Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend reserving for weekends, holidays, and large groups to secure your preferred boat and time.

Rafting on the Hiwassee River is an activity suitable for most individuals. You must be 18 or older to rent a boat. Those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. We do not recommend rafting for pregnant individuals, or those with health problems. 

The rafting trip covers 5.5 miles. The duration depends on your comfort level and pace, the average person completes the journey in about 2 hours. Along the way, there are multiple pull-offs and islands where you can stop to rest and explore, making it a flexible and enjoyable experience.

The Hiwassee River is a self-guided river, meaning there are no dedicated guides on the water. While no previous experience is necessary, we recommend watching some instructional videos on how to paddle a kayak before coming. 

We suggest bringing sunscreen, water, snacks, a change of clothes, and some food for after your trip. For your valuables, such as phones, we recommend purchasing a dry bag. Our on-site store also carries a variety of items you may need, including water shoes and waterproof bags.

The inflatable kayak is the most popular choice for our guest and in our opinion is the most enjoyable. It offers excellent maneuverability compared to the larger puma rafts, which may be more prone to getting stuck in rocky sections of the river. Tubes are also an option, though they are more challenging to control due to the lack of a paddle. 

The Hiwassee River features Class 1 and Class 2 rapids. There is a four foot drop and some larger class two rapids. 

We recommend wearing water shoes, a swimsuit, or fast-drying clothing, as you will get wet. For added comfort, consider clothing that is breathable and suitable for outdoor activities in water.

Yes, we offer a bathhouse facility for all customers, which includes changing rooms, showers, and restrooms for your convenience.

For your personal belongings, we offer dry bags and phone dry bags for sale in our store to keep your items safe and dry. We strongly recommend using these to protect your valuables during the trip. We do not hold car keys for customers.

Our trips run every hour from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. On weekends, we offer shuttle services every 30 minutes, also from 11 AM to 3 PM.

The Hiwassee River experiences water releases everyday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. After Labor Day, we continue to operate on weekends until late September. For specific water release schedules, please check TVA’s website.

Typically on busy weekends we do not have the room for extra boats on the shuttle.  However, we usually can provide a person-only shuttle.  On most weekdays we try to accommodate private boaters.  

Our trips operate rain or shine. In the rare event of a severe storm, we may delay your trip by 30 minutes for safety.

To receive a full refund, you must cancel your reservation at least 24 hours before your scheduled trip. Cancellations made within 24 hours may not be refunded.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled shuttle time. This allows enough time for check-in, signing waivers, gearing up, and shopping for any last-minute items you may need.

You are welcome to bring a small cooler for your trip, as long as it fits in the available space in your raft (this includes the solo, tandem, and puma rafts). Please note that coolers do not fit in tubes. The state does not allow alcohol, styrofoam, or glass containers on the river.

Tubes are much more intense than other rafts due to the lack of a paddle and the lower level of control. The Hiwassee River features numerous rocks, drops, and larger rapids, making tubing a more challenging activity. It is recommended to allow for an additional hour on your trip if you choose to tube.

Alcohol, styrofoam, and glass containers are not permitted on the Hiwassee River for safety and environmental reasons.

Hiwassee Outfitters is located at 155 Ellis Creek Road, Reliance, TN 37369. When traveling, please drive under the train trestle to reach our parking area.

Once you pass under the train trestle, there are several designated parking areas available on the property for our customers.