Five Rivers Adventures: Pigeon River Rafting in Cosby

About

The Pigeon River is the Smokies' whitewater playground, and Five Rivers Adventures has been guiding trips on it since 1997. The outfitter moved to a new base on Lindsay Gap Road in Cosby, less than half a mile from the I-40 exit, which means less time on the bus and more time on the water. It is an easy half-day outing from a cabin on the east side of the Smokies, and a memorable one for families with older kids.

The Upper Pigeon trip runs more than five miles of intermediate whitewater with 15 Class III rapids and three Class IV rapids, and no rafting experience is needed. Riders must be 8 or older, or over 70 pounds. For younger children, the Lower Pigeon is a scenic, mostly Class I and II float that welcomes ages 3 and up, and tubing on the lower river is gentler still. The outfitter also offers combo trips, rafting and zipline packages, and a riverfront paintball course for groups of up to 30.

Rafting depends on scheduled water releases, and the main season runs May through September, with Upper Pigeon trips at 11 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM in summer. Outside that window, call before planning a trip. Book online or by phone, and do not use the old Dorsey Road address; set GPS to Lindsay Gap Road. From Gatlinburg, take US 321 toward Cosby. Guides are trained in medical care and average more than 12 years on the water.

AI rendering based on visitor photos, not an actual photo

Did You Know

• Five Rivers Adventures was established on the Pigeon River in 1997 (Five Rivers Adventures).
• The Upper Pigeon trip includes 15 Class III rapids and three Class IV rapids over more than five miles (Five Rivers Adventures).
• The outfitter's base is less than half a mile from the I-40 exit ramp (Five Rivers Adventures).
• The company moved from its former Dorsey Road location to Lindsay Gap Road (Five Rivers Adventures).