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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, TN

NOC Pigeon River Outpost • Hartford, TN 37753

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Class III-IV whitewater excitement awaits you on the Upper Pigeon River. - Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, Tennessee

NOC's 18,000 square-foot retail store in downtown Gatlinburg. - Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, Tennessee

There is a professional guide in each raft on the Upper Pigeon River, - Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, Tennessee making this a great experience for kids 8 years old or 70 pounds. Perfect for first-timers and adventure seekers alike!

In addition to our rafting outpost, NOC offers retail locations in Bryson City, NC, Gatlinburg, TN and Asheville, NC. - Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, Tennessee

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Based on 155 reviews

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Overview

Raft the Pigeon River with Nantahala Outdoor Center! The Upper Pigeon features Class III-IV white water rapids along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park border. In just three hours, experience a full dose of whitewater rafting excitement and scenery. Raft with the best, and make this summertime classic a part of your Smokies vacation!

up to 3.5 hrs

Good To Know

45-minute drive from Gatlinburg.
Bring a change of clothes and towel.
Closed-toed shoes required.
Raft rain or shine.
All guides are certified.
Pregnant women cannot raft.
Age requirement is 8+ for upper section.

Description

Don’t just visit the Smokies, get out there and experience them on a river trip with Nantahala Outdoor Center!

NOC is rated "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure and the "#1 Vacation with a Splash" by Good Morning America.

Experience thrilling whitewater with stunning scenery of the Smoky Mountains ideal for families looking to unplug in the outdoors. This adventure delivers nonstop action in a few short hours making it convenient and unforgettable.

Pigeon River trips leave from our Hartford, TN outpost. Please allow 45 minutes to 1-hour travel time.

While you're in the area be sure to visit the outdoor retail store, NOC Gatlinburg. Scale the 25-foot climbing wall, browse the largest selection of Smokies souvenirs, or buy top brand outdoor gear. Located at stoplight 10 in downtown Gatlinburg.

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Just a short drive from Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, the Upper Pigeon River is a must-do adventure while visiting the Smokies. - Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, Tennessee

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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC photo submitted by Jane Gibbs

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC photo submitted by Eric Unger

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC photo submitted by Calvin Emberton

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC Reviews

Based on 155 reviews

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sierraboyce

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

"Wonderful!"

Reviewed July 14, 2023

Four adults and three kids, ages 9, 9, and 6. We did the lower Pigeon trip and it was just enough excitement, bumps and getting wet for the older kids without being too scary for the little guy. The scenery was beautiful, our guide was so friendly and helpful and it was really nice to get out and float in the river for a bit. The facility was clean and expansive and they had everything you might need. All of the staff was so kind, especially to the kids. The tour we did was just the right length for our attention span; that said, our older kids were immediately begging to go back for some class three and four rapids. We will probably do this with them next summer. We were pleasantly surprised that the photo package, at around $40, was not a rip off as these add-ons generally tend to be in other places. Highly recommend the Nantahala Outdoor Center – wonderful experience with not a single complaint – hope to return!

Plc4433

Atlanta, Georgia

"Excellent Rafting Trip"

Reviewed June 07, 2023

We had a great time in the river. Our guides were excellent and we felt very safe. Would 100 percent come back and do another trip. The lower pigeon is perfect for first time rafters and children.

View all 155 Tripadvisor Reviews

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC is located at NOC Pigeon River Outpost • Hartford, TN 37753

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pigeon River Rafting with NOC

Are all Rafting with NOC trips guided?

Yes, all trips are fully guided.

How far is Rafting with NOC from Gatlinburg?

The Smoky Mountain Outdoors Pigeon River Outpost is located about 45 minutes north of Gatlinburg.

Do I have to know how to swim?

No, every guest is issued a type 5, Coast Guard approved personal floatation device. The "PFD" is designed to give you all of the floatation needed on the river.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

The minimum age/weight for the Upper Pigeon trip is 8 years old or 70 pounds. You have to be at least 3 years old to go on the Lower Pigeon trip.

When are raft trips scheduled?

The Pigeon River is not a free flowing river. About ten miles upstream from our launch area there is a dam that regulates the amount of water flowing down the river. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the flow is consistent and we can schedule accordingly. During the summer months we raft Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If I am pregnant can I go?

We do not recommend rafting if you are more than two months pregnant.

What do I wear for a rafting trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors?

Shorts, t-shirt and secure fitting shoes. No flip-flops or bare feet allowed. During the Spring and Fall avoid cotton clothing, it really absorbs water and will make you cold. Wear clothing that will not absorb much water like wool. Good synthetic fabrics are fleece and polypropylene. Do not wear jeans. Also, bring a dry change of clothes and a towel for after the trip

Do you raft in the rain?

We raft rain or shine. Rafting is one of the best rainy day activities because getting wet is part of the fun! We may delay the trip for a few minutes to allow a strong storm to pass.