Smoky Mountain Outdoors Upper Pigeon River Trip is a Tripadvisor Top 10 Experience with a Travelers' Choice award, and the closest whitewater rafting trip to the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! No experience is needed, so all are welcome. Experience Class 3 to Class 4 whitewater rapids with a top-rafted rafting outfitter. This is the longest rafting trip on the Pigeon River, equipped with a guide in every raft.