Pigeon River Rafting, Tennessee
The Pigeon River is fast emerging as the latest hot-spot for rafting enthusiasts. Closely located to the picturesque Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this dam regulated river offers great water flows from the Memorial Day to Labor Day. The rafting spots are easily accessible from Gatlinburg, Maggie Valley and Asheville. The river carves a deep Appalachian canyon, forming a natural divide between Tennessee and North Carolina.
There are two options available to rafters. They can either float calmly on the Lower Pigeon River in a laid back vacation or else kick up some real action in the Class III-IV Upper Pigeon.
The Lower Pigeon is the place for families with young kids and for bigger beginner groups. The section stretches for five miles and is strewn around with Class I-II rapids to offer great bumpy riding. These spots offer good training trails for rafting beginners. The scenic views across the Sevier County and the geologic features of Dudley Buff and Huskey Grove Branch can be savored while relaxing on the gentle streams of the river.
The Upper Pigeon River offers more thrilling Class II-III rapids along its course. The deep gorge through the Smoky Mountains is home to Class III rapids like Roller Coaster, Big Rock and Powerhouse. Too Late, Razor Blade, After Shave and the Lost Guide entice rafters with their Class IV action. The Smoky Mountain National Park and the Pisgah National Forest create a magnificent background to your rafting trip through the Upper Pigeon. The minimum age for rafting in Upper Pigeon is eight years.
