Rapid Expeditions: Small-Group Pigeon River Rafting in Hartford

About

Rapid Expeditions is a small, locally owned rafting company in Hartford, the river town at Exit 447 on Interstate 40, next to the Bean Trees cafe. The company prides itself on small groups and personal attention, with the owners on site rather than a fleet of crowded buses. It is an easy fit for cabin guests who want a real whitewater morning, with trips for first-timers, families with young kids and anyone after bigger rapids.

There are three ways to go. The Upper Pigeon covers 4.2 miles and more than 60 rapids rated Class I to IV, finishing right at the outpost, with a chance to hop out and swim near the end. The Lower Pigeon is a relaxed 5.2-mile float through the Cherokee National Forest with Class I and II riffles, recommended for groups with children 8 and under. The combination trip joins both sections into roughly 9.4 miles and about three hours on the water.

Scheduled trips run from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the days the power company releases water into the river; out-of-season requests can be asked about. Upper Pigeon paddlers must be at least 8 years old and 70 pounds, and Lower Pigeon paddlers at least 3. Wear shoes that strap to your feet, bring a change of clothes, and book online or by phone. Trips go rain or shine and pause only for nearby lightning.

Photo: Rapid Expeditions

Did You Know

• Rapid Expeditions was founded in 2006 and describes itself as a small, locally owned East Tennessee business (Rapid Expeditions).
• The Upper Pigeon trip runs 4.2 miles over more than 60 rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV (Rapid Expeditions).
• Trips run only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays because the river depends on scheduled dam releases (Rapid Expeditions).
• All guides are certified in first aid and CPR, and every raft carries a first aid kit (Rapid Expeditions).