Tips and Etiquette for Big Smokey Falls and the Wolf River
After viewing thousands of rafters rafting over Big Smokey Falls, I thought some general tips, observations, and Web sites may be helpful.
First the Websites->
If you are thinking of bringing the family for a nice vacation, Saturday’s sometimes have a ‘Spring Break’ vibe so plan accordingly. If you have young kids, I would try to avoid the weekend and raft during the week. Not sure you want your kids asking “what are they doing” too early…
If your trip includes going over the Far Cascade of Big Smokey Falls, try to sit on seats if possible. Many unsuspecting rafters have broken tail bones, ankles, etc., in the past on the Rooster Tail, which is a huge rock in the middle of Big Smokey.
Most people do not realize the force of Big Smokey and I have seen numerous injuries including bloody noses, cracked teeth, etc.
I also saw a first this year (2008), a woman who was flipped 180 degrees into the air, landing on her head and knocking her unconscious for a solid three to four minutes. I thought she was a goner due to the force of the impact. Scariest 3-4 minutes for all watching, I hope she survived in good order…
Just an aside, please leave the crummy attitudes at home! I can’t tell you how many people I have seen upset thinking their rafting partner, in their minds, did something wrong that caused them to fall out of the raft, get hit, didn’t properly “steer the raft”, etc. The last 100 yards of Big Smokey you have no real control. Enjoy it and P R A Y 
It’s kind of like life, sometimes no matter how hard you try, something gets thrown at you that is totally out of your control. That is why I like photographing at Big Smokey. It’s 100% RAW EMOTION, both good and bad! I prefer the good 
Also, try to secure personal belongings before taking on the last falls, especially sunglasses. Can’t tell you how many times I hear this, “Man those are $175.00 sunglasses”, or ‘My Hat’…
Hey, I have an idea, if you don’t want to lose it … don’t bring it !
There is a small eddy and sand bar where things collect on the bottom should you lose an item.
Other Tips and Thoughts
Footwear~ tennis shoes, river shoes, wet suit boots.
Don’t forget items~ Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent, etc. Don’t bring your favs as you may lose in the rapids. Photo of someone after retrieving their prized hat which they thought was gone forever in the rapids.
No CANS or BOTTLES are allowed on the river. Bring a canteen or thermos jug with your favorite drink. If you plan on having snacks along the way bring a small cooler with sealable containers as they work best and will hopefully float should you drop one. NO PAPER or PLASTIC WRAPPERS.
- CLASS I Rapids~ Weak current, small ripples, no whitewater, very calm
- CLASS II Rapids~ Forceful current, whitecap ripples, little dips, and small whirlpools
- CLASS III Rapids~ Strong current, big drops, narrow paths, high whitewater, strong whirlpools
- CLASS IV RAPIDS~ Extreme current, waterfalls, high whitewater, large dips
September 14, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Wow! I have wanted to go whitewater rafting my whole life, and finally got the chance to do the Smokey run this weekend. My nearly 41-year-old body is battered, but what an experience. We were thrown out of the raft in the canyon area, and so was my friend Bob and his daughter. Pretty scary stuff, but I kept my wits about me, and had to swim all the way through it, holding my glasses in my right hand. My buddy, Jeff, lost his glasses. Where’s that sand eddy at? Maybe we can look for them next year. What a great time!