# Big Creek Expeditions ## Pages - [upper-pigeon-river-whitewater-rafting](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/activity/upper-pigeon-river-whitewater-rafting) - [lower-pigeon-river-whitewater-rafting](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/activity/lower-pigeon-river-whitewater-rafting) - [pigeon-river-rafting-full-day](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/activity/pigeon-river-rafting-full-day) - [legacy-mountain-zipline-pigeon-forge](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/activity/legacy-mountain-zipline-pigeon-forge) - [adventure-park-zipline-five-oaks-sevierville](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/activity/adventure-park-zipline-five-oaks-sevierville) - [five-oaks-riding-stables-horseback-riding](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/activity/five-oaks-riding-stables-horseback-riding) - [gift-certificates](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/activity/gift-certificates) - [double-upper](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/activity/double-upper) - [Things to Do in Pigeon Forge](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/things-to-do-in-pigeon-forge): Discover the best things to do in Pigeon Forge, TN. From thrilling whitewater rafting and ziplines to family-friendly attractions, plan your adventure today! - [Home](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/): The Smokies' #1 multi-adventure outfitter: rafting, zipline & horseback riding in Tennessee. All ages welcome. Same-day reservations available. - [Rafting in the Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/whitewater-rafting-smoky-mountains): Pigeon River rafting, the top outdoor adventure in the Smokies. Class III whitewater, scenic floats & full-day combos. Dam-controlled for reliable releases. - [Directions](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/directions): Big Creek Expeditions is at 3671 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN, take I-40 Exit 447. Easy access from Gatlinburg (45 min), Pigeon Forge (1 hr) & Knoxville. - [Pigeon River Release Schedule](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/pigeon-river-release-schedule): Official Pigeon River dam release schedule guaranteed release days Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat during peak season. Plan your rafting trip around the best days. - [Adventures](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/adventures): Whitewater rafting, zipline tours & horseback riding all in one place. Big Creek Expeditions is your guide to Smoky Mountain outdoor adventure. - [FAQs](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/faqs): Find answers on age limits, what to wear, trip difficulty, booking, group rates & more from Big Creek Expeditions. - [Horseback](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/horseback): Trail rides through Five Oaks' 70-acre nature park in Sevierville, TN. Ages 3+, from $54.99/person. Stunning Smoky Mountain scenery. Book online today. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/privacy-policy): Read the Big Creek Expeditions privacy policy to learn how we collect, use and protect your personal information when you book or browse our site. - [Blog](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/blog): River tips, Smoky Mountain guides & seasonal updates from the Big Creek team. Your resource for planning the perfect outdoor adventure in Hartford, TN. - [Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/white-water-rafting-in-tennessee): The Pigeon River is Tennessee's most accessible whitewater destination. Class III rapids, scenic floats and full-day trips. 45 min from Knoxville. Book online. - [Things to Do in Sevierville](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/things-to-do-in-sevierville): Discover the best things to do in Sevierville, TN. From family-friendly attractions to thrilling outdoor adventures, plan your perfect Smoky Mountain getaway. - [Disclaimer](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/disclaimer): Read our disclaimer for important information regarding adventure activity risks, liability limitations and safety responsibilities at Big Creek Expeditions. - [Meet Our Guides](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/our-guides): Meet the expert guides behind Big Creek Expeditions. With decades of Pigeon River experience, our team ensures a safe, fun adventure for every guest. - [Reviews](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/reviews): See what adventurers are saying about Big Creek Expeditions. Read real guest reviews of our Pigeon River rafting, zipline & horseback riding experiences . - [Whitewater Rafting Near Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/whitewater-rafting-gatlinburg): Pigeon River whitewater is 45 min from Gatlinburg. Class III thrills, scenic floats & full-day combos. Book online now! - [Things to Do in Hartford](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/things-to-do-in-hartford): Discover best things to do in Hartford, TN. Known as the whitewater rafting capital of Tennessee, experience thrilling rapids & scenic Smoky Mountain floats. - [Group Whitewater Rafting Trips](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/group-whitewater-rafting-trips): Private group rafting on the Pigeon River for 10+ guests. Perfect for corporate teams, family reunions & school trips. Custom rates available, call us. - [About](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/about): Founded in 2004 by Jon Felderman, a guide since 1996. Big Creek brings 28+ years of Pigeon River expertise and a 30-person guide team to every adventure. - [Rafting](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/pigeon-river-whitewater-rafting): Book Pigeon River whitewater rafting trips in the Smoky Mountains. Three trips for every group: Upper Class III, scenic Lower Float, or Full-Day combo. Ages 3+. - [Zipline](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/zipline): Two top Smoky Mountain zipline experiences: Legacy Mountain (7 lines, 450 ft high) & Adventure Park at Five Oaks - [Whitewater Rafting Near Pigeon Forge](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/white-water-rafting-pigeon-forge): Whitewater rafting is less than an hour from Pigeon Forge, right in Hartford, TN. Upper rapids (Class III), scenic float, or full-day combo. Ages 3+. - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/terms-and-conditions): Review the terms and conditions for booking adventures with Big Creek Expeditions, including cancellation, liability and participation policies. - [Cart](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/cart): Review your selected Smoky Mountain adventures before checkout. Rafting, zipline & horseback riding trips ready to book with Big Creek Expeditions. - [Contact](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/contact): Questions about rafting, ziplines or horseback riding? Call 877-642-7238 or book online. Same-day reservations welcome. Office hours: 8am–5pm daily. - [Checkout](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/checkout): Review your trip details and complete your booking with Big Creek Expeditions. Secure checkout for rafting, zipline & horseback riding adventures. ## Blog Posts - [Why Rafting is the Coolest Adventure in the Smokies](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/why-rafting-is-the-coolest-adventure-in-the-smokies) - [Wildlife Watching in the Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/wildlife-wathing-in-the-smoky-mountains) - [Booked and Busy 4th of July Weekend](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/booked-and-busy-4th-of-july-weekend) - [Best Local Eats In Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/best-local-eats-in-gatlinburg) - [Exploring East Tennessee’s Best Outdoor Activities](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/exploring-east-tennessees-best-outdoor-activities) - [What to Pack For Your Whitewater Adventure](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/what-to-pack-for-your-whitewater-adventure) - [Hidden Gems In the Great Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/hidden-gems-in-the-great-smoky-mountains) - [Top Ten Things To Do In Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/top-ten-things-to-do-in-gatlinburg) - [The Best Whitewater Rafting Near Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/the-best-whitewater-rafting-near-gatlinburg) - [Book a Zipline Tour with Adventure Park Ziplines](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/book-a-zipline-tour-with-adventure-park-ziplines) - [Family-Friendly Rafting in the Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/family-friendly-rafting-in-the-smoky-mountains) - [Summer Vacation Is Around the Corner](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/summer-vacation-is-around-the-corner) - [Memorial Day Weekend Splash](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/memorial-day-weekend-splash) - [Discover Cades Cove](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/discover-cades-cove) - [Discover the Best Campgrounds and Unique Experiences Around Gatlinburg & Cosby, TN](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/discover-the-best-campgrounds-and-unique-experiences-around-gatlinburg-cosby-tn) - [Best Scenic Drives Near Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/best-scenic-drives-near-gatlinburg) - [2026 Gift Certificates For Big Creek Expeditions](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/2026-gift-certificates-for-big-creek-expeditions) - [Top Spooky and Scary Things To Do for Halloween](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/top-spooky-and-scary-things-to-do-for-halloween) - [Visit The Best Pumpkin Patches Near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/visit-the-best-pumpkin-patches-near-gatlinburg-and-pigeon-forge) - [Rising Above: One Year Since The Flood](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/rising-above-one-year-since-the-flood) - [Book One Last River Adventure](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/book-one-last-river-adventure) - [Visit Dollywood For The 2025 Fall Festival](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/visit-dollywood-for-the-2025-fall-festival) - [Top Fall Hikes In The Great Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/top-fall-hikes-in-the-great-smoky-mountains) - [Say Goodbye To Summer, Rafting Adventures Continue This Fall](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/say-goodbye-to-summer-rafting-adventures-continue-this-fall) - [Our Last Weekend In Our Summer Season](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/our-last-weekend-in-our-summer-season) - [Book Now For Labor Day Weekend](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/book-now-for-labor-day-weekend) - [Pigeon River Rafting - The Full Day Experience](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/pigeon-river-rafting-the-full-day-experience) - [Exploring Cosby, TN](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/exploring-cosby-tn) - [Big Creek Expeditions Vs. Our Competition](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/big-creek-expeditions-vs-our-competition) - [Join Big Creek Expeditions For One Last Summer Adventure](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/join-big-creek-expeditions-for-one-last-summer-adventure) - [Top Ten Outdoor Activities](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/top-ten-outdoor-activities) - [Beat the Summer Heat](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/beat-the-summer-heat) - [Gear for Whitewater Rafting](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/gear-for-whitewater-rafting) - [History of the Pigeon River](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/history-of-the-pigeon-river) - [A Foodie's Guide to Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/a-foodie-s-guide-to-gatlinburg) - [Whitewater Rapid Classifications](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/whitewater-rapid-classifications) - [Summer in the Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/summer-in-the-smoky-mountains) - [The Best Combo Packages in The Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/the-best-combo-packages-in-the-smoky-mountains) - [Have a BLAST With Us This 4th of July Week](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/have-a-blast-with-us-this-4th-of-july-week) - [What To Wear On Your Whitewater Adventure](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/what-to-wear-on-your-whitewater-adventure) - [Upper Pigeon River is Now OPEN](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/upper-pigeon-river-is-now-open) - [Visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge The Week of July 4th](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/visiting-gatlinburg-and-pigeon-forge-the-week-of-july-4th) - [I-40 Closures and Its Impact On The Upper Pigeon](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/i-40-closures-and-its-impact-on-the-upper-pigeon) - [What To Expect at Check-in](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/what-to-expect-at-check-in) - [Why the 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, and 4:30 Trips are Perfect for You](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/why-the-2-00-3-00-4-00-and-4-30-trips-are-perfect-for-you) - [What To Expect on Your River Expedition](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/what-to-expect-on-your-river-expedition) - [Come Celebrate Independence Day With Us!](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/come-celebrate-independence-day-with-us) - [Stop By Our Gift Shop After Your Expedition](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/stop-by-our-gift-shop-after-your-expedition) - [8 Months After Hurricane Helene](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/8-months-after-hurricane-helene) - [Legacy Mountain Ziplines](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/legacy-mountain-ziplines) - [Raft With Big Creek Expeditions This Memorial Day Weekend](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/raft-with-big-creek-expeditions-this-memorial-day-weekend) - [Low Gap Trail To Mount Cammerer](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/low-gap-trail-to-mount-cammerer) - [Rafting The Upper Pigeon River](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/rafting-the-upper-pigeon-river) - [Walter's Dam Information & Release Schedule](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/walter-s-dam-information-release-schedule) - [Plan a Visit To Dollywood](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/plan-a-visit-to-dollywood) - [Experience Horseback Riding at Five Oaks Riding Stables](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/experience-horseback-riding-at-five-oaks-riding-stables) - [Best Spring Activities in Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/best-spring-activities-in-gatlinburg) - [Spring In the Smokies](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/spring-in-the-smokies) - [Group Rafting Adventures](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/group-rafting-adventures) - [Paddling for Progress: A Journey on the River to Revive Our Town After the Storm](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/paddling-for-progress-a-journey-on-the-river-to-revive-our-town-after-the-storm) - [Pigeon Forge Winter Festival](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/pigeon-forge-winter-festival) - [Gatlinburg Christmas Parade](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/gatlinburg-christmas-parade) - [White Water Rafting Gift Certificates](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/white-water-rafting-gift-certificates) - [The Best Fall Activities Near Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/the-best-fall-activities-near-gatlinburg) - [Fall Waterfall Hikes in The Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/fall-waterfall-hikes-in-the-smoky-mountains) - [Hurricane Helene - Destruction of Hartford, TN](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/hurricane-helene-s-destruction-of-hartford-tn) - [Dollywood's Harvest Festival](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/dollywood-s-harvest-festival) - [Visit Clingman's Dome For the Best View of the Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/visit-clingman-s-dome-for-the-best-view-of-the-smoky-mountains) - [Drought Conditions Affect on the Pigeon River](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/drought-conditions-affect-on-the-pigeon-river) - [Labor Day weekend in Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/labor-day-weekend-in-gatlinburg) - [Outdoor Activities Near Gatlinburg, TN](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/outdoor-activities-near-gatlinburg-tn) - [Family Fun On The Lower Pigeon River](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/family-fun-on-the-lower-pigeon-river) - [Cleaning Up The Pigeon River](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/cleaning-up-the-pigeon-river) - [Cades Cove Near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/cades-cove-near-gatlinburg-and-pigeon-forge) - [Diverse Wildlife Of The Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/diverse-wildlife-of-the-smoky-mountains) - [Food Trucks At Big Creek Expeditions](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/food-trucks-at-big-creek-expeditions) - [Join Us On The River For The Fourth Of July](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/join-us-on-the-river-for-the-fourth-of-july) - [Hike Max Patch In Pisgah National Forest](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/hike-max-patch-in-pisgah-national-forest) - [Go Whitewater Rafting Gatlinburg Today](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/go-whitewater-rafting-gatlinburg) - [Legacy Mountain Ziplines In Sevierville, TN](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/legacy-mountain-ziplines-in-sevierville-tn) - [Memorial Day - The Start Of The 2024 Rafting Season](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/memorial-day-the-start-of-the-2024-rafting-season) - [Five Oaks Riding Stables In Sevierville](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/five-oaks-riding-stables) - [Dam Release Schedule on the Pigeon River in East, TN](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/dam-release-schedule-on-the-pigeon-river-in-east-tn) - [Hiking the Smokies- Ramseys Cascade](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/hiking-the-smokies-ramseys-cascade) - [Adventure Park Ziplines in Sevierville](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/adventure-park-ziplining-in-sevierville) - [Popular Hiking In The Smokies](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/popular-hiking-in-the-smokies) - [Best Deals On Group Rafting The Pigeon River](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/best-deals-on-group-rafting-the-pigeon-river) - [Midnight Hole In The Smoky Mountains](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/midnight-hole-in-the-smoky-mountains) - [Fishing In The Smokies](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/fishing-in-the-smokies) - [Best Combination Packages Near Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/best-combination-packages-near-gatlinburg) - [Spring Adventures Near Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/spring-adventures-near-gatlinburg) - [Discover the Ultimate Whitewater Rafting Adventure in Gatlinburg](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/discover-the-ultimate-whitewater-rafting-adventure-in-gatlinburg) - [Welcome to Big Creek Expeditions!](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/welcome-to-big-creek) - [Gatlinburg Whitewater Rafting - Big Creek Expeditions Provides the Best Group Experience](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/blog/gatlinburg-whitewater-rafting-experience-our-newly-furnished-outpost-at-big-creek-expeditions-pigeon-river) - [Booking is Now Open for the 2024 Whitewater Rafting Season](https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com/book-online-today-now-accepting-2024-reservations)