[7] The Pigeon River arises in southeastern Haywood County, North Carolina, and flows basically northwest for most of its length.

It is impounded by the Walters Dam of Progress Energy creating the long, narrow Waterville Lake.

[8] The floods following the series of storms spawned by Hurricanes Frances and Ivan in September 2004 have changed the character of the river.

As Al Gore started his first run for the Presidency, Newsweek magazine reported that Gore was pressured by North Carolina Senator Terry Sanford and Congressman Jamie Clarke to ease up on his campaign against Champion's wastewater discharges into the Pigeon River.

According to Newsweek, Gore complied with their request, writing to the United States Environmental Protection Agency to oppose tighter water pollution control requirements.

The Upper section begins at the powerhouse (located right on the North Carolina/Tennessee border) and features up to Class III+ whitewater rapids.