06/08/2026
More pictures from today’s river cleanup!
What many people may not know is that I grew up on the Pigeon River. I spent countless days swimming and Playing around Pebble Beach, catching crawdads, fishing, rafting, and even working for a rafting company a couple of summers. Some of my favorite memories were made on that river.
The Pigeon River wasn’t always the clean, beautiful place it is today. It took years of activism, legislation, and dedicated people who refused to give up on it. Because of their efforts, it became one of our area’s greatest treasures, not only bringing tourism and revenue to Cocke County, but providing a place where families can make memories and enjoy the natural beauty we call home.
After Hurricane Helene, our communities once again came together to help restore what was damaged. Volunteers, local organizations, and foundations stepped up to make sure this river remained clean, safe, and accessible for future generations.
Today was another reminder of what makes our mountain communities so special. When something we love needs help, we show up.
That is Mountain Tough.