River John's Outfitters
River John's Outfitters
5
About
River John's Outfitters offers a three-acre island event venue and parking and portage (for a fee), if you have your own boat. Each year, we are open starting in May through the end of October with operating hours from 9am - 5pm. We are an ideal spot to drop-in or drop-off at for some river fun. You will need 2 vehicles (some people use Uber for the second vehicle) to shuttle you back and forth between our island and your drop-in or drop-off location. Our island accommodates private events, such as weddings, family reunions, business outings, and any other special event. Except for parking and portage, the island is a private event venue, and reservations are needed for all other services. Thanks, River John.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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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.
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Bethany M
Alcoa, TN110 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
My dad is an avid paddler but lives in WV. We wanted to have a trip together but didn’t want to haul stuff two states away. Solution River John’s. He provided everything. Canoe, life vests paddles (even one Kayak for my niece - age 11). Plus shuttling to Perry’s Mill. The trip ends at the outfitters 7 1/2 miles away.
We made the trip in 5 hours in “low” river conditions and stopping to swim a couple of times. There was one area by the 411 bridge that hung us up. Otherwise, a great trip for us all. The section of river fits novice or laid back paddlers.
We made the trip in 5 hours in “low” river conditions and stopping to swim a couple of times. There was one area by the 411 bridge that hung us up. Otherwise, a great trip for us all. The section of river fits novice or laid back paddlers.
Written September 4, 2018
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.
Jessica E
Farley, IA19 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
While staying near GSMNP, we wanted to find a river we could kayak (with our own equipment) with our three kids (ages 8, 10, 13). This river was perfect. We started at the dam and got out at River John's island. It took us about 3 1/2 hrs. and that included stopping for lunch on an island. It's a rock bottom river, with many larger rocks strewn about. The river flips back and forth between pools and runs. By runs I mean areas of swift water with rocks that create very small rapids/riffles. It made for a very interesting river trip. There were a couple times where it got kind of tricky (especially for the kids), but we all made it through with no problems! River John's shuttled us because we had our own equipment. It was so simple...we drove to River John's, he jumped in with us and came to the put in, then he drove our truck back and parked it on his island. Great people!
Written July 12, 2017
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.
DeNeil B
Laconia, IN8 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Before I forget, do call ahead and reserve a time. This is a small family operation and can only handle a small number at a time. Mr John and his wife are very nice and friendly host. Go here if you want away from the hustle and bustle of other places in Townsend and Pigeon Forge. The trip down river was calm much of the time but you do have many rapid areas that makes things exciting. We saw lots of wildlife, especially big birds. Plan on about 4 hours to do this in.
Written July 19, 2018
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.
KimBeardsley
Sevierville, TN45 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
My husband and I rented a canoe and padded about 7 1/2 miles down The Little River. Took about 4 hours and depends on how fast or slow you want to paddle.
Calm mostly clear water with little rapids along the way.
Beautiful scenery, peaceful and quite, wild life such as ducks, geese, turtles, beavers, and tons of fish.
Many places to stop and have lunch or a snack as we did. Beautiful houses that can be seen along some parts of the river bank.
This is a calm, relaxing trip. This is not for those who are looking for white water rapids.
You can rent a canoe or bring your own and just be shuttled to the starting point. Paddles and life vest are included with canoe rental.
Price was very reasonable and the people were great.
Calm mostly clear water with little rapids along the way.
Beautiful scenery, peaceful and quite, wild life such as ducks, geese, turtles, beavers, and tons of fish.
Many places to stop and have lunch or a snack as we did. Beautiful houses that can be seen along some parts of the river bank.
This is a calm, relaxing trip. This is not for those who are looking for white water rapids.
You can rent a canoe or bring your own and just be shuttled to the starting point. Paddles and life vest are included with canoe rental.
Price was very reasonable and the people were great.
Written June 6, 2016
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.
Tammy P
1 contribution
Sep 2022
My daughter had a beautiful wedding here. The island is absolutely magnificent. The river is crystal clear. River John and Christine are wonderful people. We could not have been more pleased. We can't wait to come back as campers!
Written October 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.
Passenger795030
3 contributions
Oct 2021
This is a beautiful, rustic, and serene place to host a wedding or any outdoor party. The hosts were friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.
Written October 23, 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.
Matt B
Osceola, IN1 contribution
May 2019 • Couples
John was very helpful and very accommodating. This made for a fun trip down the river. I would definitely return again!
Written May 28, 2019
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.
LSurrett
Knoxville, Tennessee48 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We were referred by family. John and Christine are wonderful, I talked to Christine 4 xs over 3 days and she will return your message.The draw for us was the shuttle they offer if you have your own kayak. $20 per car. You meet John at their location and he rides with you to the drop point. Initially, we were concerned b/c John drives your unloaded vehicle back. BUT, they haven't had an incident in 16 years. And they didn't with ours either.
Of note, there are 3 dams on the Little River (Townsend, Walland *our drop, and Rockford). It had rained earlier in the week and the water level/flow was good - not too fast. We had fun on the 1st rope swing - it seems to be the safest & deepest drop. There are several swimming hole areas with low current, and there are several small rapids and fairly decent turns where the flow is higher. NOTE - there is a small waterfall closer to the end (3/4 way), do make an effort to use the left as there are lots of decent-sized rocks.
Also note, the river runs through neighborhoods and farm property, but part of the length is closely paralleled by area roads. Traffic can be noisy and annoying.
All in all, it met all of our expectations and we enjoyed the calm parts as well as the small rapids. Very good time!
Of note, there are 3 dams on the Little River (Townsend, Walland *our drop, and Rockford). It had rained earlier in the week and the water level/flow was good - not too fast. We had fun on the 1st rope swing - it seems to be the safest & deepest drop. There are several swimming hole areas with low current, and there are several small rapids and fairly decent turns where the flow is higher. NOTE - there is a small waterfall closer to the end (3/4 way), do make an effort to use the left as there are lots of decent-sized rocks.
Also note, the river runs through neighborhoods and farm property, but part of the length is closely paralleled by area roads. Traffic can be noisy and annoying.
All in all, it met all of our expectations and we enjoyed the calm parts as well as the small rapids. Very good time!
Written August 27, 2018
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.
jiedne
Knoxville, TN87 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
This outing was a kayaking trip down the river. River John's staff were friendly and helpful. The water level was a bit low which kept everything calm but a few areas required careful navigation. This is an excellent, easy trip on the river. Go during the weekday if possible to avoid crowds.
Written October 8, 2017
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.
Tommy V
Maryville, TN53 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
Mr. John always takes extremely good care of me. I'm usually here about every other week kayaking.
He is always more than happy to shuttle me up river and treats me like family.
He is always more than happy to shuttle me up river and treats me like family.
Written July 28, 2017
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.
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