Pigeon River Adventure Center by Wildwater Just a little north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Wildwater's Pigeon River Adventure Center, conveniently located near I-40, making it an easy 60-mile drive from downtown Asheville. You can enjoy a full day of outdoors exploration with whitewater rafting, zip line canopy tours or Jeep tours in the Smokies. Or do all three without moving your car with their "Triple Adventure!"
Whitewater Rafting in Great Smoky Mountains
The Pigeon River provides the only whitewater rafting near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Upper Pigeon River has five miles of intermediate class III and class IV rapids which provides a fun, fast-paced whitewater run through rapids named Powerhouse, Big Rock, Roller Coaster, Lost Guide, and Chubbie Checker, craving a gorge through the Great Smoky Mountains. Rafters are immediately confronted with fast moving water and standing waves. Wildwater's rafting trips run Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Pigeon River Release days are Tuesday through Thursday plus Saturday.
Fully guided rafting trips on the Lower Pigeon River in the Smokies are a great introduction to whitewater fun for anyone from four years to senior. The lazy rapids will challenge those with no whitewater experience while showing off breathtaking views of the Smokies. Click here to visit their Web site.
Pigeon River Canopy Tours in the Great Smoky Mountains
Fly beside, above and across the Pigeon River at heights up to 120 feet above the river. This is the only zip line / canopy tour that crosses over the Pigeon River in the Great Smoky Mountains. Their Waterfall Gorge Canopy Tour takes you into the Smoky Mountain Creek Gorge exposing a lush forest of ferns, wildflowers, towering trees, rock cliffs, waterfall and moss covered bolder gardens. It includes 12 zipline sections between elevated platforms & treetop decks, four sky bridges, the “Cliff Hanger” platform perched on a 100’ rock cliff, scenic Smoky Mountain Creek cascades, and two Pigeon River crossings including the Highline, a 1200' long & 120' high final zip. The Express Zip Tour has 7 zips including 2 zips across the Pigeon River. This shorter 2 hour experience gives you a great introductory sampling of the adventure of ziplining without the commitment of the full course.
Details: All flyers will need to arrive wearing tee shirts, longer shorts or pants and closed toed shoes (required). Tours run rain or shine so please dress appropriately for the weather. Harness seats will wrap around your upper thigh, shoulders, and waist so collared shirts and pants will be more comfortable. You will be wearing a helmet, so ball caps are not recommended. Long hair must be tied back and secured. Each participant is provided with state of the art equipment including helmets, full body harnesses, trolley, gloves and tether lines, with two canopy rangers per group. All flyers must be in reasonably good physical condition. Multiple stair climbs are required for both tours. Please do not participate if you are pregnant. Chronic back or shoulder injuries should consult a physician. No hard or soft casts. Flyers must be able to raise their arms over head to self regulate speed and braking. Canopy Rangers will provide instructions for safety & back-up systems. Click here to visit their Web site.
Guided Jeep Tours
Join skilled and knowledgeable local guides from Wildwater by following in the steps of the early explorers, visiting the back roads of the region and learning more about the Great Smoky Mountains. Take a fun ride in a Jeep® Wrangler converted vehicle, with an extended rear to accommodate 5 passengers and a plexiglass canopy over the roof. Click here to visit their Web site.
Pigeon Climbing Wall
Try out Wildwater Adventure Center's 40' climbing wall with trained staff that help all participants with the safety gear and assist your climb with words of encouragement. Click here to visit their Web site.
Directions to Wildwater Pigeon River Adventure Center
From Asheville, NC: I-40 West for 57 miles to exit 447 (in Hartford, Tennessee). Turn left under overpass. Right at gas station for 1/2 mile. Hartford has several restaurants for your dining convenience!
