White Water rafting Gatlinburg "ALL FORWARD" Blog

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Big Creek Expeditions Whitewater Rafting

Gatlinburg | Pigeon Forge | Tennessee

Discover the Best Campgrounds and Unique Experiences Around Gatlinburg & Cosby, TN

By Felisha Rorabeck • May 9, 2026
If you’re dreaming of a Smoky Mountain getaway filled with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable memories, Gatlinburg and Cosby, Tennessee, are the perfect destinations. From rustic campgrounds nestled in the woods to one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else, here’s your guide to camping and exploring the best of this incredible region.
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Book Your Pigeon River Trip

A small, white, fluffy dog wearing a blue sweater sits on a light-colored wooden floor.
Rafting team in blue raft on rough river, waving American flag, surrounded by rocks and trees

Upper Pigeon River

If you have a thirst for adventure and have dreamed of paddling down a river with your friends, family or group through the Smoky Mountains, this is the trip for you. Experience the Great Smoky Mountains in a whole new way, with panoramic views of ancient mountains, thrilling rapids that will leave you soaking wet, and an immersive experience that will keep you smiling from ear to ear.

Five people rafting on a whitewater river in a blue inflatable raft

Lower Pigeon River

If you are traveling to the Smoky Mountains and want to go rafting in Tennessee, but have children between the ages of 3 and 7 or are looking for a mild, but stunning, river experience, the Scenic Float trip is for you. Expect gorgeous mountain views, splash, swim and sight-see, sit back and relax while soaking up the sun as our guides navigate you down the most scenic stretch of river in the Great Smoky Mountains area.

Group whitewater rafting in a blue raft, paddling through rough rapids near a rocky, forested riverbank

Full-Day Pigeon

Combine our Whitewater Rafting trip and Scenic Float trip for a full day of splashes, laughter, and memories. Start the day with a scenic float soaking up the sun as you wind through the Smokies on the Lower Pigeon River. Then top off the adventure as you transition to the rushing rapids of the Upper Pigeon River for an afternoon of real whitewater action. This is the BEST way to experience the Great Smoky Mountains!

Smiling rafters in helmets on a blue raft labeled “BIG CREEK EXPEDITIONS,” paddling through rapids

Double Upper

Run the Upper Pigeon in the morning and hit every rapid on the way down. Then take a break for lunch by the river. Bring your own or grab something from the food trucks nearby. Once you're ready, you do it all over again in the afternoon. The same gorge, the same rapids, twice the river time. Our best value trip for anyone who wants more of the Pigeon River. Ages 8+.