Upper Pigeon River: Award-Winning Rafting Experience
4.9
1,369 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 learn more
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
(1369 Ratings)
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Tatiana_c
Jun 7, 2024
amazing river and tour guide was so helpful - hands down, best thing and activity I’ve done in my life, I would definitely return again and again !!
Review provided by Viator
Addileces
Jun 6, 2024
Such a fun experience! - This was my fist time rafting and it was so fun! The people on our raft were so fun and our guide, Juno, was great! I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Macy
May 31, 2024
Family fun - Our guide Tye successfully guided us down the flooded Pigeon River without tipping. My 9 year old had an absolute blast. I've personally taken the trip several times prior and it was everything I remembered when I got to take my husband and oldest son.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mccubem
May 30, 2024
Highly recommended ! - The entire experience was amazing and full of thrill. The guides were super knowledgeable and gave clear safety instructions for the rafting. It was the first time for my mother and she too had a great time despite of her fear of water. I really liked how each set of rapids were given funny names and yet they were so relatable with the actual experience. Would definitely recommend them as the best rafting operators in Pigeon Forge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hira_d
May 28, 2024
Worth it! - Amazing experience overall! Booked on Viator, paid on premises. The experience was thrilling and worth every penny. Kids ages 8 and 10 and mom and dad. We had a blast! Our guide Jay was also very friendly and reliable.
Review provided by Viator
X2642pslindav
May 26, 2024
Amazing experience - A must do! We did this with our kids and grandkids and it was just the best- our grandkids are 13 & 11 and thought it was the coolest! A perfect outing on our Smoky Mountain trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beth
May 26, 2024
We had a blast! - We had a blast!! Our kids were 15, 13, and 10 and everyone did great. Our guide Bart was fantastic!!! Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
811mandim
May 25, 2024
Senior Trip - This was our first time going and we had an amazing time. Our guide, TJ, was extremely friendly and made our experience great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scottbu1166hh
May 20, 2024
Excellent! We had a blast! - Everything about SMO was friendly and professional. The trip was flawless and so much fun! TJ, our guide, was personable, funny and very knowledgeable. He was a pleasure to hang with and made the trip all that more fun. Will definitely be back when we ever get down that way again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richmondl313
May 8, 2024
Ziggy was the best guide! - Ziggy was the best guide! We loved it. He really loves to raft and it shows! He knows how to entertain and make the trip fun for all ages!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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