--- title: Rafting in the Smokies slug: rafting-in-the-smokies-float-trips type: attraction sub_type: white water rafting source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/rafting-in-the-smokies-float-trips city: Hartford state: TN country: US address: 3595 Hartford Rd. geo: lat: 35.81695 lng: -83.14508 duration: up to 2 hrs cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T20:49:12.787Z availability: SoldOut rating: value: 5 count: 17 scale: 5 --- ## Overview Rafting in the Smokies offers white water rafting and a variety of outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains, entertaining families, groups, and couples since 1978. ## What's Included - Guided whitewater rafting trips on the Upper or Lower sections of the Pigeon River - Access to outdoor activities like canopy ziplining, ropes course, rock climbing, kid-friendly float trips, and swimming - Changing facilities with hot showers - Nylon jackets and pants to wear over your clothing at no extra charge (wetsuit rentals available) - Professional photos taken during the rafting trip available for purchase ## What's Not Included - Cameras (unless waterproof) — recommended not to bring personal cameras as you will get wet ## Good to Know * Take time to enjoy picnic tables with BBQ grill, swings, bean bag toss game, swimming beach, and nature trail on Family Adventure Island, accessed by a 150-ft. swinging bridge * River Outpost located in Hartford (exit 447 off I-40), about a 30-40 minute scenic drive from Gatlinburg * Best to wear shorts and a quick-dry, synthetic t-shirt as you will get wet * Sneakers, river sandals, or water shoes recommended; no flip-flops, Crocs, or bare feet allowed * Combos available in season with zip lines and ropes challenge course * Minimum age/weight for Upper Pigeon trip: 8 years old or 70 lbs; for Lower Pigeon Float trip: 3 years old and up * Must be able to fit into a 56" personal flotation device (life jacket) * Trips run rain or shine; lightning may delay but not cancel trips * Wear shoes that stay on your feet; no flip-flops or loose Crocs * Bring no items on the trip; valuables should be locked in your vehicle; safe storage for keys provided * Pregnant guests cannot raft, float, or zipline * The Upper Pigeon trip includes 1½ hours of Class III and IV rapids over 5.5 miles with professional guides * The Lower Pigeon trip is a 6-mile float with Class I, II, and one Class III rapid, ideal for a relaxed nature experience * Trips operate seasonally with water releases from a hydroelectric plant (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and natural flow trips in spring and fall without guaranteed dam release * Ziplines operate 9 AM to 8 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day; schedule zipline time by phone after booking rafting trip ## Cancellation Policy No cancellation policy is provided in the source. ## FAQs ### Is there a guide in every raft? Yes, there is a guide in every raft. ### Do I have to know how to swim? No, you will be wearing a life jacket and we don't recommend that you swim in whitewater. ### How do I get back to my car? The Upper Pigeon trip: you will drive to our outpost in Hartford and we will shuttle you upstream to the put-in point at the dam where the trip starts and will raft back down to our outpost where your car is and where we have changing facilities, restrooms and showers. The Lower Pigeon trip will start at our outpost and you will be bussed back after your trip. ### How far are you from Gatlinburg? The reservation office is located 1 mile from downtown Gatlinburg on Hwy 321 N (813 E. Parkway). The Pigeon River Outpost is located approximately 30 minutes from our Gatlinburg office off of I-40 exit 447. ### Can I go if I am a bit overweight? There are some very large life jackets available; the chest measurement is up to approximately 56 inches. If you are not sure, we have a jacket in our reservation office in Gatlinburg. You are welcome to come by and try it on. We recommend that you make a reservation and if you do not fit in the life jacket, we will cancel the reservation without any charges. But, it would be best to come by two days prior to your trip. ### If I am pregnant can I go? Sorry, anyone pregnant cannot raft, float or zipline. ### Do you have a minimum age for children? 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 Float trip. ### What are the times of your trips? From Memorial Day to Labor Day we raft Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday between 11 AM and 5 PM. Earlier in the spring (March-April) and later in the fall (September-October) trip availability is based on rainfall as we raft the natural flow of the river. Trips run rain or shine. ### What do I wear? Shorts and a t-shirt are best. You must also raft in shoes that will stay on your feet. No flip-flops, loose Crocs or bare feet please. If rafting during colder months, wear clothing that will not absorb much water like wool, fleece, polypro, etc.—no jeans, sweats, or cotton. Nylon jackets and pants are provided at no extra charge; wetsuit rentals available. ### Can I bring a camera or do you take our picture? Please do not bring along your camera unless it's waterproof. It will get wet! We do have a professional photographer who will take a photo of your raft trip. You can view and purchase your photos after the trip. ### Do I need to bring anything on the trip with me? No. Our trips range from 1-3 hours so there is no need to bring anything. We recommend locking valuables in your vehicle. We have safe place for keys. ### What about inclement weather? We raft rain or shine because you will get wet anyway. If there is lightning in the area our river managers or trip leaders may delay the trip but the trip will not be cancelled. ### If I purchase a combo ticket, do I raft and zip on the same day? Yes, it is best to schedule all the activities on the same day to eliminate unnecessary travel time. The time selected in the combos is your rafting time; call Rafting in the Smokies to schedule zipline times. ## Reviews > "Awesome" > — Esther Alicea, August 2021 > "AMAZING" > — Deanna Snow, July 2019 > "Great rafting trip" > — Gary Bebber, September 2018 > "Awesome!" > — Timothy Roberson, August 2018 > "Great" > — Krista Murphy, August 2018 > "Loved it!" > — Bridgett Hart, August 2018 > "Amazing Adventure for Parents and Kids" > — Phil Hoffmeyer, August 2018 > "Awesome Trip" > — Balu Krishna, August 2016