The Pigeon River originates near 6130' Sam Knob, approximately 30 miles southwest of Ashville, NC. From here it flows north to Canton, NC then turning NNW where it is followed by Interstate 40 to the Tennessee state line. From Canton, NC to Hartford, TN the river will drop from an elevation of 2580' to 1260' above sea level. Over the course of this 40 mile path this represents an average drop of 33 feet per river mile, a descent rate matched by few rivers in the US.

Approximately 25 river miles downstream of Canton, Carolina Power & Light's Walters Dam impounds the Pigeon River into a narrow high elevation (2258 ft) lake approx 4 miles in length. Access to Walters Lake is restricted and is easily enforced by the lack of roadways.

For the next 12.5 river miles downstream little to no waterflow is seen in the riverbed as the output of the dam is routed through aquaducts on the mountain ridges far above. Finally at the Tennessee state line, large pinstocks funnel the water to hydroelectric turbines 861' below. From initial startup in 1930 until World War II, this facility was the highest head hydroelectric generating facility east of the Rockies.

The 4.5 mile stretch between the powerhouse and Hartford, TN is referred to as the Upper Pigeon by the dozen or so rafting outfitters who guide trips down this section. The 160' elevation drop provides an impressive series of class III and IV rapids. As CP&L's permit mandidates recreational releases 4 days per week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, rafters flock to this area for white water action during the summer months.

The section between Hartford and Denton, TN flattens out somewhat offering class II and III waters for the rafters who are interested in a slower paced trip. During this 5 mile section the elevation drops from 1260' to 1180' averaging 16 feet per river mile.

From Denton the Pigeon River winds down a 16 mile northward path through Newport, TN and then into the French Broad River at the upper end of TVA's Douglas Lake. While the water drops an average of only 11.25 feet per mile on this section the scenery is great with rolling hills and occasional 100' sheer rock bluffs droping straight into the river below.

Between Douglas Lake to Denton, TN the Pigeon River clearly offers good potential for hovercraft cruising. Intermittant mild white water and flat sections provide a good mix with a number of sand bars available for periodic breaks. Between Denton and Hartford one would clearly encounter some rafting traffic, particulary on Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day (these are guaranteed release dates). Further investigation is planned and will be reported later as to the expected compatability (or lack thereof) expected in this area.

Above Denton the river is highly populated with rafters during the summer months. In many sections the river is less than 80' wide and only portions of this width are suitable for use. It would clearly not be safe to attempt to operate a hovercraft in this area during periods of heavy rafting traffic. If opportunities to operate here without rafting traffic are identified they will be reported in this section at a later date.

USGS River Gauge - Pigeon River Powerhouse

Waterville Powerhouse
(For interesting results choose Aerial View from Navigate section)

Whitewater Rafting

TVA Reservoir Map

Current Level - Douglas Lake

TerreServer Topo Map of Newport, TN

Industry Explodes, Rafting the Pigeon

Cocke County, TN
Local Accomidations

CP&L Future Water Release Plans
Phone 800-899-4435

Plans for the Pigeon River Cruise 2003

Story from the Pigeon River Cruise 2002

Carolina Power & Light's Walters Dam impounds the Pigeon River just north of Smoky Mts. Natl. Park approx.12 miles upstream of the Tennessee state line.

Minimal flow exists between the dam and the state line as the river's contents have been diverted through a tunnel high above on the mountain ridge.

Finally this water is routed through large pinstocks to the Pigeon River Powerhouse 861 feet below. This facility is located in Waterville, NC adjacent to the Tennessee state line.

At a stage of 4' (equates to approx 270 CFS) the river is confined and of little interest to the many rafting outfitters who serve the Upper Pigeon.

At a stage of 5.2' (equates to approx 900 CFS) the river starts to fill its banks and picks up meaningful velocity.

Between Hartford and Denton, TN class II and III rapids are offered as the river widens to roughly 100'. Note that flow is 900 CFS in photo above.

Below Denton, TN the Pigeon River offers a mix of flat and mild white water with occasional islands and sand bars.

Rocky bluffs flank the river in several areas above and below Newport, TN.

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