Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip from Hartford
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Smoky Mountain Outdoors Upper Pigeon River Trip is a Tripadvisor Top 10 Experience with a Travelers' Choice award, and the closest whitewater rafting trip to the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! No experience is needed, so all are welcome. Experience Class 3 to Class 4 whitewater rapids with a top-rafted rafting outfitter. This is the longest rafting trip on the Pigeon River, equipped with a guide in every raft.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
What To Expect
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.
Options
Fall Rafting
Upper Fall Rafting Duration: 2 hours Upper Section
May Rafting
Please arrive at outpost 45 minutes prior. Bare feet and flip-flops are not permitted. Shoes must have a secure heel strap.
Summer Rafting
Please arrive at outpost 45 minutes prior. Bare feet and flip-flops are not permitted. Shoes must have a secure heel strap.
Spring Rafting
Spring water levels are less: predictable--you may experience class 3-4 rapids or a more leisurely float trip. Arrive at outpost 45 minutes prior.
What‘s Included
All applicable taxes and fees
Safety instructions
Professional guide
All necessary rafting equipment
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,454 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Olivers 2026
V8284GGroberto,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A+ We loved it The tour was perfect
So much fun!
leiyam2026,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was so much fun! This is something my Husband and I have never done before, it was so exhilarating and beautiful! We want to go back and do it again!
Amazing experience
Olena D,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very professional and well-organized team. Our family had an amazing experience, thanks to our guide, Calieb. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the entire experience enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Ask for Bryce!
brandycP4173PA,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolute blast on our very first white water rafting trip! This company was so helpful from start to finish! If you want next level professionalism and fun, ask for Bryce! He was the best guide and made sure that we had a great time! This company came highly recommended by two friends, and this was definitely a great recommendation!
Double Reactionary
LAshmore12,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked our trip online, expecting larger crowds over the July 4th holiday. We arrived and turned in our release forms then waited under the pavilion for our group to be called. There were seven in our party and we warned the guide we were misfits; he was elated! We donned our gear and hopped on the bus for a ride to the put-in. While on the bus we were given safety instructions; listen up, these may come in handy. Our raft was the last one to launch and we were off. The current was steady and the water was cold, but felt good on this warm July day. Our absolute favorite part of the river was Double Reactionary, we high-fived our oars after making it through. We hopped out of the raft and swam in the Class I section and our guide Brett pointed out flora and fauna along the way. The entire float was exhilarating and we can not wait to go back and do it again!
Great Time
B660JLdianec,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There were 3 of us, Grandma 65, son 35 and grandson 10. It was really fun, all of us had a great time. They supplied all the safety equipment, Jono our guide was knowledgeable and fun. This definitely works for all ages. The only thing we'd change is going on a warmer day or at least earlier in the day. We went in early April, was warm during the day, but we went at 5:30 pm. Wouldn't trade the enjoyable experience though. Would definitely go again. Be prepared to get wet, especially the people in the front where both Grandma and son were at. Truthfully though, it's the best spot. Thanks for a great ride.!
Thanks TJ
aprilbB2015ON,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00TJ was a great guide. We had a blast with you man.🌊
Great experience!
U7243YHheidic,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a blast on our first rafting trip with class 4 rapids! We've done smaller ones before, was a little nervous about the class 4's. However, it was the perfect amount for an adrenaline filled day. Our Guide was amazing and made us feel safe and confident the whole trip. Our kids loved it and wanted to go again. Rafting in different states will become a family tradition I believe. SMO was great with communication from start to finish. Knowledgeable, friendly and experienced staff. Highly recommend.
Exceptional
B3827MGss,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptional! Everyone with SMO, was kind, friendly and encouraging. Our guide, Courtney was great! We will definitely schedule again.
Highlight of our trip!
Q9216CFsarahk,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the highlight of our Smoky Mountain trip! This was our first time WW rafting and our girls loved it so much (ages 9 and 10). They wanted more rapids! We felt very safe with our guide Judo and highly recommended this experience!
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Operated by Smoky Mountain Outdoors