Pigeon River
Pigeon River
4.5
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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
4.5
135 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
21
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
7
Yaroslav S
Orange City, FL1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Couples
The rafting itself is my all time favorite activity that I would recommend to anyone. The experience is heightened to another level when you have a great guide like we did in DJ. He guided us with his expertise to hit the water perfectly, provided an entire one man comedy show, and was genuine / relatable as a fellow human and outdoor enthusiast.
Written July 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.
Brian S
Sumter, SC1,224 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Located in the heart of the Smokey mountains this was one of the best memories our kids remember from Tennessee. We did the big attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge but it was this that they had the most fun. Nothing like being outdoors and experiencing nature. This is one of those locations you just have to know about and be willing to try. It's not a big tourist area and the locals are always around. Still, if your looking for something that's away from downtown and fun you can't beat this.
Written April 2, 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.
Joe_from_Wisconsin
Janesville, WI52 contributions
We whitewater rafted on the Upper Pigion on July 8, 2006 with "Rafting in The Smokies" rafting outfitters. There are a few rafting companies to choose from and I just rolled the dice by picking this one. The day truned out to be good weather and our guide was very good. She answered are many questions about the river and the Gatlinburg area as we floated along.
We are a family of 7 and we all fit in the same raft. One thing I learned is that the local utility company controls the river level and all the rafting companies raft only on the certain days and times the utility lets water through for their hydro-electric generation. By having this certain time to have the water high enough to support a good whitewater raft trip, there are A LOT of rafts in the water all at the same time. This took a bit of the edge off for me because we were pretty much bumper to bumper rafts going down the river.
The Upper Pigion has about 3 or 4 spots where the rafting was more fun due to the class of the rapids so it was fun for the first time rafter, but I did picture whitwater rafting should be more turbulent for more of the trip--maybe that is just my perception?? For my family of 7, we paid about $250 for the raft trip. The cost was worth it because my 5 kids (16/16/15/12/7) had a good time. Next time we raft, I may look for a river with more rapids but still, this was fun and a good experience.
We are a family of 7 and we all fit in the same raft. One thing I learned is that the local utility company controls the river level and all the rafting companies raft only on the certain days and times the utility lets water through for their hydro-electric generation. By having this certain time to have the water high enough to support a good whitewater raft trip, there are A LOT of rafts in the water all at the same time. This took a bit of the edge off for me because we were pretty much bumper to bumper rafts going down the river.
The Upper Pigion has about 3 or 4 spots where the rafting was more fun due to the class of the rapids so it was fun for the first time rafter, but I did picture whitwater rafting should be more turbulent for more of the trip--maybe that is just my perception?? For my family of 7, we paid about $250 for the raft trip. The cost was worth it because my 5 kids (16/16/15/12/7) had a good time. Next time we raft, I may look for a river with more rapids but still, this was fun and a good experience.
Written July 17, 2006
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.
Meta C
Sevierville, TN53 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
The kids will remember this one day over all the amusement park rides! Go for a white water raft ride on the Pigeon River- it is fun for EVERYONE! They provide safe instruction and guides who are engaging and experienced. Coming from the east coast we could not believe the excitement and power the river had pulling us through the rapids. It was the best thing for the 12 year old and 18 year old both. I suggest you pay for the disc of pictures if you want to relive and remember the memory. The company really has shots of the action and intensity of the ride and it shows your joy. Would absolutely do it again- it's REAL river fun.
Written July 9, 2014
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.
CapeCodDuke
Falmouth, MA46 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
We went white water rafting with “Smoky Mountain Outdoors” in Gatlinburg TN on the Pigeon River and loved it. If you are afraid, do it anyway! Our guide was great. Follow his/her instructions and it will be an activity you will remember forever.
Written September 8, 2013
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.
xlivilynnx
Pigeon Forge, TN8 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
If you choose your rafting company and esthetics matter to you, then you wont like this company. HOWEVER, if you overlook its "hippie" appearance and the fact that the facilities aren't very nice then you will have a great time. My husband and I are first time rafters, and we went on a day that the waters were extremely rough. Our raft guide was amazing and succeeded in keeping us safe and sound, and also was extremely kind and knowledgeable about the area.
Definitely a highlight of our honeymoon!
Definitely a highlight of our honeymoon!
Written May 7, 2013
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.
Gary M
Sevierville, TN547 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
The Pigeon River is not in Pigeon Forge. That is the LITTLE PIGEON RIVER! There is NO white water rafting on the LITTLE PIGEON or in Pigeon Forge! The white water rafting all these idiots are posting about is on the PIGEON RIVER in Hartford, TN which is more than 30 miles from Pigeon Forge.
Written July 23, 2014
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.
Joselyn L
Indian Trail, NC21 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
Our children 14 and 10 had the best time!!!! one of our favorite things to do on our vacation!! We had a great guide and felt safe and comfortable!! Worth the trip to the river...
Written July 3, 2014
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.
Tina K
Wimberley, TX55 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
How can you visit this area and not go stick your feet into the freezing Pigeon River?!? It is a family tradition that every summer when it is so hot outside that we go have a picnic in the mountains and stick our feet in the river. So fun and refreshing!
Written May 19, 2014
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.
Color-up
Tennessee57 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
Big difference! Pigeon Forge is a tourist town located in Sevier County, TN. The Pigeon River is located in Cocke County, TN, and is located near the TN/NC line, about 30 miles from Pigeon Forge, home of Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park. The Pigeon River was once a polluted steam due to run off from Champion Paper Mill, but no more. It's a beautiful scenic destination for white water rafting far away from the maddening-crowds of tourists. This is one of the prettiest locations in the Smokies! There is camping, hiking and river sports to keep you entertained for a good while!
Written September 10, 2013
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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