The 10 best things to do in Hartford (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Upper Pigeon Rafting Adventure

   Outty Ranking92

   Your unique, guided Whitewater Rafting expedition awaits! We offer premium adventures, catering each trip to our guests' experience level and ideal adventure type, from serene to Xtreme. Raft with our "Rat Pack" on the P. 90+ Club at 92/100, 5.0/5 from 1,998 traveler reviews, 2h from $47, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. XTREME Upper Pigeon River Rafting Adventure

   Outty Ranking86

   You won't find another Rafting adventure like this in the Smokies! Our specialized Xtreme raft plus our world-class guides allows you to enter each rapid with more agility and control, so you are sure to get wet and feel. Exceptional at 86/100, 5.0/5 from 971 traveler reviews, 2h from $65, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip from Hartford

   Outty Ranking84

   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 ne. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 1,474 traveler reviews, 1.8h from $52, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. The Best Whitewater Rafting

   Outty Ranking82

   Raft the Upper Pigeon River in Tennessee on this exciting 2-hour guided trip through the beautiful Smoky Mountains. A perfect trip for groups, families, and couples with no experience or wanting to add to their white wat. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.9/5 from 458 traveler reviews, 2h from $46, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. White Water Rafting Experience on the Upper Pigeon River

   Outty Ranking79

   The Pigeon River gorge cuts east to west across the Smoky Mountains from North Carolina and into Tennessee. As one of the most popular rafting trips in America, the Upper Section of the Pigeon River offers guests with th. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.9/5 from 616 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $46, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. The Best Family Float Trip

   Outty Ranking73

   This guided float trip is perfect for those who aren’t quite ready for big rapids, but still enjoy the outdoors. Children as young as 3 years-old are welcome on this introductory white water rafting trip, as well as non-. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 4.9/5 from 58 traveler reviews, 2h from $46, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Lower Pigeon River Rafting Tour

   Outty Ranking73

   Closest rafting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Family fun for children as young as 3! This trip is an amazing outdoor experience on the 5.5-mile Lower Pigeon Rafting Trip. Great for young children or those looking for m. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 4.9/5 from 176 traveler reviews, 1.3h from $45, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Lower Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting above Ages 3

   Outty Ranking68

   NOC Lower Pigeon River rafting is the highlight for families vacationing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee or those looking for a relaxing scenic trip. Paddlers ages three and up will enjoy this float trip with gentle. Solid Choice at 68/100, 4.9/5 from 10 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $54, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Scenic Floats on the Pigeon River with Big Creek Expeditions

   Outty Ranking68

   As the Pigeon River comes out of the steeper parts of the gorge it calms down a bit. Beginning at our outpost, the Lower Section of the Pigeon River is perfect for those looking for a scenic float trip of the Smoky Mount. Solid Choice at 68/100, 4.8/5 from 72 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $46, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting

    Outty Ranking65

    A cornerstone of Smokies vacations, the Pigeon is the closest whitewater rafting tour to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Solid Choice at 65/100, 4.8/5 from 35 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $60, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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