WildWater Rafting, Ltd.

Experience Nature & Adventure in the Mountains with Whitewater Rafting

**Whitewater Rafting Is Closed October 1 through May 1**

Wildwater Ltd. is widely recognized as one of the finest whitewater rafting outfitters in the country. Since 1971, our attention to detail has made us a leader in the outdoor adventure industry. Providing high quality experiences on our adventure rafting trips is our number one priority. You may not recognize state of the art equipment or staff training programs, but you will recognize our commitment to Quality, Safety, and Service.

Not all outfitters are alike. Each outfitter has its own philosophy on how to offer an outdoor experience. Exceeded expectations and friendly faces are to be found on all Wildwater Ltd.'s trips! Wildwater Ltd. expects the best from our Team for our Guests. If you do not receive the quality of service we have promised, please let us know.

American Patriot Getaways can help you with your lodging needs. With the WildWater Rafting trips only a short drive from the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, rafting makes for a great day trip while staying in one of our amazing properties. Just call (800) 204-5169 and our reservation staff can help you find the right cabin for your family. The reservation staff can also help you purchase your WildWater rafting tickets when you make your reservation. We also offer some Family Adventure Vacation Packages which include accommodations in one of our amazing properties, rafting trips, and other exciting adventure options, be sure to ask our reservation staff for more information.

The Upper Pigeon Rafting Trip

The Upper Pigeon is an ideal half-day trip for novices, families, and youth groups. There is a guide in each raft on Pigeon trips. A dam controlled river, the Pigeon provides action packed fun throughout the summer. The Pigeon has scheduled releases and does not operate every day.

  • Minimum Age or Weight: 8 Years of 70 lbs.
  • Intensity Level: Exciting, but not strenuous. No Previous whitewater experience needed.
  • Trip Length: Approximately 2 hours (1 hour on the river).
  • Equipment Furnished: Raft, Paddle, life jacket, helmet and paddling jacket if needed.
  • Transportation Provided: To the put-in for the start of the trip. The rafting trip ends at the Pigeon Raftering Center in Hartford, TN.
  • Facilities: Changing rooms with pull chain showers (no towels or soap provided), river store, picnic area and a volleyball court.

How to Dress

The Well Dressed Rafter: Follow This Simple Guide for Maximum Rafting Comfort.

Summer or Warm Weather

  • Bathing suits or shorts.
  • T-Shirt
  • Tennis shoes or sport sandals (no flip-flops).
  • Cotton holds moisture to our skin, keeping you wet and clammy. Cotton will not keep you warm.
  • Sunscreen- particularly if you are fair skinned. The water reflects and enhances the chance of sunburn.
  • If you choose to wear prescription or sunglasses we recommend string or Chums to hold them in place.
  • Be certain to bring a change of clothes and a towel. (We have showers).
  • Our river stores have Chums, sunscreen, camera film, sport sandals, towels, and other necessary items should you forget them.

Chilly or Rainy Weather

  • Complimentary spray jackets at all locations.
  • Wool or synthetic (Thermax or polypropylene) garments will "wick" away moisture from your skin and warm you.
  • Cotton will leave you wet, cold and clammy.
  • A good wool cap can help significantly. 40% of heat loss is through the head.
  • Wool socks are also recommended if you don't have neoprene booties.
  • Be certain to bring a change of clothes and a towel. (We have showers).
  • Our river stores have Chums, sunscreen, camera film, sport sandals, towels, and other necessary items should you forget them.

Directions to the Pigeon River Rafting Center

Pigeon Rafting Center
Hartford Rd.
Hartford, TN 37753
423-487-3307

GPS Coordinates
35 49’ 10 N
083 08’ 53 W

Wildwater Ltd.’s Pigeon Rafting Center is located at I-40 exit 447 in Hartford, Tennessee (Hartford Road). Turn right on Hartford Road. The Rafting Center is 0.4 mile west of the Exxon Station. Please check your map to confirm driving routes.

From Asheville, NC:
I-40 West for 57 miles to exit 447. Turn left under overpass. Right at Exxon Station for .04 mile, next to Barna Log Homes.
From Knoxville, TN:
I-40 East for 55 miles to exit 447. Turn right on Hartford Road. The Rafting Center is 0.3 mile on your left, next to Barna Log Homes.
From Pigeon Forge, TN:
441/411 North to Sevierville. 411 to Newport. I-40 East to exit 447. Turn right on Hartford Road. The Rafting Center is 0.3 mile on your left, next to Barna Log Homes.
From Gatlinburg, TN:
321 North to Foothills Parkway. Travel North to I-40 East to exit 447. Turn right on Hartford Road. The Rafting Center is 0.3 mile on your left, next to Barna Log Homes.

Frequently asked Questions

How are rapids rated for difficulty?
International Scale of River Difficulty:
  • Class I- Easy. Few or no obstructions; fast moving water with riffles; risk to swimmers is slight.
  • Class II- Novice. Wide clear channels; occasional maneuvering; rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers; swimmers are seldom injured; assistance is helpful but rarely needed.
  • Class III- Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and capable of swamping a canoe; complex maneuvers in fast current and narrow passages require good boat control; large waves, holes and strainers may be present but are easily avoided; powerful current; scouting advisable; swimmers are unlikely to be injured but assistance may be needed to avoid a long swim.
  • Class IV- Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids; turbulent water; may involve long, unavoidable waves, holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure; may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards; risk of injury to swimmers in moderate to high; group assistance to swimmers requires practiced skills.
  • Class V- Expert. Long, obstructed, turbulent rapids; drops may contain very large unavoidable waves, holes or steep congested chutes with complex demanding routes; several of these factors may be combined at the upper level of this class; rescue is extremely difficult; above average rescue skills are essential.
  • Class VI- Almost Impossible. Difficulties of Class V are carried to the limits of navigability; very dangerous; risks are high and rescue may be impossible; for teams of experts only under favorable conditions.
Is rafting really safe?
Wildwater Ltd. has been in business for 30 years and has maintained an excellent safety record. Our Team Members go through extensive training before being "checked out" as a trained guide. All of our guides are trained in CPR and First Aid with many being trained in Advanced Wilderness First Aid as well. Wildwater takes pride in providing our guests with a quality trip that is both safe and enjoyable. However, due to the nature of whitewater rafting and other associated activities, Wildwater Ltd. and its affiliates assume no responsibility for personal safety or loss of personal property. All participants are required to complete a personal liability and photo release form before their trip.
What if I cannot swim?
Many rafters cannot swim. On all trips, Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are provided and must be worn. On advanced trips it is recommended that you have basic swimming skills.
Do I need to be physically fit?
Participation is required on all of Wildwater Ltd.'s trips, you must paddle. You do not need to be an athlete, however a good physical condition is recommended. Lifejacket limitations are a maximum girth of 52". For any medical conditions that may be affected by strenuous activity please consult your doctor. WE DO NOT ALLOW PREGNANT WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE!
What do I wear?
In the summer shorts, a bathing suit and shoes that will stay on your feet are recommended. For the spring and the fall we recommend layering with synthetics such as fleece or polypropylene. Other rivers rent wetsuits for $10. Wetsuit booties rent for $5.
What happens if there is bad weather?
  • Rain: Trips go rain or shine. You are going to get wet anyway so why not enjoy your river trip when other activities like hiking and biking are better when it is sunny & dry! Rainy days also provide some of the most beautiful scenery as fog and mists rise off the river. A baseball cap can help by keeping rain out of your eyes. Lightning: In the event of a locally severe lightning storm, trips may stop and pull over on the bank. Exposure while on the river is at a minimum because of the high ridgelines and trees that surround the river. Trip starts may be delayed if a storm is occurring at the rafting center.
  • High Water/ Flood: Wildwater, in conjunction with the Federal Agencies that license the outfitters, have established where it is best to raft at specific water levels. If the water level on any of the rivers exceeds safe levels, trips may be cancelled or relocated to another river. In the case of a trip cancellation, guests are offered the option to reschedule, get a credit voucher or receive a full refund.
Do I have to fill a raft?
No. Whether you come by yourself or with a large group we can accommodate you on a trip. If you do not have a full boat we will combine groups. The rafts on the Pigeon River hold 6 people. #'s may vary depending on the size of the group. Whitewater rafting is a participatory activity and everyone is expected to help paddle.
What are guaranteed days on the Pigeon River?
Carolina Power and Light is required to release water for recreational purposes 3 days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 12:00 Noon until 6:00pm. 2001 releases are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Wildwater will book trips early in the year for non-guaranteed days, but if you book on a non-guaranteed water release day you must call the Friday before to check on the release schedule- your trip could be cancelled!
What factors determine the age/weight requirements?
The line has to be drawn somewhere. We have seen kids below the minimums that were perfectly capable and we have seen kids that meet all the minimum requirements, but are still not ready! The determining factors usually revolve around the likelihood of a flip or swim and at what age or size can a child listen to and understand instructions. Can the child understand the dangers? Does the child have enough size or body fat to have control of their body in icy water? Can the child rescue themselves or will the parents be so concerned about a young child they put their own health at risk? Minimum ages and/or weights are usually set by the managing agency who regulates each river. Wildwater will not knowingly take an underage person on our trips, we do ask and we do require a signature from a parent signifying proper age.
Should you push the limit with your child?
No, it is not worth the risk!

All Information is subject to change without notice.