Smoky Mountain Adventure

Overview

Experience the Smokies first-hand in two of their most popular adventures by rafting the Pigeon River with NOC and enjoying a scenic hike with our activity partner, A Walk In The Woods.

Your adventure starts on a gentle incline, up an old logging road through a beautiful and diverse forest. Learn about the flora, fauna and unique cultural history from your expert Trail Guide. The trail meets up with Big Creek, strewn with large boulders and cascading waters before arriving to Midnight Hole Falls. The six foot falls plunges into a deep emerald pool, a perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day! This hike is 2.8 miles round trip with a gain of 450 feet of elevation.

That afternoon you will embark on an adventurous rafting trip on the Upper Pigeon river with one of NOC”s professional guides in your raft. With nearly-continuous Class II-IV rapids and views into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Upper Pigeon delivers 5 miles of splashing wave trains and bouncy hydraulics making this one of the most exciting river trips that NOC offers.

This package is great for groups and can be customized for schools, scouts, churches, larger families, and more. Please call our guest services for more information.

If this is too much adventure, NOC offers two levels of guided whitewater rafting for any skill set including float trips for ages three and up.

Highlights

• Combine whitewater rafting and hiking in this perfectly paired adventure for visitors and locals, ages 8 and up.
• Paddle the Upper Pigeon River with NOC trained guides through Class II-IV rapids, exciting splashes, and beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains.
• Explore the trails with expert guides from A Walk in the Woods.

What to Expect

Check-in 45 minute prior to trip start time at NOC’s Pigeon River Outpost in Hartford, TN. You will meet your guide from A Walk In The Woods and then follow them in your vehicle to the trail head parking area. The hike is approximately 2.8 miles and 3 hours in length including drive time to and from the trail head. After the hike, you will return to NOC’s Pigeon River Outpost for your rafting adventure. The Upper Pigeon fully guided rafting trip is approximately 2.5 hours total with 1.5 hours spent on the river. The remainder of that time will be spent on trip preparation and shuttle.

 For the hike, please bring at least 16 ounces of water per person and make sure everyone wears sturdy walking/hiking shoes. Snacks are provided. You may also want to bring rain gear (jacket or poncho). A day pack is recommended to carry items in.

For the rafting trip, please dress for getting wet. Wear shoes that will stay securely on your feet (flip flips are not appropriate footwear). Bring dry clothes and shoes to change into after your trip. Changing rooms and showers are available at our Outpost.