Pigeon River Rafting with NOC in Hartford, TN

NOC Pigeon River OutpostHartford, TN 37753
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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC is not currently available.

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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!

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.

The Upper Pigeon River features Class III-IV rapids along the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Experience a full dose of whitewater excitement and scenery in just three hours. This trip is perfect for any experience level and families with kids 8 years old OR weighing at least 70 pounds.

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.

Pigeon River Rafting with NOC Reviews

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sierraboyce
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
"Wonderful!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
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!
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Plc4433
Atlanta, Georgia
"Excellent Rafting Trip"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
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.
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Pigeon River Rafting with NOC is located at NOC Pigeon River OutpostHartford, 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.