We were determined to go rafting while on our Gatlinburg mini-vacation. We had chosen another company, but decided to check out a time share and they sold us tickets for Big Creek Expeditions, we didn't know if there would be any difference, but we are so glad we went here! Our guide was Clay....he's a grown man trapped in a kids body. Really funny guy, very talkative during the entire trip. He had us spinning the raft in circles, made sure everyone on the raft got drenched. As soon as he saw someone drying off, the raft was turned to make sure the next wall of water his their side. My 8 yr old was a little nervous about going, but after the first Class 3 rapid, he never stopped giggling and laughing. There's a couple of slower spots on the trip in deeper water, and people can jump out of the raft and float for a short bit on their own. The front of the raft makes a great springboard for flips into the river.
This will be on our list of activities every time we come back to Gatlinburg. From what Clay said, Big Creek doesn't have alot of turn over in their guides. They are all a little older and more mature, the boss treats them good so they keep coming back. We're looking forward to another great time with Clay on the Upper Pigeon River.