Pigeon River Rafting

A Rafting Trip You’ll Never Forget

Whitewater Rafting Along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Experience rafting on the Pigeon River, conveniently located near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Asheville and Knoxville. Big Creek Expeditions offers 2 outstanding rafting trips on the Pigeon River, giving you options for bigger white water or a more relaxing float. With experienced and knowledgeable guides, Big Creek Expeditions provides a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, from families to adrenaline seekers. The rafting trips on the Pigeon River are scenic and provide a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Rafting Trip Options

Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River

On our Upper Pigeon River trip and the full-day trip, you’ll raft a total of 10 Class III rapids and 3 Class IV rapids, including exciting rapid names like Lost Guide, Double-Reactionary, and Snapdragon.

Why Choose Us for Your Rafting Adventure?

SCENERY

The Pigeon River gorge cuts East to West from North Carolina and into Tennessee, offering paddlers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains while cooling off from the summer heat.

FOR EVERYONE

This river is perfect for first time rafters! We require no experience to raft on either section. Our guides have plenty of experience to ensure that everyone has a safe and exciting time!

VARIETY

We offer a rafting experience for a variety of ages. The Scenic Float Trip is perfect for families with younger children looking for a calm ride. The Whitewater Rafting Trip is great for those seeking a thrilling adventure!

Rated 4.9 out of 1k+ Reviews

  • "Highlight of our vacation!"

    "This was the highlight of our stay in Gatlinburg. We were a family of eight with some younger and older members, so we signed up for the family trip. Upon our arrival they accessed our ability to handle the Upper Pigeon River and offered us the opportunity to upgrade our trip. We are glad we did! We had a blast. Good people all around. A great experience for anyone looking for a little adventure."

    Valued Client

  • "Amazing rafting experience!"

    "I cannot say enough about how amazing this trip was! From the moment we walked in, we had a great experience. Everyone was welcoming. Our guide was fabulous and very knowledgeable about rafting, especially as our group were first timers. I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone and can’t wait to come back on our next trip!!!"

    Marta G

  • "Absolutely Amazing Time!"

    "We had an absolutely amazing time! The whole process went well. Big Creek is very organized. Our guide, Jason, was absolutely amazing! He was hilarious but more importantly he made us feel so safe. We had 2 little ones with us and he went out of his way to make them feel comfortable. It was a blast. Hope to do the  Upper Pigeon River next time."

    Carlie Smith

LOCATED NEAR GATLINBURG, PIGEON FORGE, KNOXVILLE, AND ASHEVILLE 

Big Creek Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting experience to the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area. A scenic 45 minute drive will bring you to us where you and your family will experience the best rafting near the Great Smoky Mountains. We are also conveniently located just one hour from Knoxville and Asheville by interstate.

SEE DIRECTIONS

GROUP RAFTING TRIPS ON THE PIGEON RIVER

We take groups of all sizes from church and youth groups to family reunions. A rafting trip on the Pigeon River is the perfect experience to build bonds, work together as a team, and return home with amazing memories. Check out our group rafting page for more information and let us know how we can help create the perfect experience for your group.

BOOK A GROUP

PIGEON RIVER RELEASE SCHEDULE

The Pigeon River is a dam-controlled river, the guaranteed water runs from the first Tuesday in May through Labor Day weekend. We do run trips in the Spring and Fall depending on weather conditions and water levels.

SEE RELEASE SCHEDULE

Common Questions About Pigeon River Rafting

  • What is the minimum age for rafting the Pigeon River?

    We have rafting trips available for ages 3 to 103! The minimum age/weight for the oUpper Section Whitewater Rafting trip is 8 years old or 70+ pounds. The minimum age for the Lower Section Scenic Float Trip is 3 years old.

  • What should I wear for rafting?

    Secure footwear is required on the river. Anything with a heel or heel strap will do. For example, any sandals with a heel strap, an old pair of running shoes or water shoes all work. NO FLIP-FLOPS or bare feet are allowed on the river. During the summer months, guests can wear shorts, a t-shirt, and/or a bathing suit. When rafting during the early spring and fall, please avoid wearing cotton when the weather is cold. Wool and synthetic materials work best. Long underwear and socks are safe bets. Also,we offer wetsuit rentals. Note: Please bring a set of dry clothes to change into after your trip. Additional items to bring include straps for any glasses, towels, and sunscreen(we have these items available for purchase in our store as well).

  • What type of rapids can I expect on the Pigeon River?

    The Pigeon River offers two rafting sections, each with their own level of rapids. The Lower Scenic Float Trip offers Class I and II rapids, which is perfect for families with younger children. The Upper Whitewater Rafting Trip has a variety of Class III and IV rapids. This section is the best option for those seeking an adrenaline pumping ride! 

  • Is prior experience necessary to go rafting on the Pigeon River?

    No, prior experience is not necessary. An experienced guide will provide instruction and equipment for the trip.

  • What safety measures are in place during the trip?

    All guests are required to sign a participation agreement and will receive an orientation briefing before the trip. Each guest is provided with a personal flotation device, helmet, and paddle. All guides are professionally trained and certified in first aid and CPR, and many of our guides have advanced certifications and experience. You can read more about our guides, as well as their experience and certifications, by checking out our whitewater raft guide bios.

  • How long is the rafting trip on the Pigeon River?

    The rafting trip on the Pigeon River typically takes around 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on the water levels and weather conditions.

  • Are there any restrictions for participating in the rafting trip?

    Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions such as heart problems or back injuries should consult with their doctor before participating.

  • What if I need to cancel my reservation?

    To receive a full refund, reservations must be canceled 48 hours prior to your scheduled trip time. Reservations canceled on the day of the trip will not be refunded. After check-in time, anyone impaired by drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to participate and will not receive a refund. Any questions regarding canceling your reservation please give us a call at 877-642-7238. 

  • Are there any discounts available for groups?

    Yes, Big Creek Expeditions often offers discounts for groups and larger parties. 

  • Are there any other activities offered by Big Creek Expeditions?

    Yes, Big Creek Expeditions also offers Zip Line and Horseback riding Adventures near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

  • When are rafting trips available?

    The Pigeon River is Dam controlled which makes us dependent on weather conditions and rainfall. Our regular season with scheduled water release will begin on May 2nd, 2023 and end on September 3rd, 2023. During these months we offer trips every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Trips may start as early as 10:30 AM and go as late as 4:30 PM. We do offer trips in the Spring and Fall but they are dependent on water conditions. Please give our reservation office a call at 877-642-7238 to inquire about these trips.