We were scheduled to go on the Upper River Pigeon trip on a Saturday. Apparently, Friday night they called to cancel due to flooding. (Call was there- me not getting it was my providers fault.). Zero issues getting a refund and then after a miscommunication, reschedule, and their desk people were fantastic and easy to work with.
Showed up a few days later with two teenagers in tow for the Upper Pigeon River trip. One kid hates roller coasters, the other loves them. Both declared this one of the absolute best things we did on our trip, and my husband and I agree. We have only done white water rafting once before, but it was an even bigger hit this time.
SMO runs a very organized, professional operation. We felt completely safe the whole time. Our guide Mick was reassuring and knowledgeable, and did a fantastic job. The rapids in August are enough to be a great time but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. Rafting on a summer smoky Mountain vacation is a must do, and SMO is a fantastic company to do it with!