Shuttle on the Pigeon can be handled with only one car; it is possible to get a ride. But the recommendation, as always, is to be self-sufficient and set your own shuttle. The put-in for the Pigeon is located at the parking area at the confluence of the Pigeon and Big Creek, at the Waterville Power Plant at the NC/TN state line. The put-in is off of I-40 exit 451 (Waterville). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and go under I-40, follow the road over the bridge, turn left and head upstream to the parking area. The take-out is in Hartford, river right of an island.

Even though the Pigeon is dam controlled water levels can vary quite a bit. As the water varies the characteristics and difficulty of each rapid can change. Be aware of the water level when you get on the river. It can genuinely make a difference in the quality of your experience. Never boat alone and if in doubt scout or ask someone's advice.

1. Powerhouse Rapid- Long Class III rapid with a feature called Brad's Tooth in the right center of the rapid. Brad's Tooth is a large rock pointing downstream which can broach or flip a raft if one comes close. Run left center to avoid Brad and his tooth. Boaters might want to scout the first time or follow someone who knows the line.
2. Big Rock- Class II. Perhaps the Mother of all rocks.
3. Full of Water- Class III. For rafters this is a photo opportunity. Rafting photos are shot here. View and purchase them (if you so desire) when you return to the outpost.
4. Razor Rock- Class III. Run right. In a raft or inflatable kayak this rock can ruin your day by ripping a hole in the floor of your boat.
5. Too Late- Class III. Called Too Late because of the big wave concealing the big rock at the bottom of the rapid. By the time you see the rock it is "TOO LATE". Will seriously stick your raft.
6. Cotton Ball- Class II
7. Entrance- Class II. Every whitewater river in the world must have a rapid named Entrance.
8. Vegematic- It slices, dices and juliennes.
9. Big Bend- Class II.
10. Snap Dragon- Class III
11. Roller Coaster- Class III Big standing waves. Lots of fun. Razor Blade rock lies at the bottom. Miss this one if at all possible.
12. Aftershave- Class II-III- More waves after Rollercoaster. Megan's Hole is at the bottom. Class III hole which boaters find fun. Megan did not enjoy it as much.
13. S Turn- Class II. Another name every river seems to have.
14. Lost Guide- Class IV. Biggest rapid on the river. Believe me guides pay attention to the name. They do not want to swim here if possible but as life goes they are the most likely candidates.
15. Rooster Tail- Class III. More big waves.
16. Bomb's Lake- Class I. Moving water.
17. Duck and Run- Class II. Called Duck and Run because of fast water and low hanging trees.
18. Rock Garden- Class II
19. Microwave- Class III- Big standing wave.
20. Double Reactionary- Class IV. Two big offset waves. Can flip your boat or cause multiple swimmers.
21. Superglue- Class III. Hit the sweet spot and you can surf all day.
22. Accelerator- Class IV. With features like Elevator Shaft and President's Hole, Accelerator is a blast.
23. Gulfhole- Class I. More moving water.
24. Rock 'n Roll- Last real rapid on the river. The rock on the right will roll your raft if the guide is not paying attention.
25. Hartford Bridge- Olly Olly Oxen Free. The rafting center is right around the corner.