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Spring and Fall Trips

Our Spring and Fall Trips are some of the best! Since water levels are less predictable this time of year, you may experience class III to IV rapids on your trip, or you may experience a leisurely trip down the river.

white water rafters waving from raft
rafters floating in water next to raft
guide with a group of rafters
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March - April | September - October

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8+ Years of Age

Great for families or anyone who just wants to relax down the river.

Visiting the Smokies in the spring or fall? This is a great way to see spring wildflowers or changing leaves. Water levels are unpredictable this time of year, so trip days and times may vary based on natural conditions. When water levels allow, you'll have exciting Class III to IV rapids on the Upper section of the river.

Our Spring and Fall Trips are available for ages 8+ in March - April and September - October.

The number of people per raft and trip length will vary depending on water level.

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What to Expect?

  • 1.5 - 2 hours on the river
  • Ages 8 and up
  • Reservations strongly recommended
  • Professional guide in every raft
  • Don't worry, Mom, we're going to take good care of you and the kids!

Spring and Fall Trips

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Included In the Spring and Fall Trips?

Here are some of the things you can expect to experience when you go on one of our Spring and Fall Trips trips:

Trip Format

To ensure a smooth start to your trip, please check in at our riverside outpost office at least 30 minutes before your scheduled trip time. This gives you a chance to get ready, use the restrooms, and grab a locker for your valuables ($2 cash only). You’ll gear up and listen to a safety talk, take a 10-minute bus ride to the put-in, and get ready for your adventure! The put-in location and raft capacity may vary depending on water levels. Since water levels are less predictable during these months, your adventure on the river is unpredictable too. You can experience everything from class III and IV rapids to a leisurely trip down the river.

20-Minute Safety Talk

The safety of our rafters is our top priority. That’s why everyone is required to listen to a 20-minute safety talk before their trip. Our guides tell you everything you need to know to have a safe and fun time on the river, and you can ask any questions you may have.

Professional Guide

We have a professional guide accompany you on your trip so the only thing you have to focus on is having fun! The guide is there to help keep you safe and guarantee you have a great time. Our guides will share information about the area, tell jokes, and calm any nerves you have about rafting. Each of our guides has completed a training program that includes at least 15–20 trips down the river and is First-Aid Certified.

Water Release Schedule

  • March-April, September-October: Natural flow trips. Trips vary based on water levels.

Any day on the river is a good day! That said, natural conditions may affect recreational water levels. On certain days, river levels may be subject to natural flow rather than dam release. This affects all operators on the Pigeon River. On these days, customers per raft and other adjustments may be made to provide the best overall experience.

What To Bring

For Cooler Temperatures

For optimum comfort – synthetic, quick-drying layers. We don’t recommend cotton – it holds water and wicks away body heat. Secure shoes with a heel strap are required (tennis shoes, water shoes, sports sandals with a heel strap). Wool or fleece socks will help keep you warmer.

Summer

Swimsuits and shorts work best. Secure shoes with a heel strap are required (tennis shoes, water shoes, sports sandals with a heel strap). Bare feet and flip-flops are not allowed. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes and a towel.

Cancellation Policies

Click here to view our most up-to-date policy information.

sketch of the Pigeon River

From Our Customers

Feedback & Testimonials

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Read Our Reviews
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I really feel like 5 stars isn't enough. I would 10/10 recommend this. We did the lower river which worked great for us. Grayson was our guide and did an unbelievable job. We can't wait to go back and do it again. The lower had a few mediums size rapids which made it fun and not just a float down the river.

~ Josh Elliot

Our party of 7 including kids aged 9-14 with a little whitewater experience had an absolute blast on this adventure down the Upper Pigeon River. Our guide Preston was super experienced and tailor made our experience to maximize the most fun out of the river. Do not pass up this wonderful experience!

~ Karen L

such an amazing experience!! my lady and i did the extreme version of the tour, and it was awesome! we got a smaller boat, so we were able to move quicker and whatnot, making for a super exciting experience! our guide was Gabby, and she did an amazing job! if you can, request her for your tour, and you won’t regret it! thank you SMO for an amazing experience

~ Kevin Bowen

Smokey Mountain Outdoor Rafting gets a definite thumbs up from me! Being on my bucket list for years, of things I have wanted to do, I decided, at the age of 53, to go big or go home, and paid to do the extreme rafting adventure. I was not disappointed at all. Bart was our guide and he was very experienced, knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging.

~ L Applegarth

Great experience! This was our family's first time rafting and the crew was fantastic. We felt safe the entire time and my daughters can't wait to go again! Our guide, Dan, was helpful and shared fun information about the river with us as we navigated the rapids. The class 4 rapids were a bit too intense for me, but everyone else loved them. The facility was well organized and although they obviously do a large volume of business, it wasn't crowded and the property was clean.

~ Maegan McCrea