8 Months After Hurricane Helene


By Frorabeck • May 30, 2025

8 Months After Hurricane Helene

Best Whitewater Rafting in The Smoky Mountains Is Now Available

A dirt clearing in a wooded area with trees surrounding a large wooden house and several outbuildings under a blue sky.

 It’s hard to believe that it has been eight months since Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Hartford, TN. The storm caused widespread destruction, leaving many businesses and homes in disarray.


The journey to recovery has been long and arduous, but the determination and resilience of the owner have shone through every step of the way. Local volunteers and staff at Big Creek Expeditions have poured countless hours into restoring the property, working tirelessly to repair damages and enhance facilities. Their dedication has been nothing short of inspiring.


We are incredibly excited to announce that Big Creek Expeditions is almost fully restored and open for the 2025 season! This marks a significant milestone not only for our business but also for the entire Hartford community.


We invite everyone to come and experience the beauty of the great outdoors with us once again. The Pigeon River has changed in a lot of ways and we're thrilled to welcome back our loyal patrons and new adventurers alike to experience the river the way it is now. Thank you to everyone who supported us during this journey—we couldn't have done it without you! Here’s to new beginnings and many more exciting seasons ahead!


Let us help you choose the best Pigeon River rafting for you on your next Smoky Mountain Vacation. Head on over to our rafting page and choose from one of our three options: whitewater rafting, scenic floats, or full day river expeditions. As always, we appreciate the support and love from everyone, and we look forward to another excellent year on The Pigeon River!

Best Whitewater Rafting Trips

in Gatlinburg Tennessee


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