Rafting in the Smokies in Gatlinburg

Whitewater rafting and zipline adventures on the Big Pigeon River! Family Adventure for all ages.

Upper Pigeon - Whitewater Trip
The Big Pigeon River boasts twelve Class III and three Class IV whitewater thrilling rapids! Accompanied by one of Rafting in the Smokies professional river guides, you'll be escorted down five miles of lively whitewater, rafting through Class III & IV rapids such as "Too Late, Vegamatic, Razor Blade, After Shave, and Lost Guide."
The scenery surrounding the Pigeon River is just as breathtaking as the rapids. Skirted by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Martha Sundquist State Forest and the Appalachian Trail, the Pigeon has carved its rocky riverbed through some of the most dramatic country in East Tennessee.

• No Experience Necessary
• Minimum age: 8 years old OR 70 lbs
• 1½ hr of spectacular whitewate
• The Pigeon River is dam-controlled with scheduled water releases from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat
• Call for our spring and fall trip times and availability
• Reservations required to ensure that you and your party secure the date and time of your choice
• Length of rafting trip - 5 miles

Lower Pigeon - Float Trip
Looking for a way to really relax and enjoy natures beauty? Do you have children who weigh less than 70 lbs? If you answered yes to either, then we have just what you need. Check out the Lower Section of the Pigeon River! The Class I and II rapids and one Class III at the end of the trip, make this very casual and laid back section of the Pigeon River perfect for everyone 3 years old and up! Rafting in the Smokies will assist you, your family and friends down approximately six miles of relaxing waves and rippling mountain water. You'll gaze at the beautiful Smoky Mountain surroundings as you casually float this section of the Pigeon River. If someone in your group needs a little more adventure, we can accommodate! Let us help you plan coinciding trips on the Upper and Lower Pigeon. The portion of the group rafting the Lower Pigeon Float Trip can be scheduled to coincide with the other portion of the group's Upper Pigeon Trip.

• No Experience Necessary
• Minimum age: 3 years old and up
• 2 hours - Introductory whitewater
• Length of rafting trip - 6 miles
• The Pigeon River is dam-controlled with scheduled water releases from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat

Experience our NEW 10 acre Family Adventure Island! 

Rafting in the Smokies offers a whole lot more than just whitewater! There's so much more to discover across their 150-foot swinging bridge to Family Adventure Island!

If you're searching for ziplines, then we've got the perfect adventure for you. Our island course features two towers with 600-foot dual racing lines. Fly high in the treetops and catch a bird's eye view of the Pigeon River. Or you can climb on our High Elements Ropes Challenge Course and test your skills. Strength, balance, and agility are all assets on this course, but none are actually necessary. The only requirement is an adventurous spirit. Your guide will ensure your safety as you make your way through the twelve activities of various skill levels.

Family Adventure Island offers picnic tables and grills, a kid's play area with swings and a swimming beach. There's a nature/birding trail, and the island is home to a special Geocache.

Safety

• All participants are fitted with a full body harness and helmet
• All participants receive thorough safety instruction
• All tours are accompanied by well-trained adventure guides
• All stairs and tower levels are equipped with safety rails

Clothing Requirements

• Capri pants or shorts that are at least mid-thigh in length, t-shirt, and closed toe shoes.
• Due to harness placement, swimsuits and short shorts are not permitted.
• NO CROCS, FLIP-FLOPS, OR BAREFEET ALLOWED