White Water Rafting on the Upper Pigeon River: Equipment included
Ninety minutes paddling through a gorge that cuts across two states
White water rafting on the Upper Pigeon River is a 90-minute paddle through the Smoky Mountains gorge that runs from North Carolina into Tennessee, with a live English-speaking guide, all equipment, and transport from the meeting point. The trip starts with a 10-minute bus ride to the launch, and you'll need moderate fitness for the current and the paddle.
Step-by-step itinerary
White water rafting on Pigeon River
- Drive 45 minutes to Big Creek Expeditions
- Experience white water rafting on Upper Pigeon River
- Enjoy panoramic views of Great Smoky Mountains
The experience
The Upper Pigeon River is one of the most popular rafting stretches in America, and a 45-minute drive from Sevierville gets you to Big Creek Expeditions, where you'll meet your guide and get fitted with a life jacket, helmet and paddle. The gorge cuts east to west across the Smoky Mountains, so you're paddling through panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains the whole time. The landscape is the point, not just the rapids. After your guide checks that all your gear fits properly, you'll hop on a bus for a short 10-minute ride to the launching point.
The actual paddle is 90 minutes on the water. You're operating the raft yourself with your group and your guide. This is not a sightseeing float where someone else does the work. The current and the terrain demand at least moderate fitness, and the guide will walk you through what to expect before you push off. Summer and spring trips run the same section but at different water levels, so the feel of the day shifts with the season.
What’s included
- Life jacket, helmet and paddle.
- live guide in English.
- transport by bus from Big Creek Expeditions to the launch point and back.
- equipment fitting and safety briefing before you push off.
Options for this experience
2 optionsInformation
Lasts 1h 30m, from US$ 46 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Operated by Big Creek Expeditions
Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to paddle yourself rather than watch from a tour boat, and if you have the fitness for 90 minutes of active paddling through current. The guide handles instruction and safety, so you don't need experience. Just willingness to get wet and work the paddle.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What do I need to bring for the rafting trip?
Life jacket, helmet and paddle are all provided and fitted by your guide before you launch. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change for after the trip. The bus ride back is short but you'll be soaked.
How long is the actual time on the water?
The paddle itself is 90 minutes. Add the 45-minute drive from Sevierville to Big Creek Expeditions and the 10-minute bus ride to the launch point, so plan for a half-day outing from start to finish.
What's the difference between the spring and summer rafting trips?
Spring Whitewater Trip and Summer Whitewater Trip run the same Upper Pigeon River section, but water levels change with the season, which changes the intensity and feel of the current you'll paddle through.
Do I need rafting experience to do this?
No experience is required, but you do need at least moderate physical fitness. The guide will instruct you on technique and what to expect, and the Upper Pigeon is designed as an introduction to whitewater rafting.
Is the guide with us the whole time?
Yes, your live English-speaking guide is with your group throughout the paddle and handles safety checks, instruction and navigation on the water.
White Water Rafting on the Upper Pigeon River: Equipment included
1h 30m · EN
from US$ 46 per person