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Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting in Hartford

3299 Hartford Rd • Hartford, TN 37753

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Whitewater Rafting on the Upper Pigeon River

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Rafting with SMO Rafting in Hartford, Tennessee

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Overview

Based in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, SMO Rafting offers a thrilling Pigeon River adventure for thrill-seekers of all levels—from a family-friendly lower Pigeon float trip to an upper Pigeon River white water rafting adventure with class 3 and 4 rapids. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, SMO provides an exhilarating and safe experience.

up to 2 hrs

Good To Know

The Upper Pigeon River section features exhilarating Class III & IV rapids.
The Lower Pigeon features Class I and II rapids, perfect for families or anyone looking for a relaxing river experience.
All rafting trips take place on the Pigeon River, a scenic 45-minute drive from Gatlinburg and known for its scenic beauty and exciting rapids.
Be sure to wear closed toe shoes (required), and bring a change of clothes and a towel.
Rafting trips run rain or shine.
SMO Rafting provides all the necessary rafting equipment, including life jackets, helmets, and paddles.
Cameras are permitted at your own risk, or store your camera in one of their available lockers and purchase souvenir photos of your trip afterwards.

Description

Enjoy an exciting whitewater rafting trip with SMO Rafting (Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting), recipient of TripAdvisor's prestigious Certificate of Excellence year after year and winner of the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award.

The Pigeon River, located about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, offers breathtaking scenery and white water rafting thrills! Experience the Class III and IV Upper Pigeon River section for ages 8+, or the milder Class I and II Lower Pigeon River section for ages 3+.

No prior experience is necessary. All of SMO's Tennessee rafting trips include a professional river guide to keep your adventure safe and enjoyable. White water rafting is something the whole family can enjoy.

Bring a change of clothes and a towel. We have changing rooms, showers, and an on-site casual eatery.

Everyone must wear secure fitting shoes. No Flip-flops or bare feet.

River Trip Descriptions
Upper River: 6.5 miles of class II - IV Whitewater Adventure Trip. Age 8+ / 70 pounds
Extreme: Upper River trip in smaller boat = bigger hits. Ability to swim required. Age 12+
Lower River: 5.5 miles of Class I - II+ Scenic River Float. Age 3+

Please note: Rafting is not available in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Please check in at our riverside outpost in Hartford, TN one hour prior to your trip time.

Promotional Images (7)

White Water Rafting - SMO Rafting in Hartford, Tennessee

Upper Pigeon White Water Rafting - SMO Rafting in Hartford, Tennessee

River Rafting - SMO Rafting in Hartford, Tennessee

Customer Photos (15)

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors photo submitted by Wendi Tevebaugh

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors photo submitted by Lynn Hoffmann

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors photo submitted by Donald Weber

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors photo submitted by Tamara Langerak

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors photo submitted by Melissa Weidner

Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors Reviews

60 Reviews

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KALIFAAMIRA SHABAZZ

Park Forest, IL

4 Reviews

Verified Traveler

"First time rafter"

July 2024

We had a great time white water rafting. I chose the lower pigeon rafting because I had my 3 year old granddaughter with us. It was still fun.

Tip: Be prepared to work those arms and to get wet.

Wendi Tevebaugh

SAINT CHARLES, MO

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Amazing!!"

August 2023

This place knows what they are doing. My family and I went today. Everything was well organized. And let me tell you about our guide.. TJ was AWESOME!!! We felt very comfortable with his knowledge and his really bad jokes ??. He went out of his way to make everyone relaxed. It was so much fun!!! Cannot recommend enough!

Tip: It is amazing. Staff Is experienced

Lynn Hoffmann

Saint Louis , MO

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Water rafting"

September 2021

Was a great experience. The people that work there are very good at explaining the rules and the details of the rafting. Had so much fun!

AILEEN CREECH

GAINESVILLE, FL

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Lower rafting"

July 2021

It was first time for my 7 year old son. Although he got scared during the trip, the experience he will share will last a lifetime. Shannon, our guide was funny and amazing. Thank you for the memories.

Holly Bodish

Waukesha, WI

2 Reviews

Verified Traveler

"Family fun"

June 2021

Great time for the whole family ages 8-76!

timothy burns

elyria, OH

2 Reviews

Verified Traveler

"Beautiful scenery"

August 2019

Good for the family

Tip: Be ready to get wet

Mihaela Onis

Morton Grove, IL

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Combo Rafting Experience!"

July 2019

Although I was interested in white water rafting, I can't deny that I was a bit afraid. Sean was an amazing guide and put everyone at ease. We had such a great time with him. This was definitely one of the highlights of our vacation in Tennessee. We hope to return again.

Tip: book online; you will get wet

Yvette Gordon

Redondo Beach, CA

1 Review

Verified Traveler

"Rafting in the Smokies"

July 2019

Excellent safe time! They have a well-organized system over there!

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Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors is located at 3299 Hartford Rd • Hartford, TN 37753

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors

Are all SMO Rafting (Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting) trips guided?

Yes, all SMO Rafting trips on the Pigeon River are guided by certified guides.

How far is Smoky Mountain Outdoor rafting from Gatlinburg?

The Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Pigeon River Outpost is located about 45 minutes northeast of Gatlinburg. It is the closest whitewater rafting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Do I have to know how to swim?

No, every guest is issued a type 5, Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. This lifejacket is designed to give you all of the flotation needed on the river.

Can I go if I am a bit overweight?

There are no upper limit weight requirements. Lifejackets can accommodate a chest girth of 54″.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

The minimum age/weight for the Upper Pigeon rafting trip is 8 years old or 70lbs. Children must be at least 3 years old to go on the Lower Pigeon trip.

Can I go rafting if I am pregnant?

Rafting is not recommended if you are more than two months pregnant.

What do I wear?

Secure, closed toe shoes are required (no flip-flops or bare feet allowed). Bring a dry towel, dry clothes and dry shoes for after the trip. During the summer, shorts and a bathing suit or t-shirt are recommended; no jeans or denim please. For cooler months, synthetic, quick-drying layers are recommended for optimum comfort. Cotton is not recommended as it holds water and wicks away body heat. Wool or fleece socks will also help keep you warmer.

Can I bring a camera on the rafting trip?

Anything that you bring on the river will get wet and could possibly get lost during the trip. SMO Rafting has lockers available on site where you can store your camera while you raft. Keep in mind they capture pictures during your adventure that are available for purchase after your trip.

What if it rains?

Rafting trips run rain or shine. Rafting is one of the best rainy day activities because getting wet is part of the fun. The trip may get delayed for a few minutes to allow a strong storm to pass.