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
1,685 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome
shannonhP2198BN,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome fun safe adventure for the whole family
Tour on river
Dreamer38916687469,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience on the river! The guide was very experienced and accommodating for our family
Amazing rafting experience
jacksonsR7298EX,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00To say this trip was the highlight of our weekend would be an understatement. 10/10 experience. I took my 11 year old son and we had a BLAST. Bret was our raft guide and I literally couldn’t have imagined a better guide. He was experienced, knowledgeable, and funny. He was ripping jokes left and right, and mixing in some history of the river into the mix. We will definitely be returning many times this summer!
So much fun
melissajU1776ED,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brett was amazing! Definitely recommend! He even gave us some amazing hike recs too
Best time everrrrr
137kaitlyng,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brett was the BEST tour guide ever! 🙌 Definitely coming back to do the extreme course — and I’m requesting him for sure! 🔥
10/10 Experience!
G7096DZemilyc,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome! It was so fun. We wanted to do something with water since we had a great weekend of weather, and the rafting tour was highly rated. We had some members in our group who had rafted before, and some who were nervous for their first time. River Rat & our guide Brett were awesome in settling any fears and providing a great experience. It was a great value for the professionalism and experience & we will certainly be back!
what a fun time!! 😜😜
392amaris,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I absolutely had the time of my life. Brett was such an awesome raft guide and safety expert. I was extremely nervous at first, but Brett and his knowledge put me at ease and I had an absolute blast! 10 out of 10 would recommend, tell them Amari sent you!!!
Great fun!!!
maryclaireo2026,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00GREAT GREAT GREAT!! I was pretty nervous to go, but I just want to say this to everyone reading the reviews to see if they should go: DEFINITELY GO! It was super safe, LOTS of fun, and the best part of our trip! If you’re looking for someone to keep you in the boat, ask for John McP, he was a great guide and made it super fun! Highlight of our trip!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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!!
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