--- title: Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors slug: smoky-mountains-rafting-gatlinburg-pigeon-forge type: attraction sub_type: white water rafting source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/smoky-mountains-rafting-gatlinburg-pigeon-forge city: Hartford state: TN country: US address: 3299 Hartford Rd geo: lat: 35.8136 lng: -83.1648 duration: up to 2 hrs cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:16:14.603Z price_from: amount: 36.95 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 5 count: 61 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: Lower Pigeon River Rafting Class I & II price: 34.78 regular_price: 48.95 savings: 14.17 ticket_types: - name: Lower (3+ yrs) min_age: 3 - name: Upper Pigeon River Rafting Class III & IV price: 37.6 regular_price: 51.95 savings: 14.35 ticket_types: - name: Ages 8+ Years or Weight 70 lbs+ (8+ yrs) min_age: 8 --- ## Overview Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) offers exhilarating whitewater rafting adventures near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, ranging from relaxing float trips to adrenaline-pumping Class III and IV rapids on the Pigeon River, about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg. ## What's Included - All necessary rafting equipment, including life jackets, helmets, and paddles. - A professional river guide on every rafting trip. - Access to changing rooms, showers, and an on-site casual eatery. ## What's Not Included - Cameras and camera storage lockers are available but photos must be purchased separately. - Transportation to the SMO riverside outpost in Hartford, TN (check-in is required one hour before trip time). ## Ticket Options - **Lower Pigeon River Rafting Class I & II** — $34.78 (regularly $48.95, save $14.17) SMO Rafting on the Lower Pigeon River is perfect for families or anyone who just wants to relax down the river. It’s a 5.5-mile float trip through the scenic Pigeon River gorge, navigating Class I & II rapids offering plenty of splashes and thrills with a little less speed. - Lower (3+ yrs) - **Upper Pigeon River Rafting Class III & IV** — $37.60 (regularly $51.95, save $14.35) With SMO Rafting's Upper River white water rafting in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Smoky Mountains, you'll experience 70+ rapids ranging from Class III and IV rapids on the longest trip on the Pigeon River. Great for beginners as well as experienced rafters. - Ages 8+ Years or Weight 70 lbs+ (8+ yrs) ## Good to Know * The Upper Pigeon River section features Class III & IV rapids. * The Lower Pigeon River offers Class I and II rapids, suitable for families or those seeking a relaxing experience. * Trips run rain or shine. * Wear closed-toe shoes (required); flip-flops and bare feet are not allowed. * Bring a change of clothes and a towel. * Cameras are permitted at your own risk or can be stored in onsite lockers. * No prior rafting experience is necessary. * River trip options: - Upper River: 6.5 miles, Class II-IV rapids, ages 8+ or 70 lbs. - Extreme: Upper River in a smaller boat; swimming ability required, ages 12+. - Lower River: 5.5 miles, Class I-II+ rapids, ages 3+. * Rafting is not available in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge; check-in at SMO's Hartford, TN outpost is required. * Everyone must wear secure fitting shoes. ## Cancellation Policy Free Changes & Cancellations. See details upon selection. ## FAQs ### Are all SMO Rafting (Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting) trips guided? Yes, all SMO Rafting trips on the Pigeon River are guided by certified guides. ### How far is Smoky Mountain Outdoor rafting from Gatlinburg? The Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Pigeon River Outpost is located about 45 minutes northeast of Gatlinburg. It is the closest whitewater rafting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. ### Do I have to know how to swim? No, every guest is issued a type 5, Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. This lifejacket is designed to give you all of the flotation needed on the river. ### Can I go if I am a bit overweight? There are no upper limit weight requirements. Lifejackets can accommodate a chest girth of 54″. ### Is there a minimum age requirement? The minimum age/weight for the Upper Pigeon rafting trip is 8 years old or 70 lbs. Children must be at least 3 years old to go on the Lower Pigeon trip. ### Can I go rafting if I am pregnant? Rafting is not recommended if you are more than two months pregnant. ### What do I wear? Secure, closed toe shoes are required (no flip-flops or bare feet allowed). Bring a dry towel, dry clothes and dry shoes for after the trip. During the summer, shorts and a bathing suit or t-shirt are recommended; no jeans or denim please. For cooler months, synthetic, quick-drying layers are recommended for optimum comfort. Cotton is not recommended as it holds water and wicks away body heat. Wool or fleece socks will also help keep you warmer. ### Can I bring a camera on the rafting trip? Anything that you bring on the river will get wet and could possibly get lost during the trip. SMO Rafting has lockers available on site where you can store your camera while you raft. Keep in mind they capture pictures during your adventure that are available for purchase after your trip. ### What if it rains? Rafting trips run rain or shine. Rafting is one of the best rainy day activities because getting wet is part of the fun. The trip may get delayed for a few minutes to allow a strong storm to pass. ## Reviews > "Tip: Lower River is Class I, Class II with a brief Class III section just before the landing so an easy intro to rafting. When given the chance to hop in, take it! It's refreshing and you have your life jacket and helmet for safety." > — Shaun H., June 2026 > "Tip: Be prepared to work those arms and to get wet." > — KALIFAAMIRA SHABAZZ, July 2024 > "Tip: It is amazing. Staff Is experienced" > — Wendi Tevebaugh, August 2023 > "Tip: Be ready to get wet" > — timothy burns, August 2019 > "Tip: book online; you will get wet" > — Mihaela Onis, July 2019