--- title: Rafting with Big Creek Expeditions slug: big-creek-expeditions-whitewater-rafting-gatlinburg-tennessee type: attraction sub_type: white water rafting source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/big-creek-expeditions-whitewater-rafting-gatlinburg-tennessee city: Hartford state: TN country: US address: 3671 Hartford Road geo: lat: 35.81158 lng: -83.14423 duration: up to 3 hrs cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T17:09:02.382Z price_from: amount: 45.95 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 5 count: 25 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: Upper Pigeon River - Class III price: 45.95 regular_price: 49.95 savings: 4 ticket_types: - name: Upper Pigeon River (8+ yrs) min_age: 8 - name: Lower Pigeon River - Class I & II price: 45.95 regular_price: 49.95 savings: 4 ticket_types: - name: Lower Pigeon River (3+ yrs) min_age: 3 --- ## Overview Dive into a wet and wild family adventure with Big Creek Expeditions on the Pigeon River near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Choose between an exhilarating Upper Pigeon River rafting trip with class III and IV rapids (ages 8+) or a relaxing Lower Pigeon River scenic float for ages 3 and up. ## What's Included - Professionally guided whitewater rafting adventures on the Pigeon River - Certified guides on every boat - Shuttle service to the river put-in and from the take-out back to the outpost ## What's Not Included - Professional photos (available for purchase) - Disposable waterproof cameras (available for purchase) ## Ticket Options - **Upper Pigeon River - Class III** — $45.95 (regularly $49.95, save $4.00) Enjoy the Upper Pigeon River adventure, spanning 6 miles over 3 hours, suitable for ages 8 and up. Experience breathtaking mountain views and thrilling Class III-IV rapids. Led by expert guides, encounter 12 Class III and 3 Class IV rapids, including Lost Guide and Snapdragon. - Upper Pigeon River (8+ yrs) - **Lower Pigeon River - Class I & II** — $45.95 (regularly $49.95, save $4.00) Take a leisurely Lower Pigeon Scenic Float Trip, spanning 5.5 river miles over 3 hours, suitable for ages 3 and up with no experience required. Enjoy fully-guided class I and II rapids, abundant swimming opportunities, and breathtaking views of Smoky Mountains wildlife and flora. - Lower Pigeon River (3+ yrs) ## Good to Know - Raft Upper or Lower Pigeon River. - Upper section features Class III & IV rapids. - Lower section features Class I and II rapids. - 60+ rapids on Upper section tour. - 45-minute drive from Gatlinburg. - Bring a change of clothes and towel. - Closed-toed shoes required. - Raft rain or shine. - All guides are certified. - Pregnant women cannot raft. - Children ages 3 and up can raft lower section. - Age requirement is 8+ for upper section. - Foot protection required: old shoes or sandals that go around the ankle; flip-flops not allowed. - Mountain weather is unpredictable; dress accordingly. - In summer, recommended attire: shorts, T-shirt, hat, and sunscreen. - In spring, wear wool, polypropylene, or other synthetic materials (cotton is not recommended). - No experience necessary; personal flotation device and safety instructions provided. - Rafting location is in Hartford, TN, about an hour from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. ## Cancellation Policy **Free Changes & Cancellations** See details upon selection. ## FAQs ### What is the minimum age required at Rafting with Big Creek Expeditions? The minimum age/weight for the Upper Pigeon is 8 yrs old or 70 lbs. The minimum age for the Lower Pigeon Float trip is 3 yrs old. ### What do I need to wear / bring? Foot protection is required. You will need old shoes or sandals that go around your ankle. Flip flops are not allowed on the river. You will get wet! Bring a change of clothes, shoes and a towel for after the trip. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so come prepared for anything. In the summer, we recommend shorts, a T-shirt, a hat, and sunscreen. In the spring, when it is cold, wool and Polypropylene, or other synthetic materials are recommended. Cotton is not recommended because it will rob the body of heat and restricts movement when it is wet. ### Can I take a camera? We do not recommend taking anything on the river that you do not want to lose or get wet. We have disposable waterproof cameras available for purchase in our outpost store, or you can purchase one of our professional photos after your trip. ### What if I can't swim? No experience necessary! We take first-timers down all the time. You will be provided a personal floatation device and instructions on what to do if you come out of the raft. We do not recommend swimming in whitewater. ### How far are you from Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge? Rafting with Big Creek Expeditions is located in Hartford, Tennessee – about an hour from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. ### What if the weather is bad? Big Creek Expeditions runs trips rain or shine. Only if there is danger from lightning would we delay trips leaving the outpost. ### How will I get back to my car? You will be provided shuttle service to the put-in at no additional charge. Your trip will end at the outpost where you park your car. Please lock your valuables in your vehicle. We have a secure location in the outpost to keep your car keys. ### Do I need to be physically fit? Participation is required on all of Big Creek Expeditions trips. You will need to be in good physical condition. You may be asked to help with moving of equipment and rafts both at the put-in and the take-out. Please consult with your family physician before taking part in strenuous activity. If you are pregnant please understand that you will not be allowed to participate. ## Reviews > "Best Rafting Experience!! Tip: Wear good water shoes. Bring a towel for later because you will get wet." > — Ebony Wheeley, June 2024 > "Big creek expedition. Tip: Listen to your guide. And wear water shoes" > — Susan Helms, June 2022 > "Had a Blast" > — Lori Danner, July 2021 > "An adventure!" > — Mary Lawrence-Kirk, August 2020 > "Ask for Stoney! Tip: They care about ur safety and u enjoying yourself!!!" > — Lash George, July 2019 > "What a great ride! Tip: Wear water shoes, and don’t worry if it’s raining. You will be wet anyway." > — Michele Ensminger, June 2019 > "Family Vacation Fun & Excitement. Tip: If you don't do this, you're missing out on great fun and adventure." > — Eli Blanchard, July 2018 > "Awesome Family Fun" > — Chad Shoemake, June 2018