Rapid Expeditions
Rapid Expeditions
5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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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.
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(23 reviews)
(126 reviews)
(21 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
405 reviews
Excellent
393
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
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.
Jeff L
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Friends
The guides were very thorough at explaining the safety features of the rafting and meticulous at checking our vests and helmets. Our guide Ms. M showed us a good time on the river, she was on point with giving us intructions whilst being the goofiest guide, she even fell off the raft which she said never happened before. Overall it was a fun thrilling experience and we would definitely do it again.
Written July 10, 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.
Lori M
8 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We had a great time ! Second timers at rafting ( did in upstate NY and this was way better and more frightening lol)
Booked online through Groupon and saved a ton of money.
Smaller company which I thought was more personable. Emily and daughter were a great team and Emily was an excellent instructor . They definitely try and relax you on the short bus trip- making jokes. And she seemed very knowledgeable on the river.
Definitely had some hairy moments but no one fell off the boat !
Clean changing room, great prices , pictures were fantastic ( be sure to purchase u won't regret them) , we went at the 1230 time and the river was flowing good.
Booked online through Groupon and saved a ton of money.
Smaller company which I thought was more personable. Emily and daughter were a great team and Emily was an excellent instructor . They definitely try and relax you on the short bus trip- making jokes. And she seemed very knowledgeable on the river.
Definitely had some hairy moments but no one fell off the boat !
Clean changing room, great prices , pictures were fantastic ( be sure to purchase u won't regret them) , we went at the 1230 time and the river was flowing good.
Written July 9, 2021
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
7 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.
Liz S
Cleveland, OH1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Family
We are first-timers (old-timers, too) and chose to do the upper river twice! Class 3 and 4 rapids. Our guide, Miss Em was fantastic and did a wonderful job including our 11yo! The company is smaller than some of the others but it wasn't crowded so it felt more personal. They have a large changing room and bathrooms. Both were very clean! A short bus ride to the upper river and we were on our way! Our first trip was @ 1030am so it was perfect for a first time, water was lower so rapids weren't quite as big. Our second trip was @ 1230pm and by then the river was flowing very well! Had an awesome time both trips! Would absolutely do it again when in the area! We purchased the photo's, reasonably priced and WELL worth it!! Side note: the office girl & bus drivers (didn't catch their names) were fun too!
Written June 14, 2021
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.
Firebug C
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Couples
My husband and I did the kayak roll clinic and the basics class. Joe and Dave were great! Highly recommend this class for anyone at any level of kayaking who is looking to tune up skills, learn new skills, advance what they already know or just have fun. These guys will work with all skill sets. Both of us walked away with better skills, more knowledgeable and safer kayakers. Thanks guys!!! We had an awesome experience with you!
Written June 8, 2021
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.
Latisha S
1 contribution
May 2021 • Family
We had exactly the type of adventure that we expected to have. We wanted a calm scenic float with sightseeing, conversation, and just a little splash. The lower river provided just that. Emily and Hannah were the perfect guides and ensured that we had a safe and fun time on the water. We were thankful for a very experienced guide who was also very concerned that we got EXACTLY what we were looking for! She also gave us other activity recommendations for the area.
Written May 31, 2021
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.
MamaB
Dallas, GA134 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
My husband and I booked a trip for his 30th birthday. We read tons and tons of reviews before booking. We love to support local businesses especially with everything that is going on. These folks are the smallest out of the rafting companies nearby, but do not let that lead you astray! The guides are awesome! There was another couple that booked a trip at the same time as us and were in a separate raft. They had Slayton for their guide and we had Steph. Both of the guides rocked! Steph told us about the surrounding area and about her love for rafting. She said she wants her clients to love rafting as much as she does. We watched some other companies book it down the river while our guides allowed us to play in the rapids, swim a bit, and just be personable with one another. We got to spin down one of the rapids, raft surf on another, and I rode the bull on one of them (sit on the nose of the raft!) You can tell they truly enjoy what they do. We were very well taken care of during this trip and it was our first time. We now want to explore other rivers and take our kids along! These folks did an amazing job! Thanks Slayton and Steph! We will definitely be back!
Written August 26, 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.
Austin B
Watson, LA1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
Our crew extremely enjoyed Rapid Expeditions. The team of guides are awesome. They did a great job entertaining the kids (and adults) during the bus ride. It made the trek seem very brief. Really glad we did the Upper Pigeon! Special shout out to Mrs M. She was superb with the kids (ranging age 8 to 13).
Written July 29, 2021
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.
Elizabeth H
Saint Louis, MO266 contributions
Do trips go year round? I'm hoping for the week of Labor Day, but no options showed up on the reservation calendar.
Amelia M
York, PA52 contributions
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.
Elizabeth H
Saint Louis, MO266 contributions
Do trips go year round? I'm hoping for the week of Labor Day, but no options showed up on the reservation calendar.
sierrabell55
Westmoreland, TN3 contributions
You can schedule a great rafting trip year round!
Rapid Expeditions - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Rapid Expeditions Information
Excellent Reviews | 393 |
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Very Good Reviews | 11 |
Rapid Expeditions Photos | 140 |