Pigeon Upper Half-Day Reviews

5 Rating 271 Reviews

About Nantahala Outdoor Center:

Leaders in Outdoor Adventure Since 1972

Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries.

We offer exciting experiences that create lasting memories through a shared love of the Outdoors.

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Phone:

866-336-1037

Email:

nocmedia@noc.com

Location:

13077 U.S. 19 West,
Bryson City
North Carolina
28713

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“We had a great time rafting the upper pigeon with NOC. Our guides Thomas and Sydney were great! They made sure we were safe and had a lot of fun. We had a mixed group of experts, rafting rookies, adults and kids…the guides made sure everyone felt comfortable and also got a great experience. We did many fun class 2,3 and 4’s.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 6 months ago

Jessica Edlund

Unverified Reviewer

“Awesome experience! Hands down, the highlight of our trip!! My three children (ages 19,16 and 12) had never white water rafted before, but were super excited to try it. We booked the easy/moderate excursion with a guide, as park of our vacation to The Great Smokey Mountains in TN. We felt very prepared with all of the information provided, including the safety presentation and video. Our guide, Sarah was an absolute rockstar! She had a ton of energy and was so much fun. You could tell that she loved her job, and that she genuinely wanted us to have a great time. She was also super knowledgeable and professional. We felt very safe and knew exactly what to do, thanks to her expertise. The ride itself was a blast and a memory we will never forget! We can’t wait to go white water rafting again! I highly recommend NOC for your experience!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 7 months ago

“I wouldn't want to raft with any other company. My family has been on the Nantahala and the Pigeon River with the NOC several times, and every trip and every guide was great. We rafted with Sydney on our most recent trip, and she made the trip easy and thoroughly enjoyable. With her guiding us, even the Class IV rapids were no sweat -- just the right amount of thrill for a family or group of friends to enjoy a great time on the river.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 8 months ago

“Steve was our guide to the Upper Pigeon River. We learned that there is no bad time to go as the river is fed by a Dam. The river water was around 70 degrees - perfect for our sunny day. A 20 minute safety lesson that held our teens attention (14 and 16), a 15 minute drive on a clean bus and 90 minutes of fun including a quick dip. Steve and he was filled with knowledge about the surroundings and some history of the area - and some bad jokes. We not only felt safe but entertained. Wear your swimsuit or a moisture wicking shirt and shoes that cover your ankle - we had Keens - they do sell aqua socks on the shop. NO FLIP FLOPS or SLIDES. There is a changing area complete with showers if you need them (but the river was very clean). The t-shirts and CD of photos were both reasonable - I would rather spend my money in their t-shirt shop than on the strip.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

“Originally booked the easier lower river trip, as it was to be our first rafting experience and had 9 & 12 year olds going. At the check-in, however, they talked us into rafting the upper section and we're so glad they did. Exciting rapids, but nothing too extreme, and we had confidence in our guide (Gilgunn) the whole time. We feel that the lower section would have been much less fun for the whole family. The NOC was well organized and accommodating. If travelling from Gatlinburg, don't let your GPS bring you in from 32 South - some very sketchy and steep one-lane roads along that way. Find a way to come in from the interstate, which is just across the road from the Center.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

“My kids are 9 and 13 we did the Upper Pigeon River with NOC. What a fantastic experience! Our guide, Emily Rew was fabulous and made it a point to remember all of the kids names and include them personally. All of the staff we came in contact with at NOC made us feel welcome and that we were in good hands. This trip was the highlight of what was a very enjoyable week of our vacation.. While I'm sure there are many other good whitewater outfitters I find it hard to believe any of them could beat the wonderful experience we had with NOC. We also had plenty of pictures thanks to the company's photographer. Make sure to bring extra cash to tip your guide and pay for the photos. Also, you need water shoes so no wearing flipflops .”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

“The family and I had an awesome time rafting the upper pigeon. Our guide, Hugh, was awesome!! Shared lots of local knowledge about the river and the rapids. So glad we booked with NOC. They are a top notch organization, well respected and with good reason. Their guides are the best trained in the business and really know their stuff. It was a blast for our family. If you are worried about the class III and class IV rapids, don't be. Much more fun and not near as scary as you might think. Our 11yo girl had a blast. Book it today, you won't be sorry!!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

“Me and my family had a ball, we were super excited to go and experience the river. Our guide Mike was super energetic and seemed like he knew the river very well. This was our first time experiencing such a raging river and Mike did an awesome job of maneuvering us. Highly recommend it!!!”

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Posted 1 year ago