Frequently Asked Questions

Cancellations made more than 7 days before your trip date receive a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days are refunded minus your deposit, or we can move you to a different date at no charge. Weather-related cancellations by us always come with a full refund or free rebooking — your call.

Yes — a $20 per person deposit holds your seats, with the balance due on arrival at our Hartford, TN outpost. For groups of 12 or more, we require a 50% deposit at booking. Deposits are fully refundable outside the 7-day window above.

For Upper Pigeon Class III-IV trips in summer, book 2–4 weeks ahead — those fill up first. Lower Pigeon floats and weekdays usually have space within a few days, and same-day bookings are common. The earlier you book, the more time-of-day options you'll have.

Absolutely. We run group trips every week for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate retreats, and family reunions. Groups of 12+ get a dedicated trip coordinator and flexible catering add-ons. Email info@rapidexpeditions.com or call and ask for our groups team.

Yes! eGift cards are available in any amount at squareup.com/gift/F5W485V0N18PB. They make great presents — recipients can apply them to any trip, lesson, or rental, and they never expire. Physical gift cards are also available at our front desk.

Every rafting trip includes the guide, the raft, paddles, PFD (life jacket), helmet, and a quick safety orientation. We also have wetsuits and splash jackets available for rent at the shop if it's a cold or high-water day. Lunch is included on combo trips only — for half-day trips, snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Yes — email us to request the Rapid Expeditions release form and bring it signed. It saves a few minutes at check-in, especially for families. Minors need a parent or guardian signature — no exceptions, per Tennessee state law.

Quick-dry clothes or a swimsuit as your base layer — no cotton, because it stays cold and heavy when wet. Secure footwear that won't fall off: river sandals with a heel strap, water shoes, or old sneakers. Flip-flops are not allowed. We provide helmets and PFDs; bring a towel and a dry change of clothes for after.

Towel, dry clothes for after, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, and a water bottle. Leave jewelry, expensive watches, and anything you can't afford to lose in the car or at home. We have dry bags you can borrow for phones and car keys — just ask at check-in.

Yes! We have life jackets in youth sizes from 30 lbs up, and our minimum age is 8 years old for the Lower Pigeon (Class I-II) and 12 years old for the Upper Pigeon (Class III-IV). Kids under 18 need a parent or guardian present to sign the release form.

Our rafts comfortably accommodate guests from about 50 lbs up to 275 lbs. The Lower Pigeon is more flexible on the upper end. If you're outside that range or unsure, give us a call — we'll talk through options to make sure everyone in your group has a safe, comfortable trip.

Yes, but bring it at your own risk — phones take a beating on the river. We strongly recommend a waterproof case or a GoPro with a float strap. We sell basic dry bags and phone leashes at the shop, and our guides will hold your phone in a dry box on the raft for splashier sections. A guide can also take photos of your group with your camera at key rapids.

Maybe — and that's part of the fun! On Class III-IV water, swimming a rapid is a real possibility, especially in big water. Your guide will brief you on how to float if you go over, and you'll be wearing a Coast Guard-approved PFD the whole time. Our guides are Swiftwater Rescue certified and trained to keep you safe no matter what.

We run trips in the rain — you'll get wet anyway! We only cancel for lightning, severe thunderstorms, or river levels above our safety threshold. If we cancel for weather, you get a full refund or a free move to another date. A little rain usually makes the rapids better.

Lower Pigeon trips are about 1.5 to 2 hours on the water, with 30 minutes of check-in and gear-up on either side — plan on 2.5 to 3 hours total. Upper Pigeon trips run about 2 to 2.5 hours on the water, with the full experience taking around 4 to 4.5 hours including check-in, shuttle, and changing.

You don't need to be a strong swimmer — PFDs do most of the work, and our guides position themselves to assist anyone in the water. Comfort in moving water helps, especially on the Upper. We carry a full first-aid kit, throw bags, and a rescue PFD on every trip, and every guide is CPR and Swiftwater Rescue certified.

Our base camp at 3605 Hartford Rd is wheelchair accessible — we have a paved check-in area, accessible restrooms, and a ramp onto our viewing deck. Getting into the raft itself requires stepping down into a low boat, so we can work with guests on a case-by-case basis. Call ahead and we'll plan it out with you.

Probably yes, but we want to know. Conditions like back problems, recent surgeries, pregnancy, heart conditions, or epilepsy are all things to discuss with us before you book. Our guides carry first-aid kits and radios to base, and we'll match you to the right trip. A quick phone call before booking lets us plan the safest possible day for you.

Yes — we have several Spanish-speaking guides on staff. Just let us know when you book (a note in the reservation or a quick call) and we'll make sure your safety briefing and on-river instruction are in Spanish. ¡Bienvenidos al río Pigeon!