“The rapids were washing over our raft and it felt like we were in a monsoon. At one point I thought I was in an underwater world that was something greater than life itself. It was exhilarating.”

This is just one of the many things Jesse Werfel, 21, has experienced through his extreme job of whitewater rafting. As a rafting guide in the Smoky Mountains, it is Werfel’s responsibility to make sure his tour is exciting and tantalizing to everyone, as well as extremely planned out and safe.

"Safety is probably my number one concern, followed closely by showing people an awesome time.” Werfel said.

Some of the safety precautions include two first aid kits on the front of all rafts, as well as a two-week training course all guides must complete before hitting the river.

The river has a choice of two courses: the Upper Pigeon and the Lower Pigeon. The Upper Pigeon hosts twelve Class III and three Class IV whitewater rapids, which bring an extreme experience to the table, while the Lower Pigeon offers the chance to float peacefully (at least somewhat) down the last half of the river.

On the Upper Pigeon, you must be at least 8 years old or 70 pounds to enjoy the five-mile trip down the river, or at least 3 years of age to float on the Lower Pigeon. The river is dam controlled with scheduled releases from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

This is an experience of a lifetime as well as an exponential moment in East Tennessee history. The Smoky Mountains National Park is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, which just adds another reason to make the trip.