Rapid Expeditions
Rapid Expeditions
5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
Closed
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Rapid Expeditions is a full service whitewater rafting outfitter and kayaking school located a short drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. We offer Upper and Lower Pigeon River rafting trips on Tuesdays, Wendsdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and some Sundays (call ahead) during Spring, Summer, and Fall! The Pigeon River boasts Class II, III, and IV rapids on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hartford, Tennessee
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
416 reviews
Excellent
404
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Cathy R
San Diego, CA2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Another amazing “Bucket List” experience accomplished.
Our family had a wonderful time with Rapid Expeditions. There were four of us, the youngest being 15 and the oldest was 63. We chose the upper region of the Pigeon River.
The staff was very friendly and professional. They assisted everyone in selecting our equipment and making sure that everything (PDF, helmet, oar) fit us properly .
Our river guide Emma was well experienced and a lot of fun. She gave our group instructions and a demonstration prior to entering the raft.
The Rapids were calm in some areas and considered level three in others. While it was very exciting, it was not frightening. Again, Emma gave us very easy to understand commands of what to do as we went through the rapids. At one point, during a very calm section of the river, those of us who wanted to were able to jump into the water and swim for a short period of time.
We absolutely are going to do this again with this company when we return to the Smoky Mountains. For our family who thrives on being outdoors and enjoying gorgeous, scenic views, this was the highlight of our week.
Our family had a wonderful time with Rapid Expeditions. There were four of us, the youngest being 15 and the oldest was 63. We chose the upper region of the Pigeon River.
The staff was very friendly and professional. They assisted everyone in selecting our equipment and making sure that everything (PDF, helmet, oar) fit us properly .
Our river guide Emma was well experienced and a lot of fun. She gave our group instructions and a demonstration prior to entering the raft.
The Rapids were calm in some areas and considered level three in others. While it was very exciting, it was not frightening. Again, Emma gave us very easy to understand commands of what to do as we went through the rapids. At one point, during a very calm section of the river, those of us who wanted to were able to jump into the water and swim for a short period of time.
We absolutely are going to do this again with this company when we return to the Smoky Mountains. For our family who thrives on being outdoors and enjoying gorgeous, scenic views, this was the highlight of our week.
Written June 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie K
2 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We had a great experience with Rapid Expeditions and highly recommend them! Joey was our guide and he was perfect - easy to talk with, gave clear and encouraging instructions, and was patient. He helped us feel at ease with his knowledge and made the whole experience so enjoyable and memorable. All the staff we encountered were great. Very low key operation without all the extra fluff. The photo package was well worth it and the photos are great quality! We will definitely book another experience if we’re in the area in the future!
Written May 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessi F
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
We took the lower Pigeon Forge trip so we could include our younger kids. Our guide was great, he accommodated us and made it fun. We had a great time. It was a good choice to go with a family-owned business.
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer M
Bourbonnais, IL3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
My son and I went water rafting on the last day of our trip and chose Rapid Expeditions based on their reviews. We loved the fact that they were a small family owned business. I’m so glad we chose them because we had the best time. We were on a raft with our guide Emily and her daughter Hannah. Both of them were so helpful and knowledgeable. This was my son and I’s first time rafting and they helped us learn so fast. I couldn’t recommend this company enough!
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Companion08232087813
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
Fantastic guide service! Emily and Daniel were entertaining and obviously experienced and knew this stretch of river well. It was our first time in white water and we had a great time. I would recommend them for anyone starting out.
Written June 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria F
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Couples
We had an amazing ride with “M”. She was the best guide I’ve ever had and we had a lot of fun! They might be a small company but they’ve got BIG personalities and very good knowledge of the rapids. 5 Star all the way!
Written July 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda S
10 contributions
Jun 2022
My 10 year old son and I went on the Lower Pigeon River family float with Lisa as our guide. It was the first time for both of us. We really wanted to experience rafting in the Smoky Mountains--it seems like the thing to do while you are in the area. Lisa was fantastic! She foreshadowed each section of the river so we knew what was coming up, which sections would be a little rougher, if we might have a little bump due to a rock, when to paddle, where it was going to be a calm section to jump out and swim if you wanted to, etc. I loved that they took our picture on the river so we could purchase it at the end. Lisa was friendly and easy to talk to throughout our visit. She offered lots of encouragement and praise to both my son and I. I would highly recommend Rapid Expeditions!
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaitlyn
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Solo
Was in the area for a few days and I've always wanted to do whitewater kayaking. Signed up for a kayak lesson last second and the owner was so flexible and nice, and really took the time to chat with me and figure out what I was looking for. Zach was my instructor and I can't say enough about how amazing he was. From the beginning to the end he was informative, engaging, funny - and definitely made the learning environment feel fun and safe. I'm brand new to the sport, and Zach took the time to work with me on the fundamentals. I definitely took a few swims, but Zach was always great about helping me build confidence in myself and helping me to (mostly) stay calm.
These guys really took care of me for the day and clearly take a lot of pride in what they do. Would highly recommend if you're looking to get into kayaking, or even if you already are and want to work on some skills. I had a fantastic time!
These guys really took care of me for the day and clearly take a lot of pride in what they do. Would highly recommend if you're looking to get into kayaking, or even if you already are and want to work on some skills. I had a fantastic time!
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ttpmom
Saint Joseph, MO4 contributions
Aug 2022
We rafted the Upper Pigeon River and it was such a great experience! We had a great time, and it was an all around great experience. Nate was our guide and he was so good - very knowledgeable about the area, great to interact with, and took time to get to know each of us in our group. I can't say enough good things - if you want a high quality whitewater rafting experience at a reasonable price, this is the place to use!
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie B
2 contributions
Aug 2023
Called ahead and made reservations 2 weeks prior, when we got there the owner (Dave) said our reservation was misplaced in the wrong date, our reservations was for 12:30pm, he said he could take us on the next slot which was 2:30, well there was a major accident at a stand sit on the highway that prevented the bus from coming back for the 2:30 time slot, our place was over an hour away so going back and forth wasn't an option and like everyone else we had already planned our week out to the full max and we already made reservations to do other activities that evening. Finally traffic started to move some what and we were able to get on the very next time slot which was 4:30pm (yes we stood around and waited since 12:15pm) Our guides were awesome and wonderful (Nate & Emily). However Dave still managed to drag his feet and wanted to cancel the 4:30 time slot cause of the traffic that was sit backing up. I cannot say enough great things about Nate & Emily they went above and beyond making sure our 4:30 trip happened, if it was up to Dave he would of just canceled that trip as well, not very good practice for being the owner. If we hadn't already purchased our vouchers through Groupon I would of just canceled and demanded our money back but with Groupons not as easily done. If you book with this company I would follow up a couple times to ensure your reservations don't get lost!! We did mange to get free photos for all our wasted time we spent waiting
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do trips go year round? I'm hoping for the week of Labor Day, but no options showed up on the reservation calendar.
Written August 23, 2017
Give them a call. It's a smaller company, and they do book out of the standard tourist season, but may only do it on a case-by-case scenario.
Written August 23, 2017
Do trips go year round? I'm hoping for the week of Labor Day, but no options showed up on the reservation calendar.
Written August 23, 2017
You can schedule a great rafting trip year round!
Written August 31, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.