Pigeon River Rafting & Outdoor Activities

AVAILABLE TIME

April-October

Traveling with children under the age of 8? Looking to experience the Smoky Mountain area on a river, but not quite ready for the rapids on the Whitewater Rafting trip?

If you want to relax and disconnect for an hour and a half while floating down the Class I-II rapids, soak up the sun and the beauty of panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and have the opportunity to learn about the history of the area, we have the trip for you.

No experience is necessary; allow our guides to take care of you and your family.

After all guests have checked in, you will receive a brief safety orientation and meet your guide, who will then outfit you with the proper gear to start your adventure on the river! A short walk down to the riverside, and you're on your way downstream to enjoy remarkable scenery while rafting in Tennessee. Guests paddle along and sight-see while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life, making memories with those surrounding you.

You will still have opportunities to experience Class I & II rapids, all while smiling ear to ear. Speaking of smiles, a photographer will take photographs of every boat on the trip which will be available to view in our office upon your return. Unfortunately, all trips must come to an end, at which time you will be shuttled back to our outpost to rinse off, change into dry clothing and go and view your pictures.

*Use Promo Code BCE$10 at checkout to receive $10 off*

Directions
We strongly recommend that you avoid relying too heavily on your GPS to reach our outpost. Experience has taught us that GPS will often suggest routes that we do not recommend.

*Please note: Total Drive Time for each route is an approximate drive time, and is subject to change depending on your exact departure point, traffic, and personal driving preferences.

From Gatlinburg

In downtown Gatlinburg you can find US-321 North at traffic light #3. Continue on US-321 for approximately 20 miles until you come to the first stop sign in Cosby, TN. Go left for 1.8 miles, then right on Foothills Parkway. You will be on the Foothills Parkway for about 6 miles until taking I-40 East to exit # 447 Hartford Rd. (the very next exit). At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Once you arrive at the intersection, continue straight for 0.3 miles and lookout for the sign for Big Creek Expeditions. Turn left down the drive directly before the bridge. You have arrived at our outpost.
Total Drive Time »» 45 minutes*

From Pigeon Forge

Take US-411 North for approximately 20 miles to I-40 East. You will be on I40 for approximately 20 minutes until getting off at exit #447 Hartford Rd. At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Once you arrive at the intersection, continue straight for 0.3 miles and lookout for the sign for Big Creek Expeditions. Turn left down the drive directly before the bridge. You have arrived at our outpost.
Total Drive Time »» 1 hour*

From Sevierville

Take US-411 North for approximately 20 miles to I-40 East. You will be on I40 for approximately 20 minutes until getting off at exit #447 Hartford Rd. At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Once you arrive at the intersection, continue straight for 0.3 miles and lookout for the sign for Big Creek Expeditions. Turn left down the drive directly before the bridge. You have arrived at our outpost.
Total Drive Time »» 45 minutes*

From Asheville, NC

Take I-40 West for approximately 50 miles, just across the NC/TN State Line, to exit #447 Hartford Rd. At the bottom of the exit ramp, please turn left at stop sign. Go under the interstate, to the next stop sign (approximately 0.2 miles) , and turn left. Go 0.4 miles. Veer left when you see the bridge.

Total Drive Time »» 45 minutes*

This information can also be found on our Directions Page and will be included in your confirmation email.

Spring & Fall Rafting Policies
Scheduled water releases stretch from April 30th to September 7th.

If booking a trip outside of this date range, please note that reservations for non-scheduled water release days are subject to rescheduling or cancellation based upon water levels. We will be in communication with you by phone within 3 days of your trip to notify you regarding any changes to your scheduled trip.

Because the Pigeon River is dam-controlled, trip availability is dependent upon scheduled/recreational releases from the Dam.
Lower Pigeon Scenic Float Restrictions
Lower Pigeon Scenic Float Restrictions

Guests must be 3 years old or more to participate in our Scenic Float trip
Guests must be able to wear a Type V Personal Flotation Device (fits chest measurements up to 58")
Guests must wear shoes with a heel strap
Credit Card & ID Verification at Check-In
For your check-in with Big Creek Expeditions, please bring the credit card used to make your reservation along with a valid photo ID for the cardholder. We’ll use these to quickly confirm your booking so you can get on the water and start the fun.

If the cardholder won’t be joining you, no problem, just reach out ahead of time and we’ll make sure everything is set for your arrival.
Cancellation Policy
Due to the nature of our business, we ask for any changes to your reservation to be made 48 hours PRIOR to your scheduled trip time. Refunds will be issued as follows:

Prior to 48 Hours: 100% of total cost will be refunded
Within 48 Hours: No refunds will be issued
After check-in time, anyone impaired by drugs or alcohol will be excluded from participation without refund.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

If our staff is unable to work you into today's trip schedule, we will work with you to book a reservation for tomorrow or another day that works for your group.

*We have guaranteed release days weekly Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday throughout the June, July, and August months between Memorial and Labor Day weekends. At times due to weather conditions and rain levels, we will offer trips other days when water is released. We strive to ensure the river will be flowing at a level with enjoyable and challenging rapids.