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 !!
Three Trip Lengths
Great Prices!
Kayaking, Canoeing, & Tubing in TN!
Join Us For An Exciting River Experience - Kayaking in Tennessee!
Here at Smooth Rapids, we offer three different float lengths to suit your needs. There are no notable differences between the three routes in terms of conditions, but choosing the length of your route is key. 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. Join us for your Barren Fork and Collins River kayaking experience!
Highlights
Float along the beautiful Barren Fork and Collins rivers
Paddle your way down the river in a kayak or canoe
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): $25
- Tandem kayak rentals (two people max): $40
- Canoe rentals (two people max): $40
- Tubing $15 (only available on this float)
- Add floating coolers: $15
- Shuttle service only (this option is available to those who bring their own equipment) $20
Launch times
9am – 4 pm
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
All-year, every day (weather permitting)
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): $40
- Tandem kayak rentals (two people max): $60
- Canoe rentals (two people max): $60
- Add floating coolers: $15
- Shuttle service only (this option is available to those who bring their own equipment, priced per person): $20
Launch times
8 am – 2 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
All-year, every day weather permitting
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): $50
- Tandem kayak rentals (two people max): $70
- Canoe rentals (two people max): $70
- Add floating coolers: $15
- Shuttle service only (this option is available to those who bring their own equipment, priced per person): $20
Launch times
8 am – 2 pm
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 (Wild Bill’s) for the shuttle back.
Availability
All-year, every day (weather permitting)
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.
Check Out Our Range Of Floats!
We have a range of different floats for rent, find out more below:
The Jackson Staxx (NEW FOR 2021!)
The Staxx doesn’t skimp on comfort and offers an incredible kayaking experience versus others in its class. The Staxx also has the convenience of easy storage with a folding seatback that allows it to be stowed away or stacked. The weight capacity is over 300lbs! Very stable for beginners and easy to fish from! This kayak is a premium upgrade from the Riviera and there is a small upgrade charge when renting.
The Jackson Riviera
Quite possibly the simplest to use kayak on the market, the Riviera was inspired by a group of outfitters who wanted a kayak that was very stable, easy to paddle, comfortable, required no maintenance, and fit paddlers of almost any size. These same features make the Riviera just the ticket for those who want an easy-to-use, hassle-free kayak for cruising, fishing, or just having fun on the water.
The Jackson Rivi-T
The tandem version of our Riviera, the Rivi-T, allows two people the same fun on the water. Built to last, the Rivi-T is one tough kayak and perfect for liveries and resorts as well as cottage and lake fun.
Tubes
River tubing in Tennessee is a great way to relax and float down the river with a drink in hand! Our tubes are double-chambered with the largest reserve chambers available. Extra heavy-duty handles are placed at 3 & 9 o’clock for floating. One cup holder per tube is permitted and this activity is only available on our shortest float course.
Canoes
We have a limited number of canoes for a maximum of 2 people – do not overload! The Barren Fork and Collins Rivers can get shallow during periods of no rain. For 2 adults, we highly recommend the tandem sit on top kayaks as they are easier to paddle even for beginners.
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.
