3 Best Outdoor Activities Near the Pigeon River

The Pigeon River gets its name from the passenger pigeon, an extinct bird whose migration path once included this river valley in North Carolina and Tennessee. This river starts in Haywood County, North Carolina and ends in Tennessee. For those visiting Gatlinburg or Pigeon, the Pigeon River offers incredible outdoor activities including rafting and ziplining. Here are three of our favorite outdoor activities near the Pigeon River to top off your summer adventures.

Raft the Pigeon River

Due to its close proximity to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the Pigeon River is a river rafting mecca in the Great Smokies. Wildwater offers both mild and wild trips down on both the Upper and Lower sections of the Pigeon River. The Upper section takes guests on a wild ride through Class III and IV rapids with plenty of exciting waves and big drops. Alternatively, the Lower section is gentle and scenic with Class I and II rapids. Book your Pigeon River trip with Wildwater today starting at $34.95.

Zipline Over the Pigeon River

For a whole different view of the Great Smokies, climb into the treetops for a Zipline Canopy Tour. Wildwater is the only outfitter that offers a zipline experience that soars OVER the Pigeon River. Guests can choose from the Waterfall Gorge Canopy tour that takes them into the depths of the forest, or the shorter River Zipline tour that zips back and forth over the Pigeon River. Canopy Tours start at $56.95.

Hike Big Creek Trail

Just a short drive from the Wildwater Pigeon River Outpost is Big Creek Trail located on

 the northern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Big Creek Trail offers everything from swimming holes to overnight backpacking trips. Guests can take a dip in Midnight Hole, hike 4 miles to see the 45-foot Mouse Creek Falls, or backpack up to popular destinations such as Mt. Cammerer.