Rafting season is just around the corner, but before we take anyone out on the river, we wanted to answer some of the questions we get the most often. If you’re a seasoned rafting vet, we want to use your experience to help us out! Let us know what you thought of your trip, either over on our Facebook Page or on Trip Advisor!
At the beginning of each season, we field questions to get everyone ready to raft! We’re so happy to help, and you can consider this to be one of your go-to resources if you’re thinking about joining us on the river and in the Pigeon Forge area (which we hope you will)!
The Outpost is on the Pigeon River in Hartford, TN. We're about a quarter mile off of I-40, nestled in the Smoky Mountains near the North Carolina border. We're about an hour from Asheville, and 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, TN.
If you have time to print off your waiver, please fill that out and bring it with you when you come for your trip. Other than that, wear appropriate clothing (especially footwear) and bring a good attitude! Few things make the trip go smoother than a positive outlook.
This is probably the question we get the most. We recommend athletic clothing that you can move around in, and clothing you don't mind getting wet. A bathing suit is recommended. Stay away from cotton since it can get very heavy when wet, and is slow to dry. In the winter, we have wet and dry suits you can rent that will keep you warm. Wool, fleece and synthetic fabrics will keep you warm.
Wear shoes that will stay on your feet, so no flip flops. Sport sandals, water shoes, and tennis shoes work well.
We also recommend bringing a change of clothes. The trip always ends at the Outpost, so you will have the opportunity to change when you're done.
We raft along the Pigeon River. We utilize both the upper and lower sections of the river, depending on whether you've signed up for a rafting trip or a float trip.
If you're rafting on the Upper section, you'll take a quick bus ride to the launch point, and your guide will go over rafting basics and safety before you begin.
If you're rafting the Lower section, you'll start at the Outpost and enjoy a 2-hour guided float. After, you'll take a short bus ride back to the Outpost!
In keeping with the positive outlook on trying new things, we prefer the term 'adventurous'! You may be a little nervous, especially if this is your first trip, but with any of our trained raft guide staff, you're in good hands.
Yes. You can call us at 866-333-7238 to make your reservation, or book on our website.
If you know more than 14 days in advance that you can no longer make your trip, you may either reschedule, get credit, or get a full refund for your trip
If your trip is a week away, you may reschedule, get credit, or refund 50% of your trip. If your trip is less than a week away, we are not able to provide refunds or accommodate any changes. However, we do understand that extenuating circumstances can occur. If you feel like you have an extenuating circumstance, please contact our river manager at info@outdooradv.net with details.
On the Upper section of the Pigeon River, you will experience class III and class IV rapids.
Yes! The rapids will splash some water up into the boat, many people also choose to swim during some of the relaxing flat sections of the river. Bring a change of clothing for when you're done!
On the Lower section float trips, the minimum age is 3 years. On the Upper section rafting trips with rapids, children must be at least 8 years old and 80 lbs.
The Pigeon River is a dam controlled river, so we are guaranteed days from Mid-May to Mid-September that Progress Energy will release water, creating the rapids you enjoy. This particular effects trips on the Lower section, but we raft the Upper section every day, even on non-guaranteed days. You can learn more about times and availability.
We hope this helps anyone planning to join us, and if you’re a seasoned rafter, we want to hear about your trip! Let us know what you thought of your trip, either over on our Facebook Page or on Trip Advisor!
