For the most exciting white water rafting in the Great Smoky Mountains, visitors need to look no further than the Pigeon River just outside of Gatlinburg. The Pigeon River runs from North Carolina to Tennessee and features class 3 to 4 rapids, guaranteeing an exciting adventure! Several companies in the Gatlinburg area offer guided trips down the river from early March to November, including Smoky Mountain River Rat, Raft Outdoor Adventures, and Big Creek Expeditions. All trips run rain or shine, since rafters will be getting wet anyway! All guests on white water rafting excursions should wear tennis shoes or water shoes secured to the feet, shorts and a t-shirt or bathing suit.
Smoky Mountain River Rat is the top-ranked rafting outpost in the Smoky Mountains. You can experience top-tier guides, high-quality gear, and a trip for every adventure level. Everyone will love their classic Upper Trip, designed for those looking for an adventure. It lasts about an hour on the river and features class III–IV rapids. Bringing a family? Choose the Lower Trip, which offers a scenic route and features class I–II rapids. Thrill-seekers should choose the Xtreme Upper Trip, as they navigate the Upper rafting route in specialized rafts that provide more agility and access to unique routes. You can't go wrong with any trip!
Raft Outdoor Adventures is perfect for families! It features the longest lower-river float on the Pigeon River. This scenic float has gentle rapids, calm waters, and breathtaking mountain views. Whether you're visiting with children or it's your first time rafting, this is the perfect place for you. There's also an Upper Pigeon River trip, which covers 5 miles of the river in about 45 minutes of fun. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable time on the river.
Big Creek Expeditions , another Hartford based rafting company, provides 6 mile trips along the upper Pigeon River. These 6 mile trips commence at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, and work their way through class 3 and 4 rapids between the mountains of Cherokee National Forest. Big Creek Expeditions’ lower Pigeon River trips begin at a section where the river calms. This section is ideal for scenic 5.5 mile raft trips, and is a great introduction to white water rafting.
