Named for the extinct passenger pigeon whose migration routes traversed this area, the Pigeon River is now a popular recreation destination for fisherman and river rafters alike. Fisherman can catch smallmouth bass on the river all year long. If rafting is more appealing to you, this dam controlled river is divided into two sections (upper & lower). The upper section runs from just below the Walters power plant at Waterville, NC five miles through class III & III+ rapids to the takeout at Hartford ,TN. The lower section, almost five additional miles, starts in Hartford and runs through class II & III rapids to the lower takeout, just before Denton, TN. Contact any of the local guides and outfitters for additional information. The Cocke County Tennessee Chamber of Commerce website contains a list of local outfitter and guides for the French Broad River.