The Pigeon River flows about 70 miles from Haywood County, NC, to Newport, TN. It winds through the Pisgah National Forest, the Cherokee National Forest, and drains much of the northeastern section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its rugged beauty and thrilling whitewater rapids, the Pigeon River Gorge has long been a key natural feature in the region. Originally used for transportation by Native American tribes and later by settlers, the river’s dramatic rapids and stunning landscapes have made it one of the Southeast’s top destinations…
Play it Safe on the Waters
The Adventure Side of the Smokies is a veritable outdoor waterpark for paddlers, float trips, kayak fishing, and swimming, all surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful mountains and forests in the southeast.
The 3 Rivers of the Adventure Side of the Smokies
The three rivers of Cocke County are destinations for exciting recreational adventures on the Adventure Side of the Smokies. The history of these rivers shaped the past and are now shaping the future of recreation in Cocke County.


