Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, TN

Nantahala Outdoor CenterNOC Pigeon River OutpostHartford, TN 37753
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Starting at
$45.00
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Raft the Pigeon River with Nantahala Outdoor Center! The Upper Pigeon features Class III-IV white water rapids along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park border. In just three hours, experience a full dose of whitewater rafting excitement and scenery. Raft with the best, and make this summertime classic a part of your Smokies vacation!

up to 3.5 hrs

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our Hartford Travel Experts
  • 45-minute drive from Gatlinburg.
  • Bring a change of clothes and towel.
  • Closed-toed shoes required.
  • Raft rain or shine.
  • All guides are certified.
  • Pregnant women cannot raft.
  • Age requirement is 8+ for upper section.

Description

from Pigeon River Rafting with NOC
Don’t just visit the Smokies, get out there and experience them on a river trip with Nantahala Outdoor Center!

NOC is rated "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure and the "#1 Vacation with a Splash" by Good Morning America.

Experience thrilling whitewater with stunning scenery of the Smoky Mountains ideal for families looking to unplug in the outdoors. This adventure delivers nonstop action in a few short hours making it convenient and unforgettable.

Pigeon River trips leave from our Hartford, TN outpost. Please allow 45 minutes to 1-hour travel time.

While you're in the area be sure to visit the outdoor retail store, NOC Gatlinburg. Scale the 25-foot climbing wall, browse the largest selection of Smokies souvenirs, or buy top brand outdoor gear. Located at stoplight 10 in downtown Gatlinburg.

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC Reviews

23 Reviews
Justin Menard Tripster User Profile Image
Justin Menard
Lake Charles , LA
4 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Family fun"
August 2019
Great experience, our guide was Noah & he was awesome. Recommend you try this out!!
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Tip: Wear sunscreen & prepare to get wet

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Bruce Alexius Tripster User Profile Image
Bruce Alexius
Prairieville, LA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Spot On"
September 2018
The rafting trip was spot on with a great guide, reasonably priced and great fun.
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Tip: Wet and fun!

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Greg harrison Tripster User Profile Image
Greg harrison
haslet, TX
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great time with best guide "SAM"....."
August 2018
Sam made the trip. Grandkids had a great time and the interaction with Sam was fun.
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Thomas Nigg Tripster User Profile Image
Thomas Nigg
Sylvania, GA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Do It !!! The best rush ever with NOC and Whitewater Rafting ..."
August 2018
We had a family weekend vacation in Tennessee and decided on a rafting trip with NOC on the Pigeon River... MAK was our guide and he was AWESOME !! Went for the Wild Rapids and really had a blast ! Safe, Fun, Experienced Staff - Would do it again in a minute...Susan, Georgia
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Tip: Bring extras clothes and indulge in the surroundings...

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SUZANNE CISNEROS Tripster User Profile Image
SUZANNE CISNEROS
HELENA, AL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great family fun"
July 2018
We were first time rafters and did the intermediate trip. We had a blast and our guide Josh was very knowledgeable and professional. We would absolutely do it again.
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Tip: It’s rain or shine, lightning or not. They keep going. Dress to be very wet.

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Milly Pinero Tripster User Profile Image
Milly Pinero
Hialeah Gardens, FL
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"The Highlight of our Vacation"
July 2018
NOC does it right. From the person working in the office checking you in, to the safety instructor to the guide. We did the Lower Pigeon float trip with our kids and it was incredible. We all had so much fun. The swim in the river to cool us off was a perk. We will definitely visit again!
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Tip: Bring sunscreen and water shoes!

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Jane Gibbs Tripster User Profile Image
Jane Gibbs
Poseyville, IN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Lots of fun"
July 2018
Sam, our guide, was half the fun. Just enough thrill but still felt safe.
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Tip: Lodge your foot in a bellow in front of you. Dress in stuff that is comfortable wet.

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marsha wood Tripster User Profile Image
marsha wood
lusby, MD
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"NOC awesome rafting"
June 2018
From the moment we pulled down into the property it was an excellent experience
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Tip: The guides were excellent and the whole experience was well organized.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pigeon River Rafting with NOC

Are all Rafting with NOC trips guided?

Yes, all trips are fully guided.

How far is Rafting with NOC from Gatlinburg?

The Smoky Mountain Outdoors Pigeon River Outpost is located about 45 minutes north of Gatlinburg.

Do I have to know how to swim?

No, every guest is issued a type 5, Coast Guard approved personal floatation device. The "PFD" is designed to give you all of the floatation needed on the river.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

The minimum age/weight for the Upper Pigeon trip is 8 years old or 70 pounds. You have to be at least 3 years old to go on the Lower Pigeon trip.

When are raft trips scheduled?

The Pigeon River is not a free flowing river. About ten miles upstream from our launch area there is a dam that regulates the amount of water flowing down the river. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the flow is consistent and we can schedule accordingly. During the summer months we raft Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If I am pregnant can I go?

We do not recommend rafting if you are more than two months pregnant.

What do I wear for a rafting trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors?

Shorts, t-shirt and secure fitting shoes. No flip-flops or bare feet allowed. During the Spring and Fall avoid cotton clothing, it really absorbs water and will make you cold. Wear clothing that will not absorb much water like wool. Good synthetic fabrics are fleece and polypropylene. Do not wear jeans. Also, bring a dry change of clothes and a towel for after the trip

Do you raft in the rain?

We raft rain or shine. Rafting is one of the best rainy day activities because getting wet is part of the fun! We may delay the trip for a few minutes to allow a strong storm to pass.