North Carolina whitewater, Pigeon River Cocke county, Big Creek to Hartford section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III+     4.66 miles   The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often easier than in other states, so better not forget that lots of rivers in this state are good for beginners. The natural beauty of Cocke County and the playfulness of the water have people coming here. The Big Creek to Hartford section of Pigeon River in North Carolina is 4.66 miles long and has been rated as a class III+ section by American Whitewater. The starting point     is not too far from Newport, as you can see on the road map further down. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. Whitewater paddling here in the Great Smoky Mountains is a great experience. And of course, there are campgrounds nearby. Getting some good exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors have people coming from far and near. This section is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, it's good length for a morning trip. This river system is full of great paddling stretches, the Big Creek to Hartford stretch is just one of them. Some people prefer   whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way this area has a large number of paddling places. Briefly about the general area: Lots of folks from Hartford come to Pigeon River, and Moore Hollow is close by, and is a pleasant place. And that's not all the things to do here in the Great Smoky Mountains. Go for a hike on the Baxter Creek Trail, and hey, Gotta ski right? Cataloochee is a good place to do that. This river is always fun. There are fine places to discover along the Stone Mountain Trail. Pigeon River typically gets much rainfall. May is the month that gets the most rain, and October meanwhile is the driest month. Pigeon River, Big Creek to Hartford road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Pigeon River.   Whitewater Near Pigeon River: Whitewater Outfitter - Outdoor Adventures, Cocke County, 2 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Pigeon River Officer, Cocke County, 2 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Pigeon River, Cocke County, 2 miles away       Class III+ - 4.66 miles long (Big Creek to Hartford) Pigeon River, Cocke County, 2 miles away       Class II-III - 4.2 miles long (Walter's Power Plant at Waterville to Bridge at Hartford) Whitewater Outfitter - USA Raft, Cocke County, 2 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Big Creek, Haywood County, 3 miles away       Class IV - 2 miles long (NPS Campground to Confluence with Big Pigeon) Whitewater Outfitter - Five Rivers Adventures, Cocke County, 3 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Rip Roaring Adventures, Cocke County, 3 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Rapid Descent River, Cocke County, 3 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Big Creek, Haywood County, 5 miles away       Class V - 5.4 miles long (Walnut Bottom to NPS Campground)   Ski Areas Near Pigeon River: Cataloochee, North Carolina , 13 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee , 31 miles away, 600 foot drop, 3 lifts, 8 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 43 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Scaly Mountain, North Carolina , 46 miles away, 225 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Sky Valley, Georgia , 49 miles away, 210 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Ski Beech, North Carolina , 89 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 90 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 92 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs   Marinas Near Pigeon River: Indian Creek Boat Dock, Dandridge , 18 miles away Swann's Marina, Dandridge , 20 miles away   Hotels Near Pigeon River: Knights Inn Newport, Newport , 10 miles away Hampton Inn Newport, Newport , 10 miles away Holiday Inn Express & Suites NEWPORT SOUTH, Newport , 10 miles away Quality Inn Newport, Newport , 10 miles away Best Western Newport Inn, Newport , 10 miles away   Campgrounds Near Pigeon River: Davenport Gap Shelter - Appalachian Trail, Hartford, 1 miles away Davenport Gap Shelter - Appalachian Trail, Hartford, 1 miles away Fox Fire Camp And Canoe, Hartford, 2 miles away   Trails Near Pigeon River: Stone Mountain Trail, Cocke , 3 miles away Baxter Creek Trail, Haywood , 4 miles away Big Branch Trail, Haywood , 4 miles away Lower Whiterock Trail, Cocke , 5 miles away Asbury Trail, Haywood , 8 miles away   Public Lands Near Pigeon River: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg - TN , 27 miles away Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 40 miles away Panther Creek State Park, Tennessee , 32 miles away Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina , 38 miles away   Golf Courses Near Pigeon River: Smoky MTN Country Club & Grill, Newport , 9 miles away Bent Creek Golf Village, Gatlinburg , 16 miles away Iron Tree Golf Course, Clyde , 17 miles away   Lakes Near Pigeon River Waterville Lake, Haywood , 7 miles away