Rafting in Pigeon Forge and the Smokies is one of the most pulse-pounding recreational activities available near the Great Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge rafting can be enjoyed by anyone and can be done with little to no experience. There is nothing quite like speeding down river in a rubber raft crashing through rapids, over waterfalls while paddling furiously to stay on course.
Pigeon Forge Rafting
Check out our outdoor adventures page to find a company for your great adventure! Rapids are classified on a scale from one to six-six being the highest and commercially unrunnable-and one being easy and mellow. The rafting season on the Pigeon River opens March 5 with varying water levels in the spring. On May 3, guaranteed water release start and go through Labor Day.
Pigeon Forge Rafting
Outdoor Adventures
Raft Outdoor Aventures is a friendly and entertaining grafting team with decades of experience on the pigeon River. The only thing we love more than r... [+ More]
Rip Roaring Adventures
Voted #1 in the World for “Best Family Fun” TripAdvisor 2021 Travelers Choice! Rip Roaring Adventures, offering the best Smoky Mountain rafting... [+ More]
Big Creek Expeditions
Big Creek Expeditions was founded by Owner / Operator Jon Felderman in 2004. We are a whitewater rafting company just a quick drive from Gatlinburg... [+ More]
Smoky Mountain Outdoors
You want real, off-the-beaten-path experiences. See the mountains from where only boats can go. Raft the Pigeon River Gorge. The rapids are exciting,... [+ More]
Rafting in the Smokies
One day here makes a lifetime of memories! Whether high in the treetops or down in the rapids, get ready for action-packed outdoor adventure! Take... [+ More]
Smoky Mountain River Rat
Splash into the Smokies’ ONLY hub with both top-notch Tubing and heart-pumping Whitewater Rafting! Since 1995, Smoky Mountain River Rat specializes... [+ More]
Nantahala Outdoor Center
What makes rafting the Pigeon River with Nantahala Outdoor Center a step above the rest? NOC’s highly trained raft guides are industry leaders who f... [+ More]
Where Do You Raft In Pigeon Forge?
The Big Pigeon River is located off of Interstate 40 at exit 447 in Hartford, Tennessee near Pigeon Forge. You can raft the upper or the lower float portion of the Big Pigeon. The upper is dam-controlled with scheduled water release days and has a minimum age of 8 years old and weight limit of 70 lbs. The lower float trip is a relaxed one-hour ride down river for ages three and up.
For kayak and canoe enthusiasts, the Smoky Mountains provide many opportunities for individuals with their own equipment. Those interested in learning or simply renting equipment should not fear! The surrounding communities offer rafting and tubing adventures, as well as equipment rental.
Pigeon Forge Tubing
Want a cool way to spend a hot afternoon in the Smokies? Bring or rent a tube and spend a few fun-filled hours floating down the Little Pigeon River in East Tennessee. Tubing offers families a way to float easily past some relaxing scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains. Water flow can vary, but tubing is great fun and safe for all ages. The most popular area that visitors choose for tubing is in the nearby town of Townsend, TN.
