---
title: Pigeon River Rafting with NOC
slug: noc-rafting-smoky-mountains-gatlinburg
type: attraction
sub_type: white water rafting
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/noc-rafting-smoky-mountains-gatlinburg
city: Hartford
state: TN
country: US
address: 3485 Hartford Road, NOC Pigeon River Outpost
geo:
  lat: 35.82008
  lng: -83.15266
duration: up to 3.5 hrs
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 3 days before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T20:33:12.338Z
price_from:
  amount: 45
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 5
  count: 23
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: Lower Pigeon River Rafting
        price: 45
        regular_price: 50
        savings: 5
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (18+ yrs)
            min_age: 18
          - name: Child (3-17 yrs)
            min_age: 3
            max_age: 17
      - name: Upper Pigeon River Rafting
        price: 50
        regular_price: 55
        savings: 5
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (18+ yrs)
            min_age: 18
          - name: Youth (8-17 yrs)
            min_age: 8
            max_age: 17
---
## Overview

Raft the Pigeon River with Nantahala Outdoor Center, experiencing Class III-IV white water rapids along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park border in a thrilling 3-hour rafting trip.

## What's Included
- Guided rafting trip on the Pigeon River with Nantahala Outdoor Center
- Certified guides ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience

## What's Not Included
- Not explicitly listed in the source

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **Lower Pigeon River Rafting** — $45.00 (regularly $50.00, save $5.00)
  Experience family-friendly Pigeon River rafting in the Smokies! Suitable for ages 3 and up, enjoy gentle rapids and scenic views. Trip lasts 3.5 hours with 1.5 hours on the river. Dress to get wet, wear secure footwear, and bring dry clothes.
  - Adult (18+ yrs)
  - Child (3-17 yrs)
- **Upper Pigeon River Rafting** — $50.00 (regularly $55.00, save $5.00)
  Embark on a half-day rafting adventure on the Upper Pigeon River. Enjoy continuous Class II-IV rapids and breathtaking Smoky Mountain views. Ideal for families and thrill-seekers. Conveniently located near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
  - Adult (18+ yrs)
  - Youth (8-17 yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## Good to Know
- 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.
- Age requirement is 8+ for upper section.

## Cancellation Policy

Free Changes & Cancellations. See details upon selection.

## FAQs

### Are all Rafting with NOC trips guided?

Yes, all trips are fully guided.

### How far is Rafting with NOC from Gatlinburg?

The Smoky Mountain Outdoors Pigeon River Outpost is located about 45 minutes north of Gatlinburg.

### Do I have to know how to swim?

No, every guest is issued a type 5, Coast Guard approved personal floatation device. The "PFD" is designed to give you all of the floatation needed on the river.

### Is there a minimum age requirement?

The minimum age/weight for the Upper Pigeon trip is 8 years old or 70 pounds. You have to be at least 3 years old to go on the Lower Pigeon trip.

### When are raft trips scheduled?

The Pigeon River is not a free flowing river. About ten miles upstream from our launch area there is a dam that regulates the amount of water flowing down the river. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the flow is consistent and we can schedule accordingly. During the summer months we raft Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

### If I am pregnant can I go?

We do not recommend rafting if you are more than two months pregnant.

### What do I wear for a rafting trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors?

Shorts, t-shirt and secure fitting shoes. No flip-flops or bare feet allowed. During the Spring and Fall avoid cotton clothing, it really absorbs water and will make you cold. Wear clothing that will not absorb much water like wool. Good synthetic fabrics are fleece and polypropylene. Do not wear jeans. Also, bring a dry change of clothes and a towel for after the trip.

### Do you raft in the rain?

We raft rain or shine. Rafting is one of the best rainy day activities because getting wet is part of the fun! We may delay the trip for a few minutes to allow a strong storm to pass.

## Reviews

> "Family fun"
> — Justin Menard, August 2019

> "Spot On. Wet and fun!"
> — Bruce Alexius, September 2018

> "Great time with best guide 'SAM'....."
> — Greg Harrison, August 2018

> "Do It !!! The best rush ever with NOC and Whitewater Rafting ... Bring extras clothes and indulge in the surroundings..."
> — Thomas Nigg, August 2018

> "Great family fun. It’s rain or shine, lightning or not. They keep going. Dress to be very wet."
> — Suzanne Cisneros, July 2018

> "The Highlight of our Vacation. Bring sunscreen and water shoes!"
> — Milly Pinero, July 2018

> "Lots of fun. Lodge your foot in a bellow in front of you. Dress in stuff that is comfortable wet."
> — Jane Gibbs, July 2018

> "NOC awesome rafting. The guides were excellent and the whole experience was well organized."
> — Marsha Wood, June 2018