Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting

AVAILABLE TIME

March-September

Looking to make the most out of your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains? Why not go rafting in Tennessee?

As one of America's most popular rafting trips, whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River offers the best introduction to rafting in Tennessee. Experience beautiful views of the mountains while cooling off from the summer heat on a fully-guided trip through the Pigeon River Gorge.

No experience is necessary; every trip is fully guided with a customer-friendly, safety-oriented guide. You and your group will experience an exhilarating stretch of action on the Pigeon River, featuring Class III rapids. With rapid names like Lost Guide, Double-Reactionary, and Vega-Matic, you can expect plenty of excitement on this trip that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. There will still be time between the rapids to take in the views, soak up some sun, and learn about the local history, making this an excursion you will not forget.

If you want to enhance your experience in the Smoky Mountains with the thrill of a rafting trip and unique mountain views accessible only by water, then this trip is for you.

*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 and turn left. Go straight for about 1/2 mile and veer left at the bridge. You have now arrived at our outpost.

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.
Upper Section Whitewater Rafting Restrictions
Whitewater Rafting Restrictions:

Guests must be 8 years old or over 70 pounds to participate in the Upper Section Whitewater Rafting trip.
Guests must be able to wear a Type IV Personal Flotation Device provided by Big Creek Expeditions (fits chest measurements up to 58")
Guests must wear secure footwear (no flip flops or bare feet, shoes must have 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.