This place is by far my favorite place to rent kayaks from, always very friendly each time we’ve gone, responsible prices and the float miles are great for the price you pay, highly recommended renting from this place if you are wanting to go kayaking !!
Multiple Trip Lengths
Great Prices!
Kayaking and Tubing in TN!
Join Us For An Exciting River Experience - Kayaking in Tennessee!
Here at Smooth Rapids, we offer different float lengths to suit your needs. We recommend the shortest float for those with young children as it starts at the city park where there are plenty of other family activities available. Our medium float is our most popular choice and gives you between 4 and 5 hours on the river, a great way to spend a morning and enjoy the scenery. Our longest float is also very popular and gives you most of the day on the water to admire the views and explore beyond the river. (JUST ADDED) A kayak tour to see one of the areas most impressive waterfalls, Burgess Falls! Join us for your Barren Fork River, Collins River, or Burgess Falls kayaking experience!
Highlights
Float along the beautiful Barren Fork and Collins rivers
Paddle your way down the river in a single person or tandem sit-on-top kayak
Stop for a picnic lunch by the river
Enjoy the tranquility and pleasant scenery
Click the Tabs to Learn More
Shortest Float
The Details
Trip
Pepper Branch Park to Smooth Rapids
Trip length
2 miles
Duration
- 1 hour for kayaks (average)
- 2 hours for tube rentals (average)
Prices
- Single kayak rentals (one person max): $29
- Tandem kayak rentals (two people max): $49
- Tubing $20 (only available on this float)
- Add floating coolers: $20
- Shuttle service only (this option is available to those who bring their own equipment) $20
Launch times
10AM- 4PM
Meeting point
Everyone meets at Smooth Rapids Outfitters located at 245 Durham Street McMinnville, TN 37110. We shuttle you to Pepper Branch Park then you float back to Smooth Rapids Outfitters
Availability
During the summer season (May through Labor Day weekend) 6 days per week. Closed on Mondays.
Available during the off-season by appointment only.
Included
- Paddle
- Life vest
- Shuttle to and from start point
What to bring
- Shoes with a heel strap or water shoes
- Swimming attire – you might get wet
- Change of clothes and towel
- Bug spray
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, shades
- Dry bag or box for your phone, keys, wallet, etc ZIP LOCK BAGS OFTEN FAIL!
Participation requirements
- Participants under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult
- This activity isn’t suitable for children under 3
- This activity isn’t suitable for anybody over 320 pounds, if you are over 275 pounds then please call in advance – see FAQ page for more information
Cancellation policy
Once you reserve our equipment, we block that inventory off exclusively for you. If you would like to cancel then this is our policy:
- More than 48 hours in advance – full refund
- Between 24-48 hours – 50% refund
- Less than 24 hours – You can reschedule to a different date
We do not issue refunds for no-shows or weather. In severe weather cases, we offer rain checks that never expire.
Please call to cancel. More info can be found on our FAQ page.
The Details
Trip
Smooth Rapids to VFW
Trip length
6 miles
Duration
4.5 hours – must finish 1 hour before dark
Prices
- Single kayak rentals (one person max): $49
- Tandem kayak rentals (two people max): $79
- Add floating coolers: $20
- Shuttle service only (this option is available to those who bring their own equipment, priced per person): $20
Launch times
8:30 am – 1 pm
Meeting point
Everyone will meet at Smooth Rapids Outfitters located at 245 Durham Street McMinnville, TN 37110. Paddle times vary widely so participants should call upon arrival at the end of the route.
Availability
During the summer season (May through Labor Day weekend) 6 days per week. Closed on Mondays.
Available during the off-season by appointment only.
Included
- Paddle
- Life vest
- Shuttle to and from start point
What to bring
- Shoes with a heel strap or water shoes
- Swimming attire – you might get wet
- Change of clothes and towel
- Bug spray
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, shades
- Dry bag or box for your phone, keys, wallet, etc ZIP LOCK BAGS OFTEN FAIL!
Participation requirements
- Participants under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult
- This activity isn’t suitable for children under 3
- This activity isn’t suitable for anybody over 320 pounds, if you are over 275 pounds then please call in advance – see the FAQ page for more information. Put this on all short medium and long floats (put this on the short float as a requirement as well)
Cancellation policy
Once you reserve our equipment, we block that inventory off exclusively for you. If you would like to cancel then this is our policy:
- More than 48 hours in advance – full refund
- Between 24-48 hours – 50% refund
- Less than 24 hours – You can reschedule to a different date
We do not issue refunds for no-shows or weather. In severe weather cases, we offer rain checks that never expire.
Please call to cancel. More info can be found on our FAQ page.
The Details
Trip
Pepper Branch Park to VFW
Trip length
8 miles
Duration
5.5 hours – must finish 1 hour before dark
Prices
- Single kayak rentals (one person max): $55
- Tandem kayak rentals (two people max): $85
- Add floating coolers: $20
- Shuttle service only (this option is available to those who bring their own equipment, priced per person): $20
Launch times
9 AM – 12PM
Meeting point
Everyone meets at Smooth Rapids Outfitters located at 245 Durham Street McMinnville, TN 37110. Paddle times vary widely so participants just call upon arrival to the Old VFW Bridge for the shuttle back.
Availability
During the summer season (May through Labor Day weekend) 6 days per week. Closed on Mondays.
Available during the off-season by appointment only.
Included
- Paddle
- Life vest
- Shuttle to and from start point
What to bring
- Shoes with a heel strap or water shoes
- Swimming attire – you might get wet
- Change of clothes and towel
- Bug spray
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, shades
- Dry bag or box for your phone, keys, wallet, etc ZIP LOCK BAGS OFTEN FAIL!
Participation requirements
- Participants under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult
- This activity isn’t suitable for children under 3
- This activity isn’t suitable for anybody over 320 pounds, if you are over 275 pounds please call in advance – see the FAQ page for more information
Cancellation policy
Once you reserve our equipment, we block that inventory off exclusively for you. If you would like to cancel then this is our policy:
- More than 48 hours in advance – full refund
- Between 24-48 hours – 50% refund
- Less than 24 hours – you can reschedule to a different date
We do not issue refunds for no-shows or weather. In severe weather cases, we offer rain checks that never expire.
Please call to cancel. More info can be found on our FAQ page.
Kayak to Burgess Falls!
The Details
- Kayak to see one of the best waterfalls in the area!
- This tour meets at Frank’s at Cane Hollow 1037 Austin Rd, Sparta, TN 38583. Since the launch to paddle to Burgess Falls is 45 minutes away from Smooth Rapids, we partnered with Frank’s at Cane Hollow to provide parking only minutes from the Cane Hollow Access Point.
- Duration : 3.5 Hours
- Frank’s at Cane Hollow has a great restaurant for you to enjoy before or after your float. Your van driver will be your guide on your float. Single person and tandem kayaks only. No pets. No drones. Approximately 3.5 hours round trip. 15 minutes in the shuttle van to the launch, then a 1 hour paddle to Burgess Falls. The tour will stay at Burgess Falls for 1 hour, the 1 hour paddle back, and the 15 minute ride back to Frank’s at Cane Hollow.
- VERY IMPORTANT!! The trips leaves promptly at (9:00AM or 2:00PM) for an approximate (9:15AM or 2:15PM) launch time so arrive early to check in. Once the shuttle van leaves, the shuttle driver will be the guide and will not return for approximately 4 hours. There are no refunds for late arrivals that miss the shuttle van’s departure times. It is very important to be on time. Same day reschedules may not be possible. We do not provide shuttle service for personal kayaks on this trip from Frank’s at Cane Hollow. If you rent equipment, you must check in at Frank’s at Cane Hollow and ride in the shuttle van. We do not deliver or pick up rental equipment directly at the launch.
- What to bring:
– Shoes with a heel strap or water shoes
– Swimming attire – you might get wet
– Change of clothes and towel
– Bug spray
– Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, shades
– Dry bag or box for your phone, keys, wallet, etc ZIP LOCK BAGS OFTEN FAIL!
Check Out What Our Previous Guests Say
Great place to kayak, water is nice, kayaks are super comfortable easy float for all ages. Place is run very efficiently no issues getting on or off the water. Highly recommend
Best kept secret in camping and kayaking. Staff goes above and beyond, the kayaking is awesome, and the restaurant is just the icing on the cake.
