Programs for Groups
Churches, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Businesses, and other Groups
Paddling is a great way to relax with any group of people and can provide a great day of fun on the river. We offer both Guided Trips and Self-Guided Trips for all types of groups. Planning a trip for a group is a lot of work, so Higher Pursuits has developed some helpful hints for group leaders in order to assist with the preparation for your trip. Below are some trip options for your group. If you have any questions about your trip, feel free to contact us.
Self-Guided Trips for Groups
Overview:
- The self-guided trip does not have a guide.
- The group just rents boats from us and paddles down the river at their own pace.
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Recommended Group Size:
- Generally, we recommend that you limit your group to 24 or less. This allows a better experience on the river.
- For youth groups: We recommend at least two adults on the trip. You may need more adults depending on the age of your group.
Scheduling Your Trip:
- Higher Pursuits offers online booking, this is the most efficient way to make your reservation.
- You do prepay for your reservation but can make any changes or cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows you to select specific boats and routes for your group. Some groups prefer to tell their group members the date and time of the trip and let each individual or family make their own reservations
- In the event of inclement weather or water conditions, we will contact your group the day before your trip to discuss rescheduling your trip.
Pricing:
- Our normal rental rate applies for groups. If you are a corporate group scheduling a program on a weekday give us a call to discuss a group discount.
- If you are a tax exempt group we can provide a tax exempt code for your online booking. You will need to bring your Tax Exempt form the day of your trip so we can keep it on file.
Additional Information:
- Please carpool as much as possible, we have limited parking available, so it is helpful to have groups carpool.
- The group must stay together. TN law now requires that anyone under 16 years old must be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old.
- TN law requires that every participant have a life jacket available in the boat. Any participant 12 years old or younger must wear their lifejacket at all times. We recommend that all participants wear their lifejacket.
- We recommend shoes that will stay on your feet (flip-flops tend to fall off in the water and float away)
- As the group leader you should plan on 30 to 45 min at the canoe base to get prepared for the trip, 4 to 5 hours on the water for the 5.5-mile trip and 30 min to return to the base. In general, about 6 to 7 hours total.
- We encourage groups to bring a lunch and plenty of hydrating beverages. There are several great places to stop and have lunch on the river.
- For additional information, please complete the “Request Information” form so we have a better idea of what type of program you want, desired dates and additional planning details. You can also call us with any questions.
Guided Trips for Groups
Overview:
- The guided trip program for groups provides a guide to accompany your group on your trip.
- The advantage of having a guide is that they know all the best places to stop and can help the group stay together.
- They can also provide basic paddling instruction, talk about wildlife or talk about history, depending on the goals for your group.
Recommended Group Size:
- 1 to 12 participants – one guide
- 13 to 18 participants – two guides
- Youth Programs: A minimum of 2 adults is required. You may need additional adults depending on the age of the participants and types of boats you are renting
Scheduling Your Trip:
- Guided Trips must be scheduled through our staff. For additional information, please complete the “Request Information” form so we have a better idea of what type of program you want, desired dates and additional planning details. You can also call us with any questions.
- In the event of inclement weather or water conditions, we will contact your group the day before your trip to discuss rescheduling your trip.
Pricing:
- Our normal rental rate applies for groups. If you are a corporate group scheduling a program on a weekday give us a call to discuss a group discount.
- If you are a tax exempt group we can provide a tax exempt code for your online booking. You will need to bring your Tax Exempt form the day of your trip so we can keep it on file.
- Guide Fee: $75 per guide
Additional Information:
- Participants must stay with the group
- All participants (including adults) must wear their lifejacket while on a guided trip.
- No alcohol is allowed on any guided trip.
- We recommend shoes that will stay on your feet (flip-flops tend to fall off in the water and float away)
- As the group leader you should plan on 30 to 45 min at the canoe base to get prepared for the trip, 4 to 5 hours on the water and 30 min to return to the base. In general, about 6 to 7 hours total.
- We encourage groups to bring a lunch and plenty of hydrating beverages. There are several great places to stop and have lunch on the river.
- For additional information, please complete the “Request Information” form so we have a better idea of what type of program you want, desired dates and additional planning details. You can also call us with any questions.
