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
1,650 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Ray of Sunshine (and some rain!)
jammill21,,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Raya (sunshine!) was an amazing tour guide. Not only was she calm and gave outstanding directions (no one fell out!), she enlightened us with her knowledge of the region, including the hurricane floods of ‘24. The overall ride was great and we came in soaking wet. All had a great time!
Great experience
SummerBaby22,,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Polly was great! Fun and knowledgeable. She took the time to show my boys 13 & 10 how to steer the boat. Energetic crew overall and my whole family loved the experience.
The most amazing water activity i have done in my life Bobbie rocks
Gaurav T,,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was totally amazing , mind blowing much much better than what i expected, i have done Bungee jumping i would rate this at same thrill level, force of nature water felt all along BIG SHOUTOUT TO BOBBIE, our expert raft guide, sje made sure me and my kids were all safe as well as we had awsome experience and making it super fun for us, any one on East coast should drive down here absoloutely must have
If you are questioning whether to do this or not, just do it!!
TrailBlazer96465,,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aaron was an excellent guide. You are “winning the guide lottery” if you get Aaron. We had a fabulous time. Learned a lot. Highly recommend!!
The Best Time
U4254QSdonnaw,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jamie was our tour guide. He was awesome & very informant of the area. We had a blast & will be back next year for our annual Tennessee trip!
River Rat Rafting Adventure
chrispW5900CA,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip with Chris L.! He was a very knowledgeable guide and had a lot of insight to the river and the changes that occurred due to Hurricane Helene. Highly recommend River Rat if your in the area and looking for some family fun!
Family trip 2025
Passenger43118008975,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Celebrated our 21st anniversary with River Rat. Family vacation 2025, one for the memory books! Our guide Chris made sure we hit all the big rapids, taking the more adventurous path every chance we had! A great time had by all!
Great experience
hannaheM888IY,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We’ve been on this river before but a good amount of years ago. This time we had Chris!! He was an amazing guide for our trip, we had so much fun!!
First time Rafting but will not be the last
kennethgX1395IY,,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Daily was an amazing guide. Very knowledgeable and kept everyone safe. Had a blast and would recommend her to everyone.
Wonderful time had by all !
958kalim,,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Big Jon was an Amazing tour guide from start to finish. Explains the safety rules to being in the raft with us. Kept everyone entertained during the trip. We all enjoyed ourselves. The kids asked if we could come back and do it again tomorrow. Would recommend this to anyone coming to the area. Great outfit to work with !
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