Pigeon River Rafting: Upper Pigeon Gorge
Experience exciting whitewater rafting with scenery of the Smoky Mountains ideal for families and visitors looking to unplug in the outdoors. This adventure delivers some action with calmer spots making it convenient and fun trip for visitors.
Overview
Upper Pigeon River rafting combines fun, splashy whitewater action with beautiful mountain scenery for families and visitors looking to unplug in the outdoors. This adventure is a popular and accessible option for guests staying in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, or the national park in Eastern Tennessee.
Trained NOC guides will navigate you through a quick four miles of splashing wave trains and bouncy hydraulics make this the most popular and convenient river tour NOC offers. With fun Class II-III+ rapids like Dragon Coaster and Aftermath and views into the recovery of the river and surrounding area after Hurricane Helene, the Upper Pigeon is an experience you won’t forget. Paddlers will also be able to view some intriguing construction and rebuilding from their rafts along the trip, showing the short term rebuilding this year.
If you’re looking for a more mild trip, try the Lower Pigeon, perfect for ages three and up with milder, bouncy waves, swimming, and picturesque mountain scenery.
Highlights
- An exciting half day guided rafting trip for families and those looking for outdoor adventure in the Smokies.
- Splash through nearly continuous Class II-III rapids like Lost Guide and Accelerator with expert guides at the helm.
- Easily accessible for those visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the national park in Eastern Tennessee.
- The Pigeon River offers stunning scenery winding through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What to Expect
This fully guided trip is approximately 2.5 hours total, with 1.5 spent on the river. The remainder of your time will be spent in trip preparation and shuttle.
Check-in 30 minutes prior to trip start at NOC’s Pigeon River Outpost in Hartford. After a brief orientation and video, you’ll get geared up with pfds and paddles and load onto the big blue bus to shuttle to the river put in. Once in the raft, your experienced guide will walk you through the rafting lingo and what to expect. Then it’s down the river you go, paddling through bouncy waves, cool mountain water, and fun rapids.
Available Discounts
Rinse & Repeat Discount
Raft more, save more! Book 2 NOC whitewater rafting trips on different rivers and save 10%, book 3 different rivers and save 15%, or book 4 different rivers and save 20% on your entire rafting reservation.Dates
Location
Before You Visit
Participants must be 8+ years of age or weigh a minimum of 70lbs. All minors (17 and under) must be accompanied by a participating adult during the activity.
Participants must meet age, weight, and chest size minimums and maximums specific to this trip. Please read our General Participant Eligibility & Recommendations for more information.
NOC provides all paddling equipment and PFDs for this guided adventure.
- Rafts
- Paddles
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Helmet
- Splash Gear (by request)
Dress in clothes that can get wet, and wear shoes that will stay securely on your feet, with a back heel straps (flip flops are not recommended). Don’t forget dry clothes, a towel, and shoes for after your trip. Booties and water shoes are available for purchase. There are changing rooms and showers are available.
- Clothing that can get wet
- Shoes that will stay securely on your feet
- In cooler weather, avoid wearing heavy cottons; wear synthetics and wool socks
*Please leave all personal belongings in your car, our guides will take your keys prior to the trip and hold them until your return.
Please bring your own water bottle. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase in the Outpost Store or in the NOC Gatlinburg retail store located just outside of the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains.
