Kayak Trips in East Tennessee

Travel the lakes and rivers of East Tennessee by kayaking through its calm and rapid waters. The region abounds with water routes for paddlers of all levels. Tour the calmer waters of Ocoee Lake, and bask in the beauty of nature or challenge yourself by tackling the strong rapids of Big Pigeon River.

  1. Big Pigeon River

    • Rapid Expeditions in Hartford offers kayaking trips, beginner instructions and whitewater clinics in rivers such as Big Pigeon, Little Pigeon and Green River. Beginners can take classes to learn skills like roll and paddling techniques, safety, rescue and reading the water. The class takes four to five hours and includes gear and equipment. If you're ready to tackle a more challenging kayak trip, sign up for the whitewater kayaking clinic, during which you tread the rapids with a certified kayak instructor. Rapid Expeditions allows guests to customize lesson plans to fit personal needs and preferences.

    Watauga River

    • Explore the waters of Watauga River in Elizabethton. Watauga Kayak Outfitter is located right by the river and offers daily guided trips designed around your preferences and abilities. The trip comes with a kayak, guide, instruction, paddle and personal flotation device. Choose from four kayak trips--ranging in difficulty--including the classic river kayak trip, an easy and relaxing flat-water paddling that lasts two to three hours.

    Ocoee Lake

    • Lake kayaking gives paddlers a more relaxed experience to soak in nature and enjoy the sunshine. Ocoee Lake Kayak Adventures offers kayak trips with stable touring kayaks. Wildlife you may see include deer, beavers, bears and bald eagles. This trip requires a minimum of four participants and is available for half- or full-day excursions. All necessary gear and equipment are included, as is an instructor. Full-day trips include lunch.

    Little Pigeon River

    • Rent a kayak from Smokey Mountain River Rat to explore the Little Pigeon River on your own. Rentals include a shuttle ride to the put-in, a kayak, life jacket and paddle. The trip down the river is about 1 1/2 hours, and you will be sharing the route with tubers. Amenities include picnic areas and changing rooms. Inquire about combo packages that allow paddlers to also enjoy rafting and tubing down the river. Discounted group rates are also available.