Smoky Mountain Outdoors, Gatlinburg

Most digusting facilities I have ever witnessed. The previous reviewer was right about the gear, it actually smelled like rancid B.O. I've camped for weeks without a shower and never stunk so bad. Please be careful of this place, it really is gross.

I have rafted with several different companies around the U.S., and I would rank them near the bottom. Set up a trip for 5 on July 25th at noon. Was told to be there an hour early for check-in. No problem, this is standard for most companies. Arrived and checked in at 11. Was told to wait outside for our trip number to be called. Noon arrives, and guess what? No guides, no rafts. About 12:30, we went inside and asked what the delay was about. Was told that we would have to wait for the guides to get back from an earlier trip. Now wait a second...each trip is two hours. So they basically lied about the noon departure? Nice. Finally got on the river at about 1:30. By that time, nobody in our group was very happy. Sitting around for 2 and 1/2 hours doing nothing really stinks. Speaking of stinking, oh my..the gear! I have never seen a rafting company take such poor care of the gear. Life vests were thrown in a pile on the ground in the hot sun. They smelled like rotting sewage. Other companies will at least hang up the vests, allowing them to air out. The helmets were stored in garbage cans (complete with garbage.) This is not a joke, it was just plain gross. It states on their website that they provide "plenty of surfing." Not true, they were in too big of a hurry to get back for the next trip. Do yourself a favor, book with any other company, they could do no worse.

Our guide was Big Steve. the rafts all travel somewhat together as a team down the upper river, This was our first time and I am a big CHICKEN when it comes to anything daring. I would recommend this trip to anyone who has even briefly considered trying rafting.

This was something I'd wanted to do for years and I was a bit anxious about it, though. Even though, I was nervous and praying I wouldn't fall out, I had a wonderful time and by the time the trip was over, I was wanting to go again. Tom, our guide, was great and knew the river well and guided us to maximum soaking through the class 4 rapids. This was the highlight of our trip to Gatlinburg. By the way, you have to drive 45 minutes to the outpost so plan enough time to get there before you have to check in.

My wife and I reserved the Thrill cats which are inflatible kayaks to go down the lower half's class 2 and 3 rapids. Our guild Josh C. was excellent. It was just the three of cruising down the river. Being in your own kayak allows you the freedom to go thru the rapids you choose. The kayaks were easy to handle and even for novices very enjoyible. They also have a photographer on the shore that gets pictures you can purchase at the end of your trip. We recommened taking a waterproof camera also : )