Scenic Floats on the Pigeon River with Big Creek Expeditions

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

As the Pigeon River comes out of the steeper parts of the gorge it calms down a bit. Beginning at our outpost, the Lower Section of the Pigeon River is perfect for those looking for a scenic float trip of the Smoky Mountains. Ages 3 and up. Experience is not required, and each raft will have one of our professional guides.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age: 3 years old

Guests will then meet their personal guide and recieve the necessary equipment,

Including a PFD (aka life jacket), helmet and paddle.

After your guide double-checks to make sure all equipment is fitted properly, guests then hop on our bus for a short 10-minute ride to the launching point for your trip.

All guest must have secured shoes on, NO FLIP FLOPS / NO BARE FEET

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Necessary equipment, including a PFD (aka life jacket), helmet and paddle.

Lunch

What To Expect

If you have a thirst for adventure and have dreamed of paddling down a river with your friends, family or group through the Smoky Mountains, this is the trip for you. Experience the Great Smoky Mountains in a whole new way, with panoramic views of ancient mountains, thrilling rapids that will leave you soaking wet, and an immersive experience that will keep you smiling from ear to ear.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Spring 2:30pm Scenic Float

Stretching 5.5 miles of river distance and lasting approximately 1.5 hours, this section is beautiful and relaxing with a sample of whitewater. Class I & II rapids provide a great introduction.

Summer Scenic Float

Stretching miles of river distance and lasting approximately 1.5 hours, this section is beautiful and relaxing with a sample of whitewater. Class I & II rapids provide a great introduction.

Reviews

4.84

67 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

An amazing time!
398natashal,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our group of 10 had an amazing time! Our guide Joey was so friendly, so knowledgeable and such a kind, patient guide. We did the lower float and we all said that we'd love to go back one day and do the upper tour. Definitely an experience we'll all remember.
Just book it!
J T,
Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I highly recommend this for anyone traveling to the area. We had people in our party from 4 to 73 and everyone had a blast. Our guide Caeden was knowledgeable and fun.
Don’t hesitate to raft with big creek!
Nicki B,
Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time on the river with our guide, Daryl B! We had wanted to do the upper river but unfortunately storms from last week damaged the road needed to access that part of the river. We still enjoyed the scenery and the time together. After our trip, we had lunch from the food trucks next to big creek. The food was good! We will definitely return in the future to raft on the upper river!
This was a great family experience
Pioneer58744654258,
Jun 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had so much fun. Our family is not an outdoor family. But the staff was very helpful and took great care of us. Our guide Cade was very knowledgeable of the area and told us stories about it. Next time we are back in the area I’m booking with them again.
Very nice vacation!
tomgS8636GR,
Jan 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience! we had a great time and have long lasting photos from this amazing trip! I really enjoy pigeon forge!!!
Rafting in the smokies
Lisa S,
Jun 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a laid back and knowledge guide. Humorous as well. It wasn't a pressured or stressful trip. Informative info
Fun time
Chuck D,
Jun 9, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fun time. Great crew. Category 2 & 3 rapids. Got wet, yay! I would definitely use them again. Nice gift shop too.
Cancelled trip with no warning!!
957dalisar,
Sep 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
The trip was cancelled no warning. Drove 450 miles for nothing. Water was low they should have know before we traveled so far.
Everyone enjoyed the...
Diana D,
Aug 25, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
Everyone enjoyed the scenic float. Very kid friendly and the guides were great! At the end there was an opportunity for the older kids to jump off and do some swimming which they very much enjoyed !
Great time!!!
corinnap207,
Jul 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Johnny B was a great guide! Our church youth group had a blast floating down the river. They even got out of the rafts and swam a bit! So much fun!