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Upper Pigeon River: Premier Whitewater Rafting Experience
4.9
611 Ratings
Hartford
The Pigeon River Gorge traverses the Smoky Mountains from North Carolina to Tennessee in an east to west direction. The Upper Section of this river provides one of the most frequented rafting experiences in the U.S, serving as an excellent initiation to whitewater adventures.
The Pigeon River Gorge traverses the Smoky Mountains from North Carolina to Tennessee in an east to west direction. The Upper Section of this river provides one of the most frequented rafting experiences in the U.S, serving as an excellent initiation to whitewater adventures.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Pigeon River - The Pigeon River gorge slices from the east to the west through the Smoky Mountains, transitioning from North Carolina to Tennessee. It provides those on the water with sweeping vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains and a refreshing escape from the summer warmth.
- Big Creek Expeditions - The premier rafting adventure on the Upper…
- Pigeon River - The Pigeon River gorge slices from the east to the west through the Smoky Mountains, transitioning from North Carolina to Tennessee. It provides those on the water with sweeping vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains and a refreshing escape from the summer warmth.
- Big Creek Expeditions - The premier rafting adventure on the Upper Pigeon River is found near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Just a 45-minute journey will bring you to Big Creek Expeditions. Here, you and your companions will create enduring memories while savoring the Great Smoky Mountains in their truest formâout in nature.
What's Included
- Equipment provided: life jacket, helmet, paddle
- Equipment provided: life jacket, helmet, paddle
What's Not Included
- Lunch and Snacks are not included
- Lunch and Snacks are not included
Additional Information
- Guests will then meet their personal guide and recieve the necessary equipment Including: life jacket, helmet and paddle.
- After your guide double-checks to make sure all equipment is fitted properly, guests then hop on our bus for a short 10-minute ride to the launching point for your trip.
- Guests will then meet their personal guide and recieve the necessary equipment Including: life jacket, helmet and paddle.
- After your guide double-checks to make sure all equipment is fitted properly, guests then hop on our bus for a short 10-minute ride to the launching point for your trip.
Location
3671 Hartford Rd
Hartford Road
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(611 Ratings)
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Deenajr
Jul 5, 2026
Go with Big Creek Expeditions! - Ask for Chuuy for your guide because he’s a literal legend on the river! I go at least once a summer and I always ride with Chu. Big Creek Expeditions is a great company with amazing people on the river and also working in the background to make sure you have a great experience. Extra points if you spot “Feldy”! Be sure to tip your guide!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I7097lymaggieb
Jul 2, 2026
Great White Water Rafting Adventure - RJ was an awesome guide! We had a great adventure on the river! Can’t wait to go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leslie
Jun 29, 2026
fabulous - loved our guide BJ. he was the best !!! very knowledgeable about the river.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
403trueb
Jun 27, 2026
Great time and ready to go again! - Our group of four had a blast on the upper Pigeon River experience. We had two kids (10 and 11) who had no whitewater experience and this was perfect for them. Our guide Caeden was fantastic and kept us in good shape throughout. The float was about 60 minutes long but there wasn't much downtime. I would absolutely go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronaldp379
Jun 25, 2026
Plan to get wet - Awesome ride down the river with excellent guides (we did full day)!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mj1064
Jun 24, 2026
Perfect for Families and First-Time Rafters - Our whitewater rafting trip with Big Creek Expeditions on the Pigeon River was hands down one of the highlights of our vacation! This was our first time rafting, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish.
Our boys absolutely loved it, as it was the perfect mix of excitement, adventure, and fun. Our guide, Joey was great: professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and full of interesting information about the river and surrounding area. He made everyone feel comfortable while still making the trip exciting.
Big Creek Expeditions did a great job making this a memorable experience for our whole family. Everything was well organized, and we felt safe the entire time. If you’re looking for a fun adventure in the Smoky Mountains, especially for a first-time rafting experience, I highly recommend Big Creek Expeditions!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diuonnef
Jun 21, 2026
Excellent Family Fun - Excellent experience! We were ready for another round. Fish was our guide. Knowledgeable and personable. Seamless checkin process. We also enjoyed a quick snack at the food trucks on site upon returning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mohamedef8164id
Jun 20, 2026
Whitewater Rafting - Great experience and our guide Jonny B was awesome he was informative and exciting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer47089742202
Jun 19, 2026
Family friendly adventure - Winderful family friendly experience! Our guide Parrish was great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
971devonk
Jun 17, 2026
White water rafting on Upper Pigeon was so fun! - We did the Upper Pigeon rafting with Darrell B. He was funny and entertaining. Our 9 and 11 year old old girls had a blast. Company was very professional, staff all very friendly, and gift shop had everything.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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