Experience White Water Rafting for Up to 6 People in Upper Pigeon River w/ Rapid Expeditions (Up to 25% Off)
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Experience whitewater rafting in East Tennessee guided by certified experts on the Upper Pigeon River
Brace for a wild ride on the Upper Pigeon River, where white water rafting delivers heart-pounding thrills! Tackle over 60 rapids, from Class I to IV, as you carve through East Tennessee’s breathtaking gorges. With certified guides leading the charge, you’ll navigate every twist and surge while soaking in the rush.
What We Offer
- Upper Pigeon Rafting Trip for Six People
What Makes This Trip Worth Your While?
Rapid Expeditions delivers heart-pounding whitewater rafting on the Upper Pigeon River in Hartford, TN. Tackle 4.2 miles of over 60 Class I-IV rapids with certified guides, ending with a thrilling swim option. Rafting runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, May through September, thanks to scheduled dam releases ensuring epic flows. Rain or shine, trips launch from their outpost at 3605 Hartford Rd, fully operational post-2024 Hurricane Helene with brand-new gear, including lifejackets.
What sets Rapid Expeditions apart? Since 2007, this family-run business has offered personalized service that mega-outfitters can’t match. You’ll interact directly with passionate owners, not crowded busloads, guaranteeing 100% satisfaction. Support local East Tennessee families while enjoying expert guidance through the Smoky Mountains’ stunning gorges. Despite I-40 construction, it’s a quick drive, 45 minutes from Gatlinburg or Asheville. Grab your Groupon, and dive into a superior rafting experience that’s as thrilling as it is authentic!
FAQs
Does one need experience to go rafting?
Rafting is a sport that just about anyone can enjoy. Each raft is guided by an expert river guide with thorough knowledge of whitewater, first aid, CPR, etc. They'll be on your raft telling everyone how to paddle and when. It's a team effort while rafting down the river, and your Rapid Expeditions guide will be there every step of the way to show you a great time, no matter what your experience level
When's the best time to go rafting with Rapid Expeditions?
Because the Pigeon River is on a scheduled release, they only take trips on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. That decision is made by Carolina Power & Light, the entity that controls the dam and waterway
What kind of shoes/sandals should I wear?
You will need sandals with a heel strap or some other type of footwear that can be secured to your feet. The rafting regulations organization will not allow participants to raft down the river in flip flops or sandals with an open heel. Other options are tennis shoes that can get wet, aquasocks/watersocks, and any other footwear designed for water use. As long as it can be secured to your feet, you should be fine
What type of clothing should I wear?
We suggest you arrive in clothes that can get wet, and also bring a change of clothes to change into after the trip. Bathing suits, t-shirts, shorts, and even pants are fine, but you will definitely get wet. Synthetic clothing designed to shed water or wick away water is strongly recommended. Cotton is fine, but it will soak up water and stay wet. You may also be more comfortable in a waterproof/resistant jacket or rain suit, but they may be hot on warm, summer days. After the trip, you will want to change into something dry. Rapid Expeditions provides men's and women's changing facilities for your convenience
What else can I bring on the raft?
Be cautious about bringing along anything that you don't want to lose. First, it is almost guaranteed to get wet, and second, the jostling of the raft may cause your personal property to bounce right out of the boat. A waterproof, disposable camera is a good idea if you are interested in taking photographs, but remember that anything you bring may not make it back to the outpost. We also suggest you leave all valuables in a safe place, like wedding rings, necklaces, cell phones, etc. If it means a lot to you, it's best left at home
Do I need sunglasses?
Sunglasses can help keep the glare down on the water, but if you want to bring them, we suggest using some sort of security device that will keep them attached to your body in case they fly off. Remember, sunglasses don't typically float, and rafting is a good way to lose them.
What do you provide on the rafting expedition?
They provide everything you need for your journey, including a safety helmet, a safety life jacket, and a paddle. If the weather is cooler, they'll also provide each paddler with a splash jacket and pants. Their guides are also really neat people, and they'll provide you with a great Smoky Mountain adventure!
How long does it take?
You can expect to spend 2–2.5 hours in the crew. Upon your arrival, they will gear up and then go over the safety talk. Once everyone has been briefed on safety, they will load up the rafts and take a short bus/van ride to the put-in. This is approximately a 5-10 minute drive. After unloading at the put-in, you will have a recap of safety and paddling technique, and then embark on your journey. The ride down the river is approximately 4–5 miles and takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, you will be given the opportunity to swim in the river and also jump off some small rocks. If there's anything they can do to make your trip more enjoyable, don't hesitate to ask!
What are the requirements to raft with Rapid Expeditions?
On the Upper Pigeon River, all paddlers must be 8 years of age or older and weigh at least 70 pounds. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult
Is rafting safe?
Whitewater rafting is an adventure sport, and as with all sports, there are inherent risks involved. That being said, they make safety their number one priority. All guides are trained and certified in CPR, water rescue, and emergency care. Additionally, each raft is equipped with a complete first aid kit for any emergencies. However, to date, they have never had to use them. Close to 250,000 people enjoy rafting down the Pigeon River each year, and rarely is there an instance where emergency care is required. But if it becomes necessary, rest assured that you are in expert hands — Rapid Expeditions guides are the best!
Experience whitewater rafting in East Tennessee guided by certified experts on the Upper Pigeon River
Brace for a wild ride on the Upper Pigeon River, where white water rafting delivers heart-pounding thrills! Tackle over 60 rapids, from Class I to IV, as you carve through East Tennessee’s breathtaking gorges. With certified guides leading the charge, you’ll navigate every twist and surge while soaking in the rush.
What We Offer
- Upper Pigeon Rafting Trip for Six People
What Makes This Trip Worth Your While?
Rapid Expeditions delivers heart-pounding whitewater rafting on the Upper Pigeon River in Hartford, TN. Tackle 4.2 miles of over 60 Class I-IV rapids with certified guides, ending with a thrilling swim option. Rafting runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, May through September, thanks to scheduled dam releases ensuring epic flows. Rain or shine, trips launch from their outpost at 3605 Hartford Rd, fully operational post-2024 Hurricane Helene with brand-new gear, including lifejackets.
What sets Rapid Expeditions apart? Since 2007, this family-run business has offered personalized service that mega-outfitters can’t match. You’ll interact directly with passionate owners, not crowded busloads, guaranteeing 100% satisfaction. Support local East Tennessee families while enjoying expert guidance through the Smoky Mountains’ stunning gorges. Despite I-40 construction, it’s a quick drive, 45 minutes from Gatlinburg or Asheville. Grab your Groupon, and dive into a superior rafting experience that’s as thrilling as it is authentic!
FAQs
Does one need experience to go rafting?
Rafting is a sport that just about anyone can enjoy. Each raft is guided by an expert river guide with thorough knowledge of whitewater, first aid, CPR, etc. They'll be on your raft telling everyone how to paddle and when. It's a team effort while rafting down the river, and your Rapid Expeditions guide will be there every step of the way to show you a great time, no matter what your experience level
When's the best time to go rafting with Rapid Expeditions?
Because the Pigeon River is on a scheduled release, they only take trips on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. That decision is made by Carolina Power & Light, the entity that controls the dam and waterway
What kind of shoes/sandals should I wear?
You will need sandals with a heel strap or some other type of footwear that can be secured to your feet. The rafting regulations organization will not allow participants to raft down the river in flip flops or sandals with an open heel. Other options are tennis shoes that can get wet, aquasocks/watersocks, and any other footwear designed for water use. As long as it can be secured to your feet, you should be fine
What type of clothing should I wear?
We suggest you arrive in clothes that can get wet, and also bring a change of clothes to change into after the trip. Bathing suits, t-shirts, shorts, and even pants are fine, but you will definitely get wet. Synthetic clothing designed to shed water or wick away water is strongly recommended. Cotton is fine, but it will soak up water and stay wet. You may also be more comfortable in a waterproof/resistant jacket or rain suit, but they may be hot on warm, summer days. After the trip, you will want to change into something dry. Rapid Expeditions provides men's and women's changing facilities for your convenience
What else can I bring on the raft?
Be cautious about bringing along anything that you don't want to lose. First, it is almost guaranteed to get wet, and second, the jostling of the raft may cause your personal property to bounce right out of the boat. A waterproof, disposable camera is a good idea if you are interested in taking photographs, but remember that anything you bring may not make it back to the outpost. We also suggest you leave all valuables in a safe place, like wedding rings, necklaces, cell phones, etc. If it means a lot to you, it's best left at home
Do I need sunglasses?
Sunglasses can help keep the glare down on the water, but if you want to bring them, we suggest using some sort of security device that will keep them attached to your body in case they fly off. Remember, sunglasses don't typically float, and rafting is a good way to lose them.
What do you provide on the rafting expedition?
They provide everything you need for your journey, including a safety helmet, a safety life jacket, and a paddle. If the weather is cooler, they'll also provide each paddler with a splash jacket and pants. Their guides are also really neat people, and they'll provide you with a great Smoky Mountain adventure!
How long does it take?
You can expect to spend 2–2.5 hours in the crew. Upon your arrival, they will gear up and then go over the safety talk. Once everyone has been briefed on safety, they will load up the rafts and take a short bus/van ride to the put-in. This is approximately a 5-10 minute drive. After unloading at the put-in, you will have a recap of safety and paddling technique, and then embark on your journey. The ride down the river is approximately 4–5 miles and takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, you will be given the opportunity to swim in the river and also jump off some small rocks. If there's anything they can do to make your trip more enjoyable, don't hesitate to ask!
What are the requirements to raft with Rapid Expeditions?
On the Upper Pigeon River, all paddlers must be 8 years of age or older and weigh at least 70 pounds. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult
Is rafting safe?
Whitewater rafting is an adventure sport, and as with all sports, there are inherent risks involved. That being said, they make safety their number one priority. All guides are trained and certified in CPR, water rescue, and emergency care. Additionally, each raft is equipped with a complete first aid kit for any emergencies. However, to date, they have never had to use them. Close to 250,000 people enjoy rafting down the Pigeon River each year, and rarely is there an instance where emergency care is required. But if it becomes necessary, rest assured that you are in expert hands — Rapid Expeditions guides are the best!
Need To Know Info
- Valid through August 31, 2025.
- Minimum Age: 8.
- Reservations required.