Float the Lower Pigeon (N 35.8191, W -83.1568): Downstream of the river’s typical rafting section, the Pigeon’s calmer stretches offer perfect introductory whitewater for children as young as three years old. In between mild Class I and II rapids, calm stretches allow for swimming and relaxed reveling in the mountain scenery. The lower Pigeon is a no-stress way to get wet for the first time in a whitewater kayak. The scenic river is a fantastic fall paddle to take in the striking colors of the Smokies’ autumn foliage.