Hartford Tours
The Best Whitewater Rafting
5

The Best Whitewater Rafting

By Raft Outdoor Adventures
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Discover the Smoky Mountains from an alternative vantage point on a white water rafting tour on the Upper Pigeon River. Paddle through Class III and Class IV rapids, while your guide takes care of navigation and adds a bit of comedy to the adventure. Regardless of experience level, couples, groups and families with children over eight are welcome on this tour.

Ages 8-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket

Highlights
  • Add some excitement to your Tennessee vacation
  • Enjoy exceptional views of the Smoky Mountains
  • Experience white water rafting for the first time
  • Feel secure with a guide leading the way

  • Helmet
  • Paddle
  • Personal floatation device
  • Guide
  • Raft
  • Transportation to launch area from our outpost
What's not included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities


Start:
  • 3635 Trail Hollow Rd, Hartford, TN 37753, USA
    Allow an hour coming from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 22592P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Dress code: MUST WEAR SHOES SECURE ON YOUR FEET
    • NO BARE FEET OR FLIP FLOPS ALLOWED
    • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 22592P1

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    Itinerary
    • 3635 Trail Hollow Rd, Hartford, TN 37753, USA
      Allow an hour coming from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
    • Pass by
      Raft Outdoor Adventures
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Raft Outdoor Adventures
      2,014
      Hartford, Tennessee
      Joined in January 2010
    • franksJ8804MD
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great rafting for our family
      Great rafting experience. The river is gorgeous and we liked the broad range of rapids (class 2 to class 4). Our guide Matt was great - very knowledgeable and fun to raft with. Equipment is all very nice and well maintained. It is clear the entire staff enjoys what they do. Highly recommended and we will definitely be back. Thanks for a great day on the river.
      Written July 29, 2024
    • 211nikif
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      izzy best guide
      had an amazing time going on the raft, especially with the guide. she was very sweet and friendly, absolutely grateful to have her with us. completely loved izzy, would definitely loved to have her again!
      Written June 26, 2024
    • diannn2016
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Above and beyond!
      Jessica, the owner, is amazing! I ended up at Raft Outdoor Adventures by taking a wrong turn while trying to find a place to service my rental car. Long story short....I ended up spending a couple of hours at this establishment with beautiful sights and sounds all around me. She went above and beyond to help me through the whole ordeal. I purchased some of her merchandise (5 shirts and a hat) and am pleased with each item. Quality stuff! Can't wait to raft on a future visit to my daughters after I saw how thrilled a group was after their experience.
      Written March 26, 2024
    • eclecticways
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A must do!
      First time rafting and had a blast! Left the entire thing wishing we were going for longer, which means we had a great time. Can't wait to raft again. Definite a must do. Our guide Eli was amazing, friendly and funny and really took great care of us. Highly recommend!
      Written July 16, 2023
    • DayTrip53468196809
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Family River Rafting!!
      Our family truly enjoyed the White Water Rafting experience. The various class of rapids & guide Sam made our trip Awesome. Highly recommend this family adventure.
      Written June 21, 2023
    • casmith44699
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun family adventure
      Our family really enjoyed this rafting float adventure. This was the first time rafting for our 5 & 7 year old & they loved it! Our guide made the kids feel comfortable & safe. He also made it exciting for them making sure they got wet, paddled, & had a chance to get in the river. They say they are ready for the bigger rapids. This tour company is very well organized. We were quickly geared up & on the water. Transportation back was prompt. Highly recommend & will use this company for future rafting trips.
      Written June 13, 2023
    • T9905KJtm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best time ever
      We had the best time ever. Even in October when the weather was cold. They had wetsuits you could rent. The tour guides AJ and Nick were the best. They knew exactly how to navigate the river. They were knowledgeable in history and had some very funny jokes! Their prices were very reasonable and the photo package is highly recommend.
      Written October 20, 2022
    • mikea139
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      1st time
      A J and Jackie were fun and this experience was a blast. I have an autistic kid who was scared. But by this first rapid he was extremely happy and excited.
      Written August 18, 2022
    • Kelly F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best trip ever
      It was really a lot of fun. Justin was our guide and did a GREAT job entertaining us and giving the kids a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend this adventure for any family
      Written August 6, 2022
    • anitabD9857OU
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful day on the river
      We took this trip with our family, including our 3 and 7 year old grandsons. It was perfect for them, yes, we could've had a little more "adventure", but they are too young for the upper river trip. All the staff was great, and our guide, Becky, was fun and informative. We all had a great time!
      Written July 30, 2022
    • B8015HWerinm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great trip!
      Amazing ride! Monty was a great tour guide! He knew the water perfectly and guided us through spectacularly! Our family had so much fun! This was our family’s favorite activity on this years vacation!
      Written July 29, 2022
    • jls522
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Upper Pigeon River experience
      My group of 4 first-timers was nervous going into this experience, but we all had a wonderful time and can't wait to do it again. Our guide, Fortnight, led us through the class 3 and class 4 rapids safely and with a lot of laughs along the way. The scenery was beautiful and our overall experience with this company was wonderful. If you're curious about trying this, book with this company - you'll be glad you did.
      Written July 27, 2022
    • K983UKwillies
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun on the river
      The guide was informative and helpful. This was a trip for our anniversary and first time. I would recommend taking the trip and we want to go back soon and do the class 3-4 trip.
      Written July 27, 2022
    • tracib499
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lower Pigeon River
      The description said it was good for all ages, but it was a bit understated because grown adults could’ve handled a faster moving rid (it was like being at a kiddie park ride it was very slow). Also, there was some significant disorganization and when they say don’t be late, don’t worry…they’ll hold up everything even if everyone else is inconvenienced by it.
      Written July 25, 2022
    • YoyoSun
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great rafting adventure
      Our group of 5 had a great float trip on the Pigeon River. Our guide was professional, knowledgeable, and fun. She did a great job of catering to the different interests of our group, within the confines of the trip - some wanted a little more whitewater and some wanted a completely calm ride. She made everyone comfortable and provided some great information about the river and area. The scenery is beautiful and the trip was a good length. I would definitely recommend Raft Outdoor Adventures for your float or whitewater rafting trip!
      Written July 2, 2022
    See all 2,014 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles443 reviews
    Excellent
    431
    Very good
    6
    Average
    3
    Poor
    2
    Terrible
    1

    Judy
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2020
    Allison was our excellent guide. This was our first time to river raft. Our ages are 66 to 13. We received complete instruction from the moment we drove on the parking lot until we returned our equipment. We would highly recommend Raft Outdoor Adventures. We also appreciate you requiring ALL of us wearing mask until we got on the river. We had a blast!
    Written August 8, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    ColonelReb32617
    Spring Hill, TN142 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020
    This was a great raft trip not far from the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge vacation area. Our guide Russ had a lot of experience guiding, but we were rafting in close proximity to other rafts guided by this same company, and they were great too. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. One of the guides grew up on the Ocoee and said that the Ocoee was maybe a "next level" river from the Pigeon, but I've rafted on the Ocoee too and I thought this raft trip was plenty fun and thrilling. We followed the guide's instructions, and none of us fell out--on accident, that is. On a hot summer day, this was a refreshing trip, and pretty much ran right on schedule. There was not a lot of waiting from checking in, to getting your equipment, to riding to the launch site.
    Written July 4, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jaime F
    39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020
    So much fun!! We went with a group of 13...we had 2 boats. Ages 8 to adult. First trip of the day (11AM) the loading area (where you put boats in the water) was really crowded...guides indicated that companies are able to stagger later trips, so maybe keep that in mind when booking. But definitely go....we had a ton of fun. Our guides, Coe and Katy, were great and kept us laughing and safe. The kids loved them. You will definitely get wet, but the risk of an "out of boat experience" is pretty minimal if you listen to your guide's instructions. We had a non swimmer in our group and she felt safe during the full ride.
    Written July 16, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kelly D
    Hilliard, OH153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2020 • Family
    We had a great time white water rafting the Upper Pigeon River. Since there are only 3 of us we were a little nervous about being packed into a boat with people during COVID. Because of the reasonable pricing we were able to afford 6 tickets in order to have a boat with just us and a guide. Our guide, A.J., was fantastic and we had the best time. We will definitely be back.
    Written August 10, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jenny A
    Charleston, IL112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2021 • Family
    We had a great trip on the Lower Pigeon River. Each boat has a fun guide and you go out in groups of other boats that look out for each other. Our guide was Savannah. Our six year old was scared (the beginning was pretty bumpy). The guide helped her feel comfortable and in the middle let her ride in back with her and "call commands" and she loved it! The company seemed very well set up and safe. The rapids were just fun enough for our older kids. We'd love to go back and try the upper river without our youngest!

    It does take a while to get to the better views past the businesses and campgrounds. The chance to swim is short, but it was a nice break from sitting on the raft.

    Come prepared... They take some nice pics on the rapids and they are pricey but worth it. And you'll want to being money to tip your guide. They also have a nice gift shop.
    Written August 8, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    McNiece
    Fort Wayne, IN16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020 • Family
    Our family of 4 had a great time with our guide Willis. We had our own private boat and Willis did a great job. Our boys, ages 10 & 12, had a blast! There were just enough rapids to make the trip enjoyable, while still feeling safe with our kids. Willis offered to take us "surfing" in the rapids. He paddled us backwards into the rapids, while water poured over our heads. It was a ton of fun! Towards the end of the trip, Willis told us we could jump in the water and swim for a while. We took him up on the offer and swam to the river bank in order to get back in our raft. This was our favorite activity while vacationing in Pigeon Forge for the week!
    Written July 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    chw4
    Waynesville, Ohio, USA162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked an Upper trip for our family of 5, with our youngest being 8. Our guide Nick was great at including our family and the other two guests in his conversations and kept everyone entertained, educated, and safe. Our two teenagers were at the front of the raft, followed by my husband and me, then the other two people, and our 8-year old was next to Nick in the back. I was a bit worried about having her in the back where I couldn’t see her, but every time I turned around to check on her, she was all smiles and every time we had any white water, Nick had his arm ready to catch her if needed. The trip felt like it was only 30 min but in reality it is as advertised. Check in was efficient, the little store had water shoes, sun shirts, tank tops, T shirts for sale, and the pictures were reasonably priced. This was the perfect rafting trip for our youngest’s first whitewater rafting experience and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
    Written August 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jennifer Gaskins
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020 • Family
    Benji our guide was absolutely amazing! He was free spirited and gave us an exciting yet safe experience! Not sure to many people are capable of a handstand while white water rafting! The entire experience was awesome. A must try if you are in town. The Gaskins family thanks you Benji!
    Written July 31, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jason R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020 • Family
    This trip was so awesome my son and i did it again the next day. The check in, safety briefing, and equipment issue was simple. We had a great bus driver that expertly negotiated the traffic on the interstate. Once we got there the guides had the rafts off the bus and we were on the river in under 15 minutes. Our guide K.O was amazing. She hit every rapid set perfectly. She rotated the raft so each side got an adrenaline rush and equally wet. The river is beautifull and the scenery was amazing. As mentioned above, we went again the next day but with a different company and didn't have as good of time even though it was the same trip. I highly recommend Raft Outdoor Adventures.
    Written July 17, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Butch
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2020
    My wife and I booked a trip with my daughter and our two grandkids (ages 13 & 8 ) We went through the booking process and payment with no problems. We arrived and were told that Sam we be our guide and would meet us outside to get fitted for lifejackets, helmets and paddles. Sam arrived on time and made the whole process fun and easy to understand. We then took a short bus ride to the entry point, went through some instructions and launched down the river. Sam was very skillful and entertaining. The rapids are very fun and exciting. There are short breaks in between that get you excited for the next rapids! Sam was a joy to have on our trip and we would definitely ask for him again!!
    Written September 6, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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