So you're ready to visit Gatlinburg and have a few activities like rafting, fishing, hiking and hunting on your list. Many people who come to Gatlinburg are trying these outdoor exploits for the first time, and even if you are an experienced hiker, rafter, or angler you can still benefit from some guidance and inside knowledge of the area. In this post we'll introduce you to a few of the local outfitters so you can not only buy the gear you need to succeed outdoors, you'll also get to access the experience that the local guides can impart. They know the best fishing holes, the most interesting hiking trails and all the rafting spots for every skill level. Let's take a look at these outfitters now:

NOC Gatlinburg | Nantahala Outdoor Center

Visit this 18,000 square foot store and pick up all the gear you need for whatever activity you wish to pursue; from camping to hiking, rafting and much more. They dedicate 1,000 sq. ft. just to The North Face gear they carry, and they sell most anything you could want, even for casual enjoyment; from headphones to sandals.

What's more NOC will help you plan a fun adventure, including some of the best river and trail outings available in the Gatlinburg area. They are very highly rated on TripAdvisor, and visitors report that they love the convenient location of NOC, which is right by the downtown Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

On their website you can find whitewater rafting discount coupons and trip planner brochures. With all of the hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, be sure to see the hiking boots section in NOC to prepare yourself with the proper gear, as many trails are rocky, uneven, muddy and otherwise challenging.

NOC offers so many great experiences in its store, including a climbing wall and rope bridge. Probably what it is most known for are its experienced and knowledgeable rafting guides. Visitors consistently rate these guides highly because they put safety first, and offer their knowledge of the river and the surrounding area to make white water rafting an awesome experience for everyone. 

Find them at:

NOC Gatlinburg

1138 Parkway

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

865.277.8209

Light #10

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The Day Hiker

This outfitter is located in The Village, a quaint Gatlinburg shopping area that offers a variety of shops and restaurants.

The Day Hiker is known for its owner's extensive hiking knowledge. You can read about the interesting hikes he has taken throughout the area here.

In their store you can find T-shirts, hammocks, backpacks, and everything else you need to make your hiking trip a success.

You can check out The Day Hiker's YouTube channel for more hiking information. They also have an active Facebook community that provides excellent insights into local history and some of the best hiking trails in this area.

Whether you're up for a short hike to try something different away from town, or you want to go on an expedition-like trek on the Appalachian Trail, The Day Hiker can help you learn more about the best places to hike in the Gatlinburg area.

Find them at:

Address: 634 Parkway # 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone:(865) 430-0970

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Rocky Top Outfitters

This Pigeon Forge outfitter offers a variety of fishing and hunting trips to satisfy anglers and hunters of all skill levels. In fact, they rate their fishing trips by skill level and also offer boating trips. Let's take a look at some of the many trips you can enjoy:

Trout Fishing

Experienced and friendly guides will work with anglers (no more than 3 per guide) from 4 - 8 hours (each trip varies and you can select 4, 6 or 8 hour trips) and teach fly or spin fishing techniques to land the limit of trout on every outing. This is great fun for any age and is rated Skill Level A, or easy for anyone to enjoy.

Another great easy level fishing trip is a 4 - 8 hour (each trip varies and you can select 4, 6 or 8 hour trips) small mouth bass fishing trip. Guides will help anglers fish for small mouth bass and there are also opportunities to fish for pan fish and trout.

Moving up to moderate skill level, this outfitter offers float trips and fishing on Douglas Lake. Each of these trips is great with Rocky Top Outfitters' guides who know all the best fishing spots.

The Trophy Pond fishing trip is fun for kids and anyone who wants the chance to catch a big fish at a well-stocked fishing hole.

You can also enjoy bear hunting and turkey hunting that will allow you to create memories that last a lifetime. Each of these hunting trips is rated at the moderate to high difficulty level. They make excellent options for group vacations and provide unique experiences you can't get elsewhere.

Ask these guides about planning corporate trips, too. Any of the trips listed here would make a unique corporate trip that's sure to be remembered.

Find them at:

Rocky Top Outfitters

2611 Ruth Hall Rd.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863

865-661-FISH (3474)

http://www.smokymountaintrouttournament.com/

While you may spend a lot of time outdoors when you come to Gatlinburg, you'll need a conveniently located cabin as your home base. Whether you desire a small, rustic retreat or a larger, more luxurious space, we invite you to browse the dozens of amazing cabins Diamond Mountain Rentals has to offer. Be sure to see our dozens of pet-friendly cabins if you are going to bring your dog along with you.