White Water rafting Gatlinburg "ALL FORWARD" Blog

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Big Creek Expeditions Whitewater Rafting

Gatlinburg | Pigeon Forge | Tennessee

Welcoming Fall into East, TN

By Felisha Rorabeck • October 3, 2026
Top Things to See and Do in the Smoky Mountains

Join Us For Our Final Day of the 2026 Season

By Felisha Rorabeck • September 25, 2026
Experience One Last Adventure With Us on the Pigeon River

A Magical Autumn at Dollywood

By Felisha Rorabeck • September 19, 2026
Dollywood Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Luminights

Smoky Mountain Fall Fest in Sevierville

By Felisha Rorabeck • September 11, 2026
Experience the Magic of Autumn in the Smokies

Rafting Trips in September

By Felisha Rorabeck • September 5, 2026
Why September is a Great Time for Rafting the Pigeon River
Rocky pool with clear green water surrounded by large boulders and dense forest greenery

Midnight Hole: The Smoky Mountains Swimming Hole (And How to Find It)

By Big Creek Expeditions • August 27, 2026
Midnight Hole is a cold, clear swimming hole on the Big Creek Trail in the Smokies, about 1.5 miles in. Here is how to find it, plus Pigeon River rafting nearby.

Book Now for Labor Day Weekend

By Felisha Rorabeck • August 25, 2026
Summer Season is Coming to an End

Where to Find the Best Smoky Mountain Views

By Felisha Rorabeck • August 14, 2026
Enjoy the Natural Beauty in East, TN

Rainy Day Activities Near Gatlinburg

By Felisha Rorabeck • August 1, 2026
What to Do When the Weather Forecast Calls for Rain

Book Your Pigeon River Trip

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Raft of people whitewater rafting through rapids, with a large American flag on the back.

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.

Rafting group in blue raft splashing through whitewater on a river, with green forested banks.

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 through rapids in a blue inflatable raft, paddles raised on a river.

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!

Group of people in helmets rafting on blue rapids, smiling in a raft labeled “BIG CREEK EXPEDITIONS.”

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+.