guiding experience is required.

Guide Certification classes for the 2023 rafting season will be held April 24th – 28th and May 15th – 19th: (CPR & First Aid Certification classes are available, and are required in order to guide commercial trips). Spaces for the classes are limited and advance registration is required.

A Day In The Life:

Days start at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. for check-in and meetings. Then you’ll inflate the rafts, assist guests with gearing up and safety instructions, and head to the rapids! Trips travel about 5.5 miles and last about an hour and a half each. Guides will generally work 3-4 trips daily and the last trip leaves at 5:40 pm. We work 4 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday) which are the guaranteed water release days from the dam.

At the end of the day you can find us relaxing riverside at guide housing, cooking meals, and playing music and games. Working on the river is a unique experience as you rely on each other in ways that are just not common to the everyday workplace. We live together, work together, and play together. We are confident you will develop deep friendships that will last you a lifetime.

Take it from our staff:

I had the most amazing summer of my life here. Obviously getting to raft for work is awesome but the people are what make it so fun. Rafting all day together and then going home to hang out with everybody you saw on the river is very cool.
River Guide, 2020

Melting pot of people which led to great experiences. Working at Rafting In The Smokies is a vast learning experience. It’s a beautiful lifestyle to pick up or experience.
River Guide, 2018

Benefits & Activities:

Complimentary Gatlinburg Attractions Passes
Access to hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains
Employee rafting trips to different rivers scheduled during season
Great access to biking, waterfalls, and swimming holes
Close to Dollywood & Splash Country
Nearby Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Knoxville, and Asheville

Meals: Not provided. Food options and convenience store are within walking distance. Groceries (Walmart) are a 15-minute drive. (Most guides bring their own vehicle).
Housing: All staff receive accommodations. Housing includes AC, kitchens, bathrooms, washer/dryer, and volleyball court.
Seasons: Spring, Summer
Positions: