By Bonnie Neely

Whether it is your first time or you are a veteran kayak or raft enthusiast, rafting Pigeon River is the adventure for you. The upper river trips offer Class 1 to 4 whitewater rapids full of excitement. The lower river has Class 1 and 2 whitewater, so it is a gentle float to enjoy the beautiful scenery of these incredible mountains with thick forest on each side of the water.

I almost backed out at the last minute in anticipation of terrifying rapids, but I was so happy I didn't. The whitewater rapids in the upper river, even the Class 4 rapids, were so exciting and fun, and with our expert guide, Stephanie, they were safe and seemed almost tame. We asked if this was typical of the Pigeon River and were assured that the water is controlled by the Duke Power Dam and is consistent. The rafting trips are not possible on Fridays and Sundays because of the water levels. However, the rafting takes place year-round in any kind of weather. One guest asked about lightning, and Stephanie said, "You are safer in a rubber raft than anywhere else you could be in a lightning storm."

Many different companies operate raft adventures in this area, but the raft and kayak traffic is never high. We chose Smoky Mountain Outdoors because of its excellent safety record and well-trained guides. Every raft has certified guides trained in standard first aid and CPR, and there is a first-aid case strapped securely to each raft. The rafts are of a much higher quality than some we have experienced on other rivers.

Each guide has spent about 20 trips learning to know the landscape and twists and thrills of the river before taking any passengers. Every guest (from young children to elderly people who are fit for the 90-minute journey and able to paddle) is issued a certified life jacket and helmet. Before boarding, the guides check every individual to be sure these are properly secured.

We had so much fun, and the excitement was just enough to be thrilling but not frightening. We were given instructions ahead of the trip about how to handle emergencies, and with each twist and turn Stephanie called out how many times to paddle or hold back. It was never tiring and certainly not constant work, as many of our experiences on other rivers have been.

You will get wet, so wear clothing for that, and shoes must be enclosed and secured to your feet. There are clean dressing rooms and bathrooms for changing and a locker for car keys only, so you will leave your clothing and towels in the car. Bring a waterproof camera, hat and sunglasses strapped on, and waterproof sunscreen. There is a good picnic area with a grill snack bar, and perfectly situated just beside the rafting launch is the lovely, clean Pigeon River Campground with hookups and cabins. Next time we are coming in our RV to further explore and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains.

WHEN YOU GO

Smoky Mountain Outdoors is located just 45 minutes east of Gatlinburg in Hartford, Tennessee: www.smokymountainrafting.com or 800-771-7238.

Kayakers head out for a trip on the Pigeon River near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Bill Neely.

Members of the staff at Smoky Mountains Outdoors load rafts onto the bus that will take them to the Pigeon River. Photo courtesy of Bill Neely.

River rafters conduct a gear check before heading out on Tennessee's Pigeon River. Photo courtesy of Bill Neely.

Bonnie Neely is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.