Upper Pigeon River: Award-Winning Rafting Experience
4.9
1,415 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
(1415 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Karlee23
Aug 24, 2024
Amazing journey down the Upper Pigeon River - Our party of 7 including kids aged 9-14 with little whitewater experience had an absolute blast on this adventure down the Upper Pigeon River. Our guide Preston was super experienced and tailor made our experience to maximize the most fun out of the river. Do not pass up this wonderful experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pathfinder696665
Aug 18, 2024
Perfect! - Great trip! Beautiful scenery! Great guide! He was knowledgeable, fun, and kept us safe! We had so much fun we wanted to get right back on! 10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbie_b
Aug 16, 2024
Great time! - Our guide, Parker, was great. We enjoyed our rafting experience! Parts of the river were calm and a few great rapids!
Review provided by Viator
Katiebf4050gk
Aug 16, 2024
Go with Bart! - Beautiful river, great family adventure, and Bart is definitely the best guide! We hit the best spot on every rapid, and everyone in our family (ages from 11 to 70) loved every minute.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion00691965432
Aug 12, 2024
SMO RIVER RAFTING - FUN TIMES! - Had a Wonderful Time! Would Definitely do it again! Parker was an amazing Guide. Loved Surfing. SMO was very organized and Restrooms and Changing Rooms were clean. WAS JUST SO MUCH FUN!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E5461xhsarahs
Aug 10, 2024
Fun Time - Great rafting trip and guide. I would highly recommend this company for your rafting trip. Lockers and changing rooms available, definitely wear water shoes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Resort02737162841
Aug 10, 2024
BIG fun on the Pigeon River with SMO! - Great trip on the Upper River. River Guides are engaged, super fun and most importantly provided a safe experience for new rafters. Group 3&4 rapids were fun and not overwhelming and you end up at the base camp instead of having to ride a bus back to a base camp. Definitely a great experience for all!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashley_a
Aug 9, 2024
Exciting ride on the river - This was so much fun, and Tye was an excellent guide! We told him my 8 year old was nervous for his first time rafting, and Tye was great at reassuring him and making sure we had a safe and enjoyable day on the water. The company is extremely well organized, and safety oriented. Helmets and life vests were provided, and sanitized between users. The views were beautiful on the river, and all of us had a great time. We will be back next summer!
Review provided by Viator
Teresam561
Aug 16, 2024
Definitely put on your itinerary - We booked with SMO hours before. They were safe, professional, and efficient. First we were fitted with helmets and vests , then a short ride to the rapids. The dam was released coinciding with the time of our trip. Safety info was given on the bus was done with humor. Katie, our guide was great. My daughter loved riding "the bull) in the front. We had been rafting before. It was fun but really only Class III rapids. There was time to jump in the water to cool off. My only suggestion was to please allow the vest to dry off. They are wet and smell when you put them on and I don't think the helmets are sprayed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stay30843049180
Aug 9, 2024
Great family experience - Was a good time. Well organized. Like that it was just a one way bus trip and not both ways. I felt like it was a whitewater experience with a little float trip at the end. Had Guide Dean. He was nice, talkative, and seemed knowledgeable. Wish there were more than one location for pictures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Activity Unavailable: 
View Similar Nearby
More activities from this operator
From $45
Lower Pigeon River Rafting: Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventure
4.9
162 Ratings
Hartford