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Guided
Moderate

Pigeon River Rafting: Upper Pigeon Gorge

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN
from $50
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Experience thrilling whitewater rafting with stunning scenery of the Smoky Mountains ideal for families and visitors looking to unplug in the outdoors. This adventure delivers nonstop action in a few short hours making it convenient and unforgettable.

8+ Years Old
May-September
Min 70 Lbs
2.5 Hours Long
Upper Pigeon River Rafting at it's finest while the rafters are having a great time.
Rafters on the Smoky Mountain Adventure trip
Rafters on the Smoky Mountain Adventure trip going through a scenic area with mountains
Rafters on the Pigeon River Rafting: Upper Pigeon Gorge trip
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Overview

Upper Pigeon River rafting combines thrilling whitewater action with epic 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.

Highly trained NOC guides will navigate you through a quick five miles of splashing wave trains and bouncy hydraulics make this the most popular and convenient river tour NOC offers. With nearly-continuous Class II-III+ rapids like Lost Guide and Accelerator and views into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Upper Pigeon is an experience you’ll never forget.

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-IV 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

Save 20%

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.
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Dates

Location

Address

3485 Hartford Road
Hartford, TN 37753

Activities
Guided

Master Guides at This Location

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.

All participants must weigh at least 70 pounds OR be 8 years old. All minors (17 and under) require the presence of an adult during whitewater rafting activities.

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.

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