Upper Pigeon River: Award-Winning Rafting Experience
4.9
1,358 Ratings
Hartford
Experience the thrill of Class 3 to Class 4 whitewater rapids on the Upper Pigeon River with Smoky Mountain Outdoors. Award-winning and TripAdvisor Top 10, this is the closest rafting trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
Duration:
1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- 3299 Hartford Rd - The longest trip on the Pigeon River
- 1.5 miles longer than any other rafting adventure! Take an exciting 6.5 mile ride down class 3 and 4 rapids!
On our Upper River Trip, our certified guides will navigate your raft the entire trip, sharing their love of splashing through big waves, maneuvering around rocks, and enjoying the beauty of being in the great outdoors. Big waves, big drops and plenty of surfing will assure that you have the time of your life.
On your trip, you’ll get to run about 70 rapids ranging from class 1 to class 4. But, never fear, the Big Pigeon River is for the inexperienced and experienced paddlers. Don’t worry Mom, we’re gonna take good care of you and the kids.
What's Included
- All applicable taxes and fees
- Safety instructions
- Professional guide
- All necessary rafting equipment
What's Not Included
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
The Upper Pigeon River Trip by Smoky Mountain Outdoors is ranked among Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Experiences and has been honored with a Travelers’ Choice award. It’s the nearest whitewater rafting adventure to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cities! Everybody is invited to join us - no prior experience is required. You’ll navigate through Class 3 and Class 4 whitewater rapids with a highly-rated rafting expert. This remains the most extensive rafting journey on the Pigeon River, boasting a guide in each raft.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 8 years old and minimum weight is 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Swimsuits and shorts work best. Secure shoes with a heel-strap are required (tennis shoes, water shoes, sport sandals with a heel-strap). Bare feet and flip-flops are not allowed. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes and a towel
Location
3299 Hartford Rd
Hartford Road
Meet at our Riverside Outpost 3299 Hartford Road, Hartford, TN 37753. We will transport you to the put-in, and you will raft back to the Outpost.
All customers are required to check in 45 minutes before your trip schedule. It is very important to be there on time .
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(1358 Ratings)
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699yaeli
Apr 11, 2024
Rafting fun in the Smokies - Had a blast rafting with SMO. Fun the whole way. Our guide T.J. was excellent, very professional, attentive, and fun. This is an activity you don't want to miss !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q164sbchristiem
Mar 30, 2024
Bucket list checked off. - It was the highlight of our trip. A definite don’t miss! TJ was our guide. He was the best!! All of us can’t wait to go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B3421jotimc
Mar 16, 2024
Family Vacation - The highlight of our trip. The guides are all really nice, fun and know their stuff. Our guide “Miami” was so cool. Definitely would return.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barclaysb2023
Dec 15, 2023
Fun for all ages! - “The Rev” Dean was such a great guide! He made it feel super safe but at the same time exciting. He is very experienced and made it a total blast. Not to mention it’s extremely beautiful on the peaceful parts!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kellygl664ks
Oct 4, 2023
Wonderful fun experience! - My husband and I as well as our two kids ages 10 and 12 had a blast on our rafting trip. Our guide, TJ, was awesome! He was friendly, pleasant, informative, fun, and safe! He let us “ride the bull”, surf a rapid, and take a detour which added more length and rapids to our rafting trip. Thank you Smoky Mountain Outdoors and TJ for a good time! Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pookie19
Sep 17, 2023
You will get wet! - My wife and I had an amazing time white water rafting. My wife was very apprehensive about doing the trip but, our guide, Hayes, put her at ease and we both found the trip highly enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N2620rhcristinaz
Sep 9, 2023
Lots of fun! - I booked the rafting experience with Smokey Mtn Outdoors for our family trip. We had a great time. Like is said in the description, it was appropriate for our youngest kid, 9.
Our trip was at 11am and our guide was young but confident. She explained everyhting clearly and we felt comfortable. Towards the end, the kids were able to jump into the river and swim around near the raft. Other companies had a shorter trip, but we were able to travel a little farther than them down river, so our trip with SMO was longer.
We would definitely recommend this experience with anyone looking for a little adventure in your Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge travels.
Tip: purchase a cell phone water proof pouch so you can take pictures at the end.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blueeyes119
Sep 7, 2023
Wet ‘n’ Wild Fun - My boyfriend and I got the combo package of zip line and rafting and so happy we did. We both never went rafting like this before and so glad we did. Our guide “The Rev” Dean was awesome! Very knowledgeable and personable. We were with two other couples and we all got to share stories and got to do some fun crazy stuff on the river. Every time we go visit we are going to be rafting as often as we can. Thanks for a wonderful experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valeriecu5525uh
Sep 4, 2023
Rafting - This was my second time going rafting with SMO and as before, I enjoyed my trip. We did the upper river and my best friend and her son even enjoyed it being their first time. Noah you were amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristap698
Sep 3, 2023
Must Do while visiting the Smoky's - My teenage sons really wanted to go white water rafting while on our family trip to Tennessee. Mom was a little more nervous but I'm so glad I went as it was an amazing experience! Reverend Dean the Dunking Machine was a superb guide! His years of expertise and guidance made me feel safe and we were even able to have a little fun on the river by going 'backward" and "spinning'. As first-time rafters this was definitely the highlight of our trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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