The Lower Pigeon River Rafting Trip with Outdoor Adventures definitely ranks as one of the top trips we took in the Pigeon Forge and Smokey Mountain area. The best part is that rafting on the Lower Pigeon River allows children as young as 3 years old to join since the water is not too wild. Don’t get me wrong, the water is not completely calm-there are great rapids to give the boat a fun shake-up but there are also calm areas and with a guide in each boat, everyone is instructed on how to paddle the best way.

We arrived at the check-in building where we were fitted with life jackets and given paddles. While we were waiting to go out on the water the children enjoyed the playground and a snack at the picnic tables there.

Our 2-hour trip on the Lower Pigeon River began very close to the building where we arrived and got our gear. We went on a raft that accommodates up to six people plus the guide. There were a couple of other rafts with their own guides that were part of our group and going at the same pace as us.  The guide, who knew the area of the river like the back of his hand, helped us navigate the water and advised when to paddle and how many strokes to do at what pace.  It was such a fun family activity. We joked that it is great family therapy to learn to work together and be in sync with each other. We enjoyed the areas that were a little more rough water as well as the calmer areas where the guides allowed us to stop and swim in the river. 

The views all along the way were magnificent. The mountains framing the river added the perfect scenery. Once we got to the landing area the guides helped us pull up onto the land and a bus took us back to the starting point where we were able to change into dry clothing we brought along.

Raft Outdoor Adventures offers The Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip for ages 8 and up. Those trips go through class III and IV Rapids and are said to be exhilarating! I’d love to try it when my children are old enough for that.

Posted: May 1 , 2023

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