Driving Directions: Pigeon Outpost

All Pigeon River trips depart from our Pigeon Outpost, located just off of I-40 on the northeastern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

GPS: 35.819108, -83.156823

From Asheville, NC - (approximately 55 miles) Take I-40 West towards Knoxville. Eight miles after the NC/TN state line, take Exit 447 (Hartford Rd). At the bottom of the ramp, turn left and go under I-40. Then turn right onto Hartford Rd. Drive 1/4 mile and turn left at the NOC sign, just as the road starts to bend left. Follow the gravel driveway to our Pigeon River Outpost. Welcome!

From Knoxville, TN - (approximately 60 miles) Follow I-40 East towards Asheville, then take Exit 447 (Hartford Rd). If you pass the TN/NC state line, you've missed the exit. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Hartford Rd. Drive 1/4 mile and turn left at the NOC sign, just as the road starts to bend left. Follow the gravel driveway to our Pigeon River Outpost. Welcome!

From Gatlinburg, TN - (approximately 30 miles) Take Hwy 321 North to Cosby, TN. At Cosby, make the left turn to stay on 321, drive approximately two miles and watch for the Foothills Parkway signs on your right. Turn right onto the Foothills Parkway and enjoy this short scenic route, which will connect to I-40. Take I-40 East towards Asheville and follow the directions FROM KNOXVILLE, TN (above). Exit 447 is the first exit after getting on I-40 from the Foothills Parkway.

Note: If you miss the Foothills Parkway, 321 East will bring you to I-40. Get on I-40 East towards Asheville and follow the directions FROM KNOXVILLE, TN.