Near the town of Hartford, the Pigeon River is a popular venue for white-water rafting. The Upper Pigeon offers fast-paced class III and IV rapids while the Lower Pigeon is placid and peaceful. Outfitters offer trips on both sections of river, but not every day. Since the Pigeon is a dam-controlled river, trips are offered only when there is water to raft on. Make your reservations in advance.
Outfitters such as Wildwater Ltd. (800/451-9972), Pigeon River Outfitter (800/776-7238), and the Nantahala Outdoor Center (888/905-7238) offer journeys on both parts of the river. All outfitters are located along Old Hartford Road, at exit 477 off I-40.