Private Tour
Upper Pigeon Rafting Adventure
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Your unique, guided Whitewater Rafting expedition awaits! We offer premium adventures, catering each trip to our guests' experience level and ideal adventure type, from serene to Xtreme. Raft with our "Rat Pack" on the Pigeon River - #1 Whitewater Rafting destination in the United States.
Our Upper Pigeon expedition features five miles of scenic river with rapids ranging from class III to IV and refreshing swimming holes to enjoy along the way. Surrounded by the beauty and grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains, the Upper Pigeon River combines racing rapids with natural beauty to bring you the excitement of rafting in the Smoky Mountains.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
This listing is only for our 3:00PM and/or 5:00PM trips. We will check you in 30 minutes before your trip time, provide a safety speech, and then head to the river! You'll take on 2 hours of adrenaline-pumping whitewater rapids (no experience necessary), see stunning Smoky Mountain views, and make memories to last a lifetime. Want to book other trips or a full-day Daycation? Call us and we'll set up your custom full-day adventure.
What‘s Included
Amenities - Picnic Areas
All Necessary Rafting Equipment (PFD, Oar, Helmet)
Amenities - Changing Rooms
Amenities - Hot Showers
Safety Instructions
Professional Guide
$2 County River Fee
Your Adventure Photos (Available for Purchase)
Raft Guide Gratuities
Food (On-Site Food Truck Available)
Drinks (Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Food Truck & Draft Beer in Gift Shop)
Options
Upper Rafting
Reviews
1,680 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Experience with River Rat Whitewater Rafting!
942rajeswarr,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely fantastic time rafting! The entire experience was fun, exciting, and very well organized. A special shoutout to our guide, John M. — he made the trip incredibly comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for all of us. His guidance, energy, and friendly nature really made a difference. We enjoyed it so much that after finishing the trip, we actually went rafting again the same day — that says it all! Highly recommend River Rat and especially John M. if you’re looking for a fun and memorable rafting experience. We’ll definitely be back!
Amazing!!
Flyer361236,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Polly was absolutely the best guide!! We had a great time and will definitely be back!!
We had a blast!
pdT5985UZ,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Stoney as the guide. He was absolutely amazing. Made the trip well worth it…we all had a blast. Thank you!
Great experience
Y9283FVrobint,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our first white water rafting experience. Mare was very personable and made us all feel comfortable. Thanks for a fun memory!
Loved the rafting!
Road14706591610,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time and Lacey was a great guide! Lots of fun for our family!
So fun.
Dreamer51677614627,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So.much.fun. Guide totally totally take care of you. Make sure you have a super fun and super safe time. 100% recommend
Great guide
M831HLtylerd,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide made it so fun thank you rayne
Cold but fun and worth it
adamsD7575JB,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide John was awesome! Would definitely come back
A blast on the River!
ebrown3808,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Could not recommend this experience more! We were lucky enough to have Brett as our rafting guide and had an absolute blast. He kept us entertained (oh and safe too). Ten out of ten, no notes.
Incredible natural views and awesome rapids made better by the amazing crew!
sebastiannJ7579XB,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff was incredibly friendly and our guide Polly made the experience memorable. Extremely friendly, very knowledgeable of the river, and truly created a fun and enjoyable environment. One our group members wasn’t handling the cold water very well and she offered the shirt off her back for her to have a more comfortable experience. Truly amazing experience both on the river itself and enhanced by the crew.
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Operated by Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater Rafting