Lower Pigeon River

Lower Pigeon River Rafting Trips

Relaxing Float Trip for Families with Kids 4 to 7 Years

Enjoy a scenic and family-friendly rafting trip on the Lower Pigeon River, featuring gentle rapids, calm waters, and breathtaking mountain views. This relaxing float trip is perfect for families with young children, first-time rafters, and anyone looking to take in the beauty of the Smokies from the water.

With the longest Lower Pigeon River trip available, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear water as you drift through peaceful stretches and navigate fun, beginner-friendly rapids. Along the way, your experienced guide will share insight into the area's natural beauty, making this the perfect outdoor adventure for those who want to explore the river at a slower pace while still experiencing some excitement.

 

Perfect for all ages for those who want to be near water, but are not ready for big white water. Each raft is 7 people + guide and may vary with water levels.

 

Highlights
Ages 4 & up
Approximately 2 hours on the water
Gentle, beginner-friendly rapids throughout the trip
May – August
No experience required
Stunning mountain and riverside views
Save $13 / person With Code:SAVE13
Coupon Expires On: 05-15-26

Book online for the best prices!

Book with Confidence:
We have the most flexible cancellation policy in the area.

Trip Information

What to Expect

Our customers say our tours are the right balance of fun, safety, seriousness, and comedy! Be prepared to be exhilarated and get wet! We'll be with you from start to finish to make your day awesome. Review the 2 raft trip options and if you're not sure which to choose, check out our compare raft trips page or review our frequently asked questions section.

What to Wear & Bring Rafting

Wear
• Only shoes with a secure heel strap, tennis shoes, watershoes.
• No flip-flop sandals allowed. Watershoes are available for sale at the outpost.
• Wear clothes that will be comfortable when wet. Be prepared to get wet! Any quick-dry clothing, activewear, t-shirts, shorts, bathing suit (underneath your clothing), or swim trunks in warmer months
• Wetsuits are available for rent for $15, are ideal in cool weather. Paddle jackets come with wetsuit rental, which will keep you warm from wind and water.

Bring
• A set of dry clothes to change into, after the rafting trip
• Sunscreen - apply before the trip and apply it anywhere not protected by clothing
• Optional: If you would like to film during your trip - like with a GoPro camera, we have a few helmets with the appropriate attachment.

Don't Bring:
• Anything that you don't want to lose in the water.
• Leave your phone locked in your car, and keys safely and securely locked away at our office.

Safety & Cleanliness

Experienced Guides
No one on the river has been at this longer than we have. Our 30+ years of experience ensure you benefit from all of our combined safety and knowledge of the river.

First Aid
Every rafting guide is certified in First Aid and CPR (with some guides even having additional certifications). They’ve all gone through extensive training to make your trip both enjoyable and safe.

Clean & Up To Date Equipment
We will provide you with clean and up-to-date equipment including a personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, and paddle. All of our equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after every trip. This includes all high-touch areas, including our rafts, paddles, and wetsuits.

Rafting Trip Talk
The guides will give a comprehensive "trip talk" before the trip to explain everything related to safety, using the equipment and the "what if" scenarios and the "how to's" to react. This is a necessary part of your day.

No Drugs or Alcohol
Drugs or alcoholic beverages are not permitted. If we suspect you have consumed anything that will impair you before your trip, you will not be able to participate and will not get a refund.

Safety Waiver
IMPORTANT: A safety waiver must be signed by each participant looking to enjoy a rafting trip with us — both minors and adults. Please download, complete, and bring one safety waiver form for each member of your party before your visit. Download Waiver

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

We offer the most flexible cancellation policy in the area.
We get it. Life happens and sometimes you need to change your trip or cancel your rafting plans. We want you to feel confident when you book a trip with us either by phone or online.

Groups of 1-14
• Cancel 48+ hours in advance: Reschedule for free or cancel for a 100% refund
• Cancel 24-48 hours in advance: Reschedule for free or cancel for a 50% refund
• Cancel within 24 hours, no refunds are allowed, because we've already prepared for your trip and likely turned away other customers to save your reservation.

Groups of 15 or more
Cancel 7+ days in advance for a 100% refund or free rescheduling. After that time, no refunds are given, and rescheduling is not guaranteed.

Please understand that we arrange equipment and guides for your group, and given our trip space is limited, we have likely turned away customers because of your reservation.

Seasonal Rafting Schedule

We run rafting trips all year long!
The water flow on Pigeon River is controlled by a dam a few miles upstream, which will vary from season to season.

Spring Rafting
Trip Dates & Times: Varies on water levels

Summer Rafting
Trip Dates & Times: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and holidays starting at 11:00am and going every hour until 5:00pm.

Fall Rafting
Trip Dates and Times: Varies with the water levels.

Winter Rafting
Yes! We run rafting trips in winter depending on the conditions! Families love to join us for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years! Even though temps here hover between 50-60° in February and March, we can't keep people out of the water!

What to Expect
Our customers say our tours are the right balance of fun, safety, seriousness, and comedy! Be prepared to be exhilarated and get wet! We'll be with you from start to finish to make your day awesome. Review the 2 raft trip options and if you're not sure which to choose, check out our compare raft trips page or review our frequently asked questions section.
What to Wear & Bring Rafting
Wear
• Only shoes with a secure heel strap, tennis shoes, watershoes. 
• No flip-flop sandals allowed. Watershoes are available for sale at the outpost.
• Wear clothes that will be comfortable when wet. Be prepared to get wet! Any quick-dry clothing, activewear, t-shirts, shorts, bathing suit (underneath your clothing), or swim trunks in warmer months
• Wetsuits are available for rent for $10, are ideal in cool weather. Paddle jackets come with wetsuit rental, which will keep you warm from wind and water.

Bring
• A set of dry clothes to change into, after the rafting trip
• Sunscreen - apply before the trip and apply it anywhere not protected by clothing
• Optional: If you would like to film during your trip - like with a GoPro camera, we have a few helmets with the appropriate attachment.

Don't Bring:
• Anything that you don't want to lose in the water.
• Leave your phone locked in your car, and keys safely and securely locked away at our office.
Safety & Cleanliness
Experienced Guides
No one on the river has been at this longer than we have. Our 30+ years of experience ensure you benefit from all of our combined safety and knowledge of the river.

First Aid
Every rafting guide is certified in First Aid and CPR (with some guides even having additional certifications). They’ve all gone through extensive training to make your trip both enjoyable and safe.

Clean & Up To Date Equipment
We will provide you with clean and up-to-date equipment including a personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, and paddle. All of our equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after every trip. This includes all high-touch areas, including our rafts, paddles, and wetsuits.

Rafting Trip Talk
The guides will give a comprehensive "trip talk" before the trip to explain everything related to safety, using the equipment and the "what if" scenarios and the "how to's" to react. This is a necessary part of your day.

No Drugs or Alcohol
Drugs or alcoholic beverages are not permitted. If we suspect you have consumed anything that will impair you before your trip, you will not be able to participate and will not get a refund.

Safety Waiver
IMPORTANT: A safety waiver must be signed by each participant looking to enjoy a rafting trip with us — both minors and adults. Please download, complete, and bring one safety waiver form for each member of your party before your visit. Download Waiver
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

We offer the most flexible cancellation policy in the area.
We get it. Life happens and sometimes you need to change your trip or cancel your rafting plans. We want you to feel confident when you book a trip with us either by phone or online.

Groups of 1-14
• Cancel 48+ hours in advance: Reschedule for free or cancel for a 100% refund
• Cancel 24-48 hours in advance: Reschedule for free or cancel for a 50% refund
• Cancel within 24 hours, no refunds are allowed, because we've already prepared for your trip and likely turned away other customers to save your reservation.

Groups of 15 or more
Cancel 7+ days in advance for a 100% refund or free rescheduling. After that time, no refunds are given, and rescheduling is not guaranteed.

Please understand that we arrange equipment and guides for your group, and given our trip space is limited, we have likely turned away customers because of your reservation.
Seasonal Rafting Schedule
We run rafting trips all year long!
The water flow on Pigeon River is controlled by a dam a few miles upstream, which will vary from season to season.

Spring Rafting
Trip Dates & Times: Varies on water levels

Summer Rafting
Trip Dates & Times: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and holidays starting at 11:00am and going every hour until 5:00pm.

Fall Rafting
Trip Dates and Times: Varies with the water levels.

Winter Rafting
Yes! We run rafting trips in winter depending on the conditions! Families love to join us for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years! Even though temps here hover between 50-60° in February and March, we can't keep people out of the water!

Does someone in your group want to raft the Upper Pigeon River instead?

The Lower Pigeon River Float Trip is a great way to spend your day on the water, but we understand that some adventurous folks want to try the Upper Pigeon Rafting Trip. No problem! Everyone can choose the trip type they wish, and meet up with the group after the trip to share stories.

Our guests LOVE our guides

And You Will Too
They’re friendly rafting experts and energetic entertainers. Also ask them anything about the Smoky Mountains and the area.
"What an amazing time on the river! The guides were a blast but at the same time they were very professional, well-trained and safety conscious."   — Jaime | Google Reviews

Group Getaways

Give your group big stories to tell!
We have options for groups of all sizes and skill levels, and you'll automatically save $13/person when you book a group of 15 or more. Learn about our free trip planning support!
View More

Pavilion.

Yeah, we're ready for ya.
We have some of the best riverfront space on the Pigeon River to host your event. With enough room to spread out, enjoy your packed lunch before or after your trip in our beautiful pavilion and take in the scenery of the Smoky Mountains.

What Our Guests Are Saying

  • October 2021

    We had a fantastic time very professional business our Guide was Justin! He was amazing, very knowledgeable, social and a joy to be around really made the trip fantastic thank you again Justin! We learned a lot and plan on coming again in the future!

    —windfallgnome
  • July 2021

    My husband and I had the BEST time this weekend rafting the Upper Pigeon River in Tennessee. Benny, our raft guide, was awesome! He made sure everyone was comfortable, felt safe and had a blast! I can't say enough good things about the company. It's a top-notch organization and all of the employees are very knowledgeable and super friendly!

    —Susan Lindrew
  • March 2021

    We had a great time on the Upper Pigeon White water Rafting trip! We had 7 of us, so we filled our own boat. Our guide, Karla (aka HR rep ;) ) was hilarious and energetic and made us feel confident in our abilities. We still felt safe with the safety equipment and the response from the other guides in other boats was amazing.

    —Andrea Vernagus
  • May 2021

    The rafting trip was excellent and our guide - Carla - was the best. We have done several white water rafting trips in various parts of the country but this one was among the top. Carla was hilarious, but always serious when it counted and was clearly in control of the raft throughout the trip, which created a calm for all of us in the raft.

    —Tom Lutman

We Can’t Wait For Your Adventure

You're about to feel the rush of white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains. We might be even more excited than you are, because the one thing we love more than rafting is helping other people enjoy it.

Famously Friendly

Ride with the friendliest folks on the river. We’re the team that treats you like family.

High-Value Adventures

From our outpost location on the riverbank with a pavilion and playground, we create one amazing experience.

Nobody’s Been At It Longer

Our 30 years of experience means you get seasoned safety measures, expertly maintained equipment, and unsurpassed knowledge of the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which rafting trip should I choose: Upper Pigeon or Lower Pigeon?
Most guests choose the Upper Pigeon River trip for the biggest whitewater experience. If you want a more family-friendly trip or you’re bringing younger children, the Lower Pigeon River trip is usually the better fit. Both trips are fully guided, no experience is necessary, and swimming is not required.
What is the minimum age for rafting?
Minimum age depends on the trip. The Upper Pigeon River minimum is 8 years old or 70 pounds. The Lower Pigeon River minimum is 4 years old and up.
Do I need experience to go rafting?
No. No experience is necessary for any of our trips. Every raft is led by a professional guide.
Will I have a guide in my raft?
Yes. All trips are fully guided, and each raft has a professional guide.
What if I can’t swim?
That’s okay. Swimming is not required. All guests wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD).
How far is rafting from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Our rafting outpost is about 40 miles northeast of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, just a half mile off I-40. Most visitors arrive in about one hour.
What should I wear whitewater rafting?
Dress for getting wet and wear secure footwear. In summer, swimwear or quick-dry clothing and old tennis shoes work great. In spring and fall, wear lightweight synthetic layers (avoid cotton) and bring warm socks.
What if it rains?
Trips run rain or shine. If severe weather moves through, trips may be briefly delayed for safety.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes. Reservations are strongly recommended. You can book online or call to reserve your spot.
Will I get wet while rafting?
Yes. You should expect to get wet from splashes and rapids.
Can people in the same party choose different trips?
Yes. It’s common for families or parties to split trips, with some guests rafting the Upper and others choosing the Lower.
More Questions? Let's Chat! (866) 333-7238

Want More Adventure?

Raft and zipline in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area with our partner, Wears Valley Zipline Adventures, the best zip line tours in the Smoky Mountains.  
Call at 865-428-1545 and tell them you are rafting with us to get a discounted offer for your zipline tour.
Raft With The River Experts
(866) 333-7238

Our river access has been fully restored after Hurricane Helene, ensuring the best rapids for your adventure.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore one of the best rafting rivers in Tennessee.  Book your trip today!

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