May 21, 2025
The Pigeon River is officially open for the season! After Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Tennessee authorities, whitewater outfitters and community members have worked tirelessly to ensure the river is safe and navigable, just in time for summer adventures.
What’s New on the Pigeon River?
While the storm impacted the Pigeon River’s access points, the river is still the same thrill it always has been. The Upper Pigeon starts slightly down river, but still serves Smoky Mountain river views, rushing rapids and a thriving ecosystem. Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene reshaped parts of the riverbed, carved out new lower-section rapids and revealed clearer waters — adding a fresh challenge for returning paddlers and extra excitement for families. You’ll raft past ongoing improvements and storm-shaped landscapes, all part of a powerful story of resilience, recovery and renewal.
Pigeon River Outfitters Open for 2025
Plan your rafting adventure with one of these whitewater rafting outfitters offering Pigeon River trips now through October 2025.
5 Rivers Adventures
The closest rafting outfitter to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 5 Rivers Adventures offers several trips down the Pigeon River that are fun for the whole family during your Smokies vacation. Pigeon River rafting trips include the intermediate Upper Pigeon trip that is ideal for kids ages 8 and up or anyone weighing over 70 lbs. No rafting experience is necessary and the trip down Class III/IV rapids will leave you wet and full of adrenaline. Book the High Adventure Trip for the wettest and wildest ride down the upper section rapids in a Mini-Max raft – a smaller boat that holds a maximum of 4 people. The Lower Pigeon trip features Class I rapids, a few Class II and one Class III rapids, ideal for families with children as young as three years old. Book a combo Upper and Lower trip to experience the whole river.
Big Bear Rafting
Located just off the banks of the Pigeon River, Big Bear Rafting is one of the Southeast’s amazing whitewater rafting experiences. Your trips will begin with a 5-10 minute bus ride to the rapids. On the Upper Pigeon River, you’ll experience 5 miles of Class III and Class IV rapids. The two-hour trip will take you over famous rapids like Powerhouse, Lost Guide, Double Reaction and Accelerator. If relaxation is your family’s vibe, choose the Lower Pigeon River trip, a great introductory rafting trip for children and novices, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains while enjoying 5.5 miles of Class I and II rapids. The 2.5 hour trip is great for children 3 years old and older.
Big Creek Expeditions
Find big adventure or serene floating with Big Creek Expeditions. Your adrenaline will be high when you navigate the Upper Pigeon River with your guide while also enjoying the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Your rafting trip is about 3 hours and is great for rafters ages 8 and older. If you’re traveling with small children, the Lower Pigeon River scenic float trip could be for you, featuring stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest. Big Creek Expeditions also offers a 6+ hour full-day Pigeon River Rafting. Start on the lower section of the river, enjoy lunch at food trucks, local cafes or bring a packed lunch to enjoy by the river, and then paddle the thrilling 6.5 miles of Class III and Class IV whitewater on the Upper Pigeon River.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
You’ll find trips offered by Nantahala Outdoor Center ranging from calmer trips for families with young kids to adventurous thrills ideal for families with older kids. For a thrilling, but easy trip down the Pigeon River, choose the Lower Pigeon River Rafting trip that takes you through the Lower Pigeon Gorge. Ideal for children 3 years old and older, the rafting trip is 2.5 hours and is the perfect family vacation activity while in the Smokies. Take your older children on the Upper Pigeon Gorge guided rafting trip, considered easy-moderate. Unplug in nature and enjoy nonstop whitewater rafting adventure on endless Class II, Class III and Class IV rapids while soaking in views into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The guided rafting trip is 2.5 hours long.
Raft Outdoor Adventures
For more than 30 years, Raft Outdoor Adventures has taken adventure seekers down Class III rapids of the Pigeon River. Ride the river with some of the friendliest guides you’ll meet. You’ll have a splashing good time on your outdoor adventure. The Upper Pigeon River trip is 5 miles (and 1 hour on the river) and lasts about 2 hours total. The trip is ideal for ages 8 and up or anyone 70lbs and up. The Lower Pigeon River is ideal for ages 3 and up. You’ll have 2 hours on the water to enjoy stunning mountain and riverside views.
Rapid Expeditions
Make your way down 4.2 miles of the Upper Pigeon River in Hartford, Tennessee with Rapid Expeditions. You’ll ride down 60 rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV with your certified whitewater guide. After your adventure, take a dip to swim in the river. You can also float down the river for a less intense river rafting experience. The Lower Pigeon River raft trip is 5.2 miles and 2 hours of floating fun that takes you through the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. Perfect for families with small children, you can ride Class I and Class II rapids or avoid most of the rapids for a quieter ride down the river. Experience both the Upper and Lower sections of the Pigeon River for a 9.4-mile rafting adventure. You’ll experience calm floating sections as well as rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV.
Smoky Mountain Outdoors
Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers the longest trip on the Pigeon River – an exciting 6.5-mile, 90-minute adventure down Class III and Class IV rapids. Your certified guide will navigate your raft the entire trip, sharing their love of splashing through big waves, enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors and more. You’ll run down 70 rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV rapids on the Upper River Rafting expedition. Want to relax down the river? If you have children ages 3 and older, this is a perfect way to enjoy the Pigeon River and surrounding mountain views along the 5.5-mile trip. Water fights and splashing make this an enjoyable trip down the river for everyone. For thrill seekers, book the Extreme Upper River Rafting trip. You’ll be in a smaller raft which means your guide will push the limits running go-for-it lines, hitting big waves and surfing waves and hydraulics for an unforgettable ride down the Upper Pigeon River. All rafters must be at least 12 years of age, have the ability to swim and previous rafting experience is recommended. Smoky Mountain Outdoors also partners with CLIMB Works Zipline Canopy. Save $20 when you book your white water rafting trip at Smoky Mountain Outdoors and a scenic canopy tour featuring 9 ziplines, 3 sky bridges and more with CLIMB Works.
Smoky Mountain River Rat
Smoky Mountain River Rat is your rafting destination if you’re seeking thrills on the Pigeon River. They offer a classic Upper Rafting adventure where you’ll navigate Class III-Class IV rapids that are suitable for rafting beginners and families with kids ages 8 and older. Families with children 3 years old and older will enjoy the scenic route with smaller rapids, stunning Smoky Mountain views and swimming holes to enjoy along the way. If you’re wanting a wild thrill, test your agility on the Xtreme Upper rafting route. You’ll navigate rapids in a smaller raft that provides more agility and access to unique routes. Each expedition is personalized to your ideal level of adventure. Smoky Mountain River Rate also provides tubing in Townsend – the family and dog-friendly route features a private rock jump and swimming holes as well as several sets of moderate rapids. The adventurous route serves up adrenaline-pumping rapids, swimming holes and Riverside Cabana Rentals near the route exit.
