Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trips | Rafting in the Smokies

Rafting in the Smokies is the Real Deal!

The upper section of the Pigeon River boasts 12 Class III and 3 Class IV thrilling white water rapids! Accompanied by one of Rafting in the Smokies friendly, professional river guides, you’ll be escorted down 5.5 miles of lively rapids with equally engaging nicknames such as Too Late, Vegamatic, Razor Blade, After Shave, and Lost Guide. No Experience Necessary!

The scenery surrounding the upper and lower sections of the Pigeon River is just as breathtaking as the rapids.

Skirted by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Martha Sundquist State Forest and the Appalachian Trail, the Pigeon River has carved its rocky riverbed through some of the most dramatic country in East Tennessee. If someone in your group needs a little less adventure, we can accommodate! Let us help you plan coinciding Upper Pigeon River White water and Lower Pigeon River Scenic Family Float Trips.

Summary

What To Expect
Big Splashes & Bumpy Waves, Maximum 7 People Per Raft + Guide;
5.5 mile trip / approx. 1.5 hours in length

Difficulty
Class III & IV

Pricing
$51 per person plus tax and fees. Discounts available.

Safety
Trained Guide in EVERY Raft, Life jackets/personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets are provided and required for all participants, our PFDs are adjustable to 56″.

Requirements
Minimum 8 years old or 70 lbs;
Must be able to fit into 56″ personal flotation devices

Availability
The Pigeon River is dam-controlled with scheduled water releases from Memorial Day through Labor Day – Rain or Shine – on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday. Call for spring and fall trip availabilities. Based on lake levels, we may have trips available other days. Reservations are recommended, walk-ins are welcome.

Call for availability 800-PRO-RAFT(776-7238).

Location
Although surrounded by spectacular mountain wilderness, the Rafting in the Smokies Pigeon River Outpost is the most accessible outpost in East Tennessee! Just take Exit #447 to Hartford, off I-40 near the Tennessee/North Carolina border, and you’re there! It’s that easy! Located only 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Knoxville, TN, and Asheville, NC. Make this river rafting trip your next white water adventure!

Amenities
FREE on-site amenities include: Our 10-acre Family Adventure Island featuring a nature trail, barbeque grills, picnic area, beanbag toss games and a playground at the water’s edge. Professional photo of your adventure, gift shop items, and meals are available for a nominal charge. Combo packages are available to add Scenic Family Float Rafting, Ziplines, Rock Climbing Wall, or High Elements Ropes Challenge Course to your adventure.

Additional Packages
We work with our local partners to also offer other activities as part of a package.

VIEW LOWER PIGEON RIVER FAMILY FLOAT

Itinerary

All trips meet first at OUR Pigeon River Outpost in Hartford, TN

Arrival at Rafting in the Smokies
After arriving at the Outpost please lock all personal items in your vehicle and promptly check in. Make sure not to leave your signed waivers in the car. We will keep your keys while you are playing on the river.

Safety Briefing and Gearing Up
After all participants have checked in you can explore the outpost but stay within the sound of the music on the speakers. The office will announce your trip over the speakers when it is time to assemble for your river orientation and safety talk by the trip leader. You will meet your guide and he will help you choose your life jacket and other gear. You will then board the bus for the short 5-mile ride to the put in at the Powerhouse. Your guide will point out various rapids and interesting facts along the ride to the put in at exit 451 on the North Carolina state line.

Rafting on the Pigeon River
For your safety when you arrive at the put in you will be asked to remain on the bus while we unload rafts. Once the rafts are on the ground your guide will again give brief paddling techniques and helpful white water rafting tips. When everyone is ready all rafts are boarded for the trip downstream. The action starts right away on the Upper Section of the Big Pigeon River! Within a short distance, you will be running “Powerhouse”, which is a Class III plus rapid. Make sure you are smiling as you approach this rapid for great photo opportunities. After this, the rapids come in close succession with “Big Rock” and “Full of Water.” You will go through many other rapids such as ‘’Big Bend”, “Roller Coaster”, “Lost Guide”, and “Duck N Run”. Enjoy a nice calm spot of swimming after “Accelerator”.

Return to Rafting in the Smokies
We arrive back at the River Outpost where you may view and purchase trip photos of a great day of rafting. Bring a picnic and relax on our 10 Acre Family Adventure Island where you will find barbeque grills, picnic tables,beanbag toss games and a playground. There is also a nature trail and play area at waters edge! Enjoy the setting and share stories about your exciting rafting adventure with Rafting in the Smokies!