Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting trips last 1.5 - 2 hours depending on selection. The Zipline Course activity lasts approximately 1 hour, and the Ropes Course lasts approximately 1-2 hours and is dependent on how far the guests choose to go on it. 
A thrilling vacation in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area of Tennessee awaits with the Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain White Water Rafting activities. There are several adventures available for guests, allowing for an experience that is tailored to you and your family. Whether you want to embark upon a thrilling excursion with Class IV rapids or a more chill family adventure, you are sure to have a fantastic time with an outdoor rafting adventure! The various whitewater tour options include:
Pigeon Forge White Water Rafting Pigeon Forge Options
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Big Pigeon River Float Trip Pigeon Forge White Water Rafting
This casual six-mile float through the stunning Smoky Mountains will certainly provide a relaxing and tranquil setting for your Pigeon Forge water rafting trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Before the float, your guide will give a Safety Talk to ensure everyone has all the knowledge necessary for a fun float down the Pigeon River. During the 2 hour guided float, each person gets to paddle an inflatable kayak and is equipped with a life jacket, helmet, and paddle. This exciting trip will begin at the River Outpost, and a bus will be waiting at the end of your float to transport you back to the Outpost. There are changing facilities with hot showers on site, so bring a dry change of clothes and a towel. If you want to bring a camera, only do so if it is waterproof. Also keep in mind that a professional photographer will take photos of your trip which will be available for purchase.
Upper Pigeon River Pigeon Forge River Rafting
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting Pigeon Forge rapids on the upper river section of the beautiful Pigeon River while exploring the area on this Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting trip! Escorted down five miles of lively rapids by the professional river guides, you can enjoy exciting but manageable splashes and bumpy waves during this 1.5-hour Smokey Mountain river rafting trip down the Pigeon River. The upper section of this river includes twelve Class III and three Class IV whitewater rapids, keeping this spectacular trip exciting for beginners and experienced rafters. These fun rapids also boast equally intriguing such as Vegamatic, Razor Blade, Too Late, After Shave, and Lost Guide. After setting out from the Pigeon River Outpost in Hartford, Tennessee, you will be transported to the upper portion on the Pigeon River. Along the beautiful water, you can enjoy delightful views, as it borders the Martha Sundquist State Forest, Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, , and the Appalachian Trail, and gorgeous views of East Tennessee. This Upper River trip gives you the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful places on a thrilling Smoky Mountain outdoor adventure. Participants must be 8 and older and at least 75lbs to participating in water rafting in Pigeon Forge.
Lower Pigeon River Family Float Trip
Take in some of the best scenery in the Great Smoky Mountain area as you leisurely go rafting and float down the Pigeon River on this fantastic Lower Pigeon River Family Float Trip. This two-hour float trip offers family members and friends the opportunity to explore the beautiful Pigeon River and surrounding area on the calm lower section of the river. Accompanied by professional river guides, your family and friends can see more than six miles down this beautiful river on a casual trip that requires no prior rafting experience. The lower section of the Pigeon River is controlled by a dam that has scheduled water releases between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which means that you will have the opportunity to float on these Class I and Class II waves as the water is released into the river. With these calm waves, this float trip is the perfect way for your family to experience the beauty of the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area, as well as the excitement of a family adventure. Your group will set out from the Pigeon River Outpost in Hartford, Tennessee, and you will be transported to an area of the river known for its beautiful and numerous wildlife. Also known for its calmness, this section of the river allows you to get off the raft and swim if desired. Enjoy the fantastic views, as the river in this area borders the Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Martha Sundquist State Forest, and the Appalachian Trail, some of the most dramatic country in East Tennessee.
Participants must be at least 3 yaers old and weigh at least 55 lbs.
About the Family Adventure Island & Its Activities
After your trip, return to the Family Adventure Island, a ten-acre island where you can enjoy a picnic with barbecues provided, swings, a bean bag toss game, a swimming beach and wading area, and a nature trail. Along with your selected whitewater rafting adventure, you will also have the option to add additional activities onto your trip for a fun combination! Enjoy ziplining and a rope challenge course after your adrenaline-pounding trip down the Pigeon River.
About the Zipline Course
Either after or before your rafting trip depending on the time the trip sets out; you will be able to enjoy the thrilling Zipline Course. This activity features an astounding six adrenaline-pumping ziplines and two skybridges. These features take guests from 60 - 80 feet off the ground for some of the most amazing views of Family Adventure Island and the Pigeon River. Glide above the treetops and enjoy 2400 feet of action on this amazing zipline course.
About the Ropes Challenge
Strap into the safety harness and enjoy some heightened action on this awesome Ropes Challenge Course. Guests can conquer 12 different activities on this course, including balancing beams, rope bridges, and climbing nets. The course also accommodates four skill levels allowing visitors of all ages (5 and up) to have an amazing time. The course begins with the easiest challenges and grows gradually more difficult, and guests can stop at any point along the way.
Important Information
: Please be aware you will get wet on the whitewater raft trip so wear clothing you don't mind getting water on! Wear comfortable shoes that are not easy to come off. Flip-flops, bare feet, and crocs are not allowed. Life jackets and helmets are provided for all guests and are a requirement in order to participate as safety is the top priority. All participants must be able to fit in a 56' life jacket. Each raft sits seven people, plus the friendly tour guide. For after your scenic float trip, a towel and change of clothes are recommended, and changing facilities, restrooms, and showers are available. For the zipline, knee-length shorts and closed-toed shoes that secure around the ankles are required.
Get out and experience tons of fun in Gatlinburg TN. When you're not conquering the rapids on a Smoky Mountain river trip, be sure to explore other notable attractions. Whether you want to embark on other awesome outdoor adventures like a Jeep Tour or a zipline or wish to explore the boutiques and restaurants of Downtown Gatlinburg, there are plenty of things to enjoy. Combine your tailored itinerary with a stay at your favorite area hotel for the perfect Smoky Mountain vacation!
| Big Pigeon River Float Trip, Zipline & Ropes Challenge Course | |
| Available 6/3/2023 until 9/2/2023 View Detailed Schedule | |
| Enjoy the beauty of the Big Pigeon River on this thrilling float trip! This trip lasts approximately 2 hours and includes six miles of rafting on Class i and II rapids that is great for ages 3 and up. This ticket option also includes admission onto the zipline course and ropes challenge after your rafting activity. |
| Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting and Zipline Combo | |
| Available 6/3/2023 until 9/2/2023 View Detailed Schedule | |
| The Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting activity is sure to be a fantastic time. During this rafting endeavor, visitors will enjoy Class III and Class IV rapids for an exciting experience that is best for seasoned rafters. Guests must be 8 years and older or weigh at least 75 lbs. This ticket also includes admission to the Zipline! |
| Lower Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting and Zipline Combo | |
| Available 6/3/2023 until 9/2/2023 View Detailed Schedule | |
| Bring the entire family along for a fun Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting experience! This float trip lasts approximately 2 hours and features Class I and II rapids for a calmer experience that is great for ages 3 and up. Must be at least 55 lbs. See places such as the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest before returning to the Family Adventure Island to take on the included Zipline tour! |
| Lower Pigeon River Family Float Trip | |
| Available 6/3/2023 until 9/3/2023 View Detailed Schedule | |
| The entire family is certain to have a blast on the Lower Pigeon River Family Float Trip, which features calmer Class I and II rapids for an easier journey. Visitors will have a fantastic time on this two-hour endeavor. This tour is suited for visitors who are at least 3 years old. |
| Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting | |
| Available 6/3/2023 until 9/3/2023 View Detailed Schedule | |
| For a more experienced rafter, the Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting is a great selection. This 1.5-hour tour spans over five miles and features Class III and IV whitewater rapids. Guests must be at least 8 years old and a minimum of 75+ lbs to go on this adventure as the waves are a lot choppier and the route is bumpy. Upper Pigeon River rafting lasts approximately 1.5 hours. |
| Zipline & Ropes Combo | |
| Available 6/3/2023 until 9/2/2023 View Detailed Schedule | |
| Conquer both the zipline and the ropes course with this awesome combo ticket. Take to the skies and zoom along the canopies before trying your skills at the swinging bridges and ropes course. |
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- What level of physical ability is required?
Guests must weigh 60 - 250 lbs to do the zipline; 3 and up for the family floats; ages 8 and up or 70+ lbs for the Upper Pigeon River Float.
- What type of clothing is appropriate?
Casual clothing you do not mind getting wet and close-toed shoes that will stay on your feet.
- What age is Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Whitewater Rafting appropriate for?
3+ and at least 55lbs for the Lower Pigeon River floats and 8+ and 75+ lbs for the Upper Pigeon River Float. Zipline participants must be at least 55 lbs and ropes challenge participants must be 5 and up.
- Is food available or provided?
There is a food stand with food for purchase.
- Is photography & video recording allowed?
Yes!
- Approximately how long could a customer plan to spend at Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Whitewater Rafting?
Zipline tour lasts approximately 1 hour. Ropes course lasts approximately 1 hour. Lower Pigeon River Family Float lasts approximately 2 hours. Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
