Pigeon, Tennessee, US

2. Lower Pigeon (Bridge at Hartford to Denton)

Pigeon Ledges

Pigeon Ledges
Photo by Chuck Spornick taken 08/15/04 @ 2,100 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

Put in at one of the many outfitters along river right. Make certain that you have the permission of the outfitter before parking at their place. Similarly at the take-out make certain to park near the bridge.
From the bridge, the river works down several Class I-II ledge drops. Then the current slows and the river is impounded by a lake that lasts nearly half a mile. The pattern then resume of working down small ledges. At mile 2.8 the river passes underneath I-40 for the first of two times. As the river turns to the left, you soon encounter the Ledges, a series of Class II+ drops.
After the last ledge the current briefly calms then quickly loses gradient for the next quarter mile. These shoals offer many holes and rocks to negotiate through fast current. After another series of Class 1-2 drops the river calms as it turns to the left. Here is the river is divided by Brown Island, just above the most significant rapid on the river, Maytag [Class II(III)]. Work to either the right or the left of the bridge support for I-40. After another small drop, the river passes underneath the bridge for Greasy Cove.
A few hundred feet on the right is the public take-out.