All Hartford Tours & Excursions in 2026

Enjoy a thrilling day out on the Pigeon River with this private guided whitewater rafting tour. Meet in Hartford for a safety briefing, the head to the river to tackle 5 miles (8 kilometers) of class III to class IV rapids, with scenic views of the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains along the way. No experience necessary.

Prepare to get wet on an exciting Smoky Mountain rafting adventure down the Pigeon River. Even if it’s your first time, grab a paddle and navigate dozens of class I and II rapids that offer plenty of splashes and thrills but are perfect for beginners. The closest rafting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this 2-hour afternoon trip makes a great addition to any Smoky Mountain family vacation.

Take to the water for an adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting adventure along the Upper Pigeon River. Enjoy spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains as you paddle through the gorge, tackle more than a dozen thrilling Class III and IV rapids such as ‘Snapdragon’ and ‘Powerhouse’, and perhaps jump in to cool off with a swim.

Bring the little ones along on this Lower Pigeon River float from Gatlinburg. You get all the fun of a relaxing day out on the river, but without any of the rapids that can pose safety risks for young children or non-swimmers. Kids as young as three welcome on this family-friendly river float.

Experience the beauty of a Pigeon River rafting trip without the big thrills on this peaceful float down the river’s lower section. Not only is this kid-friendly tour a great option for families with kids aged three and older, but it’s also the perfect chance to relax and admire beautiful Blue Mountain scenery.

Test your rafting skills on the white-water rapids of the Upper Pigeon River with this private rafting adventure. Set off with an expert guide to take on the churning river and enjoy views of the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains. Navigate the river with tips from your guide, stopping along the way to take a dip.

NOC Lower Pigeon River rafting is the highlight for families vacationing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee or those looking for a relaxing scenic trip. Paddlers ages three and up will enjoy this float trip with gentle rapids and splashing waves, while professionally trained river guides bring the fun with stops for swim and play. Our trips offers scenic views as it flows along the Northern border the along the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. With just a short drive from both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this trip provides an unforgettable experience and enjoyment for the whole family. Experience the river with NOC's trained guides who bring the trip to life with stories, knowledge of flora and fauna, and stops along the way for swimming and play along the Great Smoky Mountains.

A cornerstone of Smokies vacations, the Pigeon is the closest whitewater rafting tour to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.