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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, TN

NOC Pigeon Outpost • 3485 Hartford Road • Hartford, TN 37753

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A group of people wearing helmets and life vests paddle a yellow inflatable raft through rough, white-water rapids.

A large stone building with wooden accents and a central chimney is lit up at dusk, surrounded by trees, with several parked cars and a lighted sign reading “NOC” in front.

A group of people wearing helmets and life jackets are white water rafting in a yellow inflatable raft on a fast-moving river.

A retail store interior featuring kayaks hanging from the ceiling, a yellow tent on display, outdoor clothing racks, and shelves with camping gear and accessories.

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Pigeon River Adventure Combos

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC + Choice of Show

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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, Tennessee

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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC + Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction

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Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC + Anakeesta

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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC + Titanic

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Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC + Micro Wrestling

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Micro Wrestling in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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About Pigeon River Rafting with NOC

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 1 to 42 people

Good To Know

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.

Promotional Images (6)

Six people wearing helmets and life jackets paddle a yellow inflatable raft through whitewater rapids surrounded by green foliage.

Customer Photos (14)

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC photo submitted by Jane Gibbs

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC photo submitted by Eric Unger

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC photo submitted by Calvin Emberton

Description

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. Operating out of the scenic outpost in Hartford, Tennessee, this activity offers the most trusted guided rafting tours on the Pigeon River. Whether you are looking for a high-intensity whitewater challenge or a peaceful family float, NOC's world-class guides ensure a safe, exhilarating journey through the heart of the Cherokee National Forest and along the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Pigeon River is a dam-controlled waterway which guarantees consistent splashy water levels from spring through autumn. For those craving adrenaline, the Upper Pigeon Gorge features 5 miles of continuous Class II-III (and occasional IV) rapids with iconic drops like Accelerator and Roller Coaster. For families with younger explorers, the Lower Pigeon River provides a gentle, 5.5-mile scenic float with mild ripples and plenty of opportunities to hop out for a swim. With over 50 years of heritage in outdoor adventure, NOC combines expert instruction with breathtaking mountain views to create the highlight of any Tennessee vacation.

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC Reviews

23 Reviews

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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!!

Tip: Wear sunscreen & prepare to get wet

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.

Tip: Wet and fun!

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.

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

Tip: Bring extras clothes and indulge in the surroundings...

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.

Tip: It’s rain or shine, lightning or not. They keep going. Dress to be very wet.

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!

Tip: Bring sunscreen and water shoes!

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.

Tip: Lodge your foot in a bellow in front of you. Dress in stuff that is comfortable wet.

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

Tip: The guides were excellent and the whole experience was well organized.

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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC is located at NOC Pigeon Outpost • 3485 Hartford Road • Hartford, TN 37753

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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.