Upper Pigeon River Rafting: Whitewater Trip
Product ID: 65172
Supplied by: Big Creek Expeditions
Thirst for adventure and have dreamed of paddling down a river with your friends, family or group through the Smoky Mountains, this is the trip for you. Experience the Great Smoky Mountains in a whole new way, with panoramic views of ancient mountains, thrilling rapids that will leave you soaking wet, and an immersive experience that will keep you smiling from ear to ear.
Groups over 6 might be split up to different boats by Vendor.
Booking Note: This activity is in high demand, and availability must be confirmed. After receiving your booking, we will check availability with our partner. Once confirmed, you will receive an email from [email protected] with your confirmation number and trip details.
Our trips run throughout the late spring and summer season, typically from April through Late September, weather and river conditions permitting.
Highlights
- 6 miles of river lasting
- Approx. 1.5 hours on the water
- Panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains
- Class III-IV Rapids
- Thrilling adventure
Additional Information
Never rafted before? Don't worry. You are not required to have any previous experience. Your safety and satisfaction are of the utmost importance to us, and that's why we maintain a staff of highly experienced and professional guides.
RESTRICTIONS
Age: Participants must be 8 years of age or weigh at least 70 pounds to go on a full day adventure.
Weight: Guests must be able to wear a Type V PFD, fitting chest measurements of 58".
All participants must wear a helmet and shoes with a heel strap.
CHECKING IN
The time slot that you reserve is your check-in time. No need to arrive any sooner. The orientation talk will begin as soon as all guests are checked in and ready to raft. Anything you do not want to get wet or lose on your trip should remain locked in your vehicle, which will act as your locker for the day. You can leave your keys with our office staff to be kept in a secure location until you return from your trip.
Cancellation policy
To modify/cancel, notify us 72hrs before. Otherwise, a no-show or late cancellation will incur a charge on your credit card for the full reservation.
Know before you go
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
Any shoes with a heel strap, like:
Sneakers
Chaco Sandals
Water Shoes
Anything you're comfortable getting wet in, like:
Bathing suit
Active wear
Quick-dry clothing
Polyester/synthetic blends
Optional:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Shower supplies
Packed-lunch
Dry clothes/shoes for after the trip
DIRECTIONS
From Pigeon Forge, TN (Approx. 1hr depending on traffic)
Take US-411 North for approximately 20 miles to I-40 East toward Asheville.
You will be on I-40 for approximately 20 minutes until getting off at exit #447 Hartford.
At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left at the stop sign.
Once you arrive at the intersection, continue straight for 0.3 miles and look out for the sign for Big Creek Expeditions.
Turn left down the drive directly before the bridge.
You have arrived at our outpost (the check-in office is to your right).
Please follow the parking signs and then head to the office to check in for your trip!
From Gatlinburg, TN (Approx. 45mins depending on traffic)
From downtown Gatlinburg, you can find US-321 North at traffic light #3.
Continue on US-321 for approximately 20 miles until you come to the first stop sign in Cosby, TN.
At the stop sign, you will turn left and follow for 1.8 miles. After 1.8 miles you will see the brown National Park sign for the Foothills Parkway.
Turn right onto Foothills Parkway.
You will be on the Foothills Parkway for about 6 miles until merging onto I-40 East.
Continue of I-40 East to exit # 447 Hartford (the first exit after merging onto I-40 East).
At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left at the stop sign.
Once you arrive at the intersection, continue straight for 0.3 miles and look out for the sign for Big Creek Expeditions.
Turn left down the drive directly before the bridge.
You have arrived at our outpost (the check-in office is to your right).
Please follow the parking signs and then head to the office to check in for your trip!
Overview
Best White Water Rafting in Tennessee
on the Pigeon River
The Upper Pigeon River White Water Rafting trip is the most remarkable rafting experience in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville areas. A short 45 minute drive will land you at Big Creek Expeditions, where you and your group will make memories to last a lifetime while experiencing the Great Smoky Mountains the way they were intended to be enjoyed—in the great outdoors.
The Pigeon River gorge cuts East to West across the Smoky Mountains from North Carolina and into Tennessee, offering paddlers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains while cooling off from the summer heat. As one of the most popular rafting trips in America, the Upper Pigeon White Water Rafting Trip will give you an introduction to a classic Southeast white water experience with Class III and IV rapids. Walk away feeling accomplished having quenched your thirst for a thrilling outdoor adventure in the Smokies.
WHAT TO EXPECT
After traveling to our outpost, you will check in through our retail office. After all guests are checked in, your trip will be announced and one of our guides will give you an orientation speech. Each group will be assigned their very own customer-friendly guide, who will gear you up with the proper safety equipment (PFD and Helmet) and ensure that everything is properly fitted. Feel free to ask them any of your burning questions - they love what they do and are always stoked to help! All guests will then get a paddle and hop on our adventure bus for a short ten-minute drive up Interstate 40 Eastbound to the Tennessee/North Carolina Line. After you get off the bus, your guide will provide you with additional instructions (how to sit in the boat, how to properly paddle, paddle commands, how to lock your feet in) and you'll be on your way downstream for a thrilling, wet and wonderful trip down the Pigeon River. Within minutes of launching, you will find yourselves paddling into your first Class III rapid of the day; the aptly named Powerhouse Rapid. Your guide will navigate your group down the river where you will experience a total of 10 Class III rapids and 3 Class IV rapids. With names like Lost Guide, Double Reactionary, and Snapdragon, you can expect plenty of excitement on this trip. There will still be time between the rapids to take in the views, soak up some sun and have a swim before finishing the trip back at our outpost. Showers and changing rooms will be available to you to refresh and get dry. Come check out your pictures in the retail office before departing.
