-
March 2024 by Nathaniel Bond
They did an excellent job of working with our large group. The guides were friendly and helpful. We had a fun time, and it was a highlight of our trip. I would definitely recommend this experience.
-
December 2023 by Jess W
It was our first time (son and I) and Ashtyn (hope I'm spelling her name correctly) was awesome! Very knowledgeable and we did the entire trip in a downpour, still SO MUCH FUN. Don't let the rain deter you from going, you'll miss out. We'll be back!
-
October 2023 by Ashley Harding
Me, my husband, and two kids (9 and 14) rafted with Stoney today. The river was pretty calm but it was a great intro to rafting for my boys. Stoney was awesome, super knowledgeable, and probably the best of the bunch! ;) we’d definitely come back!
-
September 2023 by Michelle Stavro
The team at SMO Rafting were excellent, organized, and our guide, Josh, was amazing. This was our group's first time white water rafting. Josh made us feel comfortable and capable on the Upper Pigeon as we were looking for a little more of a thrilling ride than just floating the Lower Pigeon. We definitely recommend this experience and look forward to doing it again the next time we visit!
-
August 2023 by Shelby D.
Great time on the river with Gaby! We (adult kids) did the lower river to keep it easy with our parents, but we weren't bored! Would definitely come back to try the upper river, which sounds like is still easy-going with a bit more thrill. In August, we wore a light long-sleeve on a cloudy day but definitely didn't need a wet suit, and the water wasn't that cold. Check-in, orientation, pick-up, etc was all super smooth. Showers are on-site along with plenty of bathrooms, and a store if you forgot to bring your glasses holder. A dry bag is only provided for passengers' medication, so don't expect to be able to bring your phone/keys without having your own dry bag - however, there are lockers by the office for $2 if you want to store your keys on-site. There's also a French-fry stand if you could stand to grab a snack before. Views on the river were pretty, and we saw a few types of birds including a herring with a fresh catch. Staff seem like a big group of friends and keep everyone in good spirits.
-
August 2023 by Raghukumar S
It was first time for many people in my group. We all enjoyed. Guide was very good. When we went it was class 3 rapid at one place. Rest of the places are two or below. It for kids and old age people it awesome. Lot of parking and very well managed.
-
August 2023 by Abigail & Blake Freeman
We did the Upper & Lower River experiences and both were equally great! Our tour guides were Tom & Slim and they made the day so fun. Staff was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions we had about the Smokies while we were floating down river. Great experience and rapids weren’t anything too crazy, would recommend this experience to families with kids as well.
-
August 2023 by Theresa C
First time rafters here and we were super happy with how it all went. Be sure to check in with plenty of time as they have a gift shop and you will want time to get on sunblock and use the facilities. You can rent a small locker for $2 otherwise leave most items in your vehicle. Upper Pigeon trip was not too hard or scary even for kids but it was still very exciting and beautiful. Josh was our guide and he was great! You can wear caps but sunglasses need a strap unless you don't mind potentially losing them.
-
August 2023 by Stormy Matte
We were a party of 9, all first time rafters and did the Upper river. We were in two boats (6 & 3) but were within sight and sound the whole trip. This was one of our favorite activities done for the week. It was so exciting, fun, and safe. We did not see a single person flipped into the water and there were lots of rafts. Our guides Geoff and Garett were amazing! The entire event was so smooth... Check-in, meeting the guides, gearing up, riding the bus, getting on the water, riding the river, departure and equipment removal all we're so seamless. We loved our experience and highly encourage it to all.
-
August 2023 by Lori B.
just had a great rafting trip with Emma as our guide. she was fantastic! she made the trip more fun and was very informative. very impressed with the whole operation. would highly recommend SMO!
-
July 2023 by Cassi L.
Probably would have been ok if the weather was good, but it wasn't and they didn't handle it correctly. They came to get us and were going to take us out in the lightning and pouring rain and we refused to go, because we didn't want to risk our lives. We asked for a refund and they refused to give it to us even though they were planning on taking us out in the severe thunderstorm. I am a business owner myself and this is not how you treat customers. Unacceptable!!!
-
July 2023 by Josh Hightower
We had a great time rafting. We did the Upper Pigeon which was a little more difficult. It was perfect for 16yr and 13yr old. The trip guide was great. Highly recommend!
-
July 2023 by Alycia Alvarez
MUST DO!! This was definitely the highlight of our trip. We had so much fun. My group was made up of people 10 years old through 55 years. It was great for all ages (Upper Pigeon Forge but not the extreme one). Our guide Tia was great. Very knowledgeable, funny, most importantly safe! We got to jump out of the raft and swim a little on a calm part of the river. My 10 year old even got to ride on the front of the raft with his feet hanging river through rapids. All though I was a little scared about that, he had so much fun and was completely safe. Would definitely recommend for all ages.
-
July 2023 by Debbie Frickey
SO AMAZING!!! ❤️..I booked our group here. I'm so glad I did. We had 32 people, and everyone had an amazing time. It went smoothly. Even the little ones had a blast. We did the upper, and I was nervous for my 11 yr old grandkids. They loved it so much! Our guide was amazing, California girl (Ace). Thank you so much for showing the kids a great time. They talked about it for 2 days.. I wanna thank all the guides.. Everyone loved them.. we're booking our next trip and we've decided to come here again!!!
-
July 2023 by Madan Nagaraju
THE BEST!We had an amazing time rafting the UPPER PIGEON. This was the first rafting trip for my 8yr son, and I had booked a lower pigeon. We got there and talked at the check-in office - got it changed to upper pigeon - the best decision - my son thoroughly enjoyed it!Staff at SMO are extremely friendly and supportive of any changes (availability and best interest).It was a packed day, but they handled it well - they are very well organized and structured, a big shout out for people at parking, at the check-in office, they help run the place efficiently. Our trip guide Tyler was phenomenal. Took approx 90 minutes for the upper region, and I believe it is the same for the lower region, too.They have approx 84 tour guides onsite, very professional - ensure the trip is fun and safe for everyone. Ample parking, clean amenities onsite - shower, bathroom, changing station, locker ($2), etc. are well maintained.The only downside is the pricing of the pictures taken, which is a bit expensive for what you get.It's a MUST try activity for all ages, and these guys are absolute pros and make the entire trip fun!
