The excitement of the Smoky Mountains’ craziest rapids are well within reach at Dollywood’s Splash Country, where the Raging River Rapids slide delivers thrills for the entire family. Consisting of a long descent on rafts designed for up to five riders, this is a decidedly social experience suited to those reluctant to hit the park’s more ambitious water rides on their own.
Although anybody can have a blast on this slide, it is best suited to those exploring Splash Country together in small groups. Families, in particular, love this ride, as they can enjoy water-based thrills without being separated. Rafts must include a minimum of three people and a maximum of five; groups of less than three are joined with other small groups, while those with over five are split up.
Children must be a minimum of 36 inches tall to enjoy the Raging River Rapids — and those under 48 inches should be accompanied by at least one guest 16 years of age or older. In general, however, this ride is ideal for families with children in elementary school or older. Kids who are reluctant to take on the challenge of water rides on their own may also appreciate this option, which grants them proximity to parents, siblings, and other loved ones. This could be the perfect step up to other fun rides at Splash Country.
Once you’ve figured out who you want to ride with and whether they’re tall enough for this adventure, you will be directed onto a vast raft that accommodates several people at once. Handles are situated around the edge so you can grab on throughout your adventure.
Numerous twists and turns await, with shallow dips that aren’t nearly as jarring as those on similar family rides at Splash Country. The ride is relatively long — to the point that your potentially lengthy wait in line will feel justified. You might not get particularly wet on this ride, but that could be welcome news on a cool or overcast day.
The fun ends with the gentle transfer of the tube from the slide to a small pool, in which your exit will be directed by a lifeguard. The moment the ride ends, you will be ready for another try!
If you prefer rides with a social element, you will feel right at home on Splash Country’s Raging River Rapids. Bring your loved ones along to make memories on this thrilling — but not too thrilling — slide.
Insider Tips:
– The wait can sometimes be frustratingly long for this ride, perhaps due to its appeal across a variety of age groups. Visit early in the day if possible — or stop by on an overcast day when fewer families are desperate to beat the heat. This is also a great opportunity for taking advantage of the TimeSaver H2O option, which will reserve your spot in a virtual line so you can continue to enjoy the park’s most beloved attractions.
– If you enjoy Splash Country’s Raging River Rapids and prefer to focus on similar rides, you’ll definitely want to check out the Big Bear Plunge. Although steeper at times, the Big Bear Plunge shares a similar setup that is sure to delight families and groups of close friends.