Rapid Descent River Cocke county, Tennessee whitewater outfitter     Class IV Rapids Big Creek French Broad Pigeon River Rafts Whitewater Rafting Trips River Guides Class I Rapids Class II Rapids Class III Rapids The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Newport. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in Tennessee are often tougher than in other states, so if you're not from around here don't forget that many runs in this state are not easy. The beautiful     scenery of Tennessee and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. A good workout and a chance to spend some time outdoors will make you glad you came. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way this is an area with plenty of places for that. The campgrounds here at Rapid Descent River are pretty good. There are some good hotels near the river, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. The beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains is a great plus for this river. Briefly about the general area: Going for a hike along the Stone   Mountain Trail will let you absorb the natural beauty of this neighborhood. You're sure to stumble upon some great folks from Cosby here. While you're here at Rapid Descent River you can take a hike along the Lower Whiterock Trail, and a great site to explore is Hickorynut Gap. The surroundings of this river have so much to offer. Rapid Descent River is a quite wet place typically with a good deal of precipitation. Most of the rain falls during May while October is frequently the driest month. Summertime brings highs in the 80's to Rapid Descent River. Summer overnight lows sink down to the 60's.     Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Rapid Descent River.   Whitewater Near Rapid Descent River: Whitewater Outfitter - Rip Roaring Adventures, Cocke County, 1 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Five Rivers Adventures, Cocke County, 1 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Outdoor Adventures, Cocke County, 2 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - USA Raft, Cocke County, 2 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Pigeon River Officer, Cocke County, 5 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Pigeon River, Cocke County, 5 miles away       Class III+ - 4.66 miles long (Big Creek to Hartford) Pigeon River, Cocke County, 5 miles away       Class II-III - 4.2 miles long (Walter's Power Plant at Waterville to Bridge at Hartford) Big Creek, Haywood County, 5 miles away       Class V - 5.4 miles long (Walnut Bottom to NPS Campground) Big Creek, Haywood County, 5 miles away       Class IV - 2 miles long (NPS Campground to Confluence with Big Pigeon) Straight Fork, Swain County, 11 miles away       Class III-IV - 4.6 miles long (Round Bottom to Raven Fork)   Ski Areas Near Rapid Descent River: Cataloochee, North Carolina , 15 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee , 28 miles away, 600 foot drop, 3 lifts, 8 runs Scaly Mountain, North Carolina , 46 miles away, 225 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 46 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Sky Valley, Georgia , 49 miles away, 210 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Ski Beech, North Carolina , 92 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 92 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 95 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs   Marinas Near Rapid Descent River: Indian Creek Boat Dock, Dandridge , 15 miles away Swann's Marina, Dandridge , 17 miles away   Hotels Near Rapid Descent River: Knights Inn Newport, Newport , 8 miles away Hampton Inn Newport, Newport , 8 miles away Holiday Inn Express & Suites NEWPORT SOUTH, Newport , 8 miles away Quality Inn Newport, Newport , 8 miles away Best Western Newport Inn, Newport , 8 miles away   Campgrounds Near Rapid Descent River: Fox Fire Camp And Canoe, Hartford, 1 miles away Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gilliland Creek, Cosby, 2 miles away Cosby Ranch, Cosby, 4 miles away   Trails Near Rapid Descent River: Stone Mountain Trail, Cocke , 2 miles away Lower Whiterock Trail, Cocke , 3 miles away Messer Trail, Cocke , 5 miles away Baxter Creek Trail, Haywood , 6 miles away Big Branch Trail, Haywood , 7 miles away   Public Lands Near Rapid Descent River: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg - TN , 24 miles away Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 44 miles away Panther Creek State Park, Tennessee , 29 miles away   Golf Courses Near Rapid Descent River: Smoky MTN Country Club & Grill, Newport , 7 miles away Bent Creek Golf Village, Gatlinburg , 13 miles away Baneberry Golf & Resort, White Pine , 14 miles away   Lakes Near Rapid Descent River Waterville Lake, Haywood , 11 miles away