FAQ

When choosing a whitewater rafting trip, it is important to consider the length of trip, time of year, location, age level of the group and activity level. High Mountain Expeditions offer trips year round ranging in length from ½ day to 2 days. Activity levels ranging from extreme whitewater to scenic leisure float trips. Our expert staff is skilled at helping you pick the High Mountain Expeditions adventure that is right for you. Please feel free to contact us for help in choosing which adventure is right for you.

The staff at High Mountain Expeditions truly set us apart! On any river adventure the guides are the most important factor in ensuring the safety, enjoyment and overall success of the trip. We consider our staff to be among the best in the industry. Our guides are historians, comedians, geologist, medics, chefs, photographers and remain the single most complimented component of our organization. Our staff is professional, playful and ever mindful of your wants and needs. Their enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious. Every member of the staff is qualified in CPR, First Aid and Swift Water Rescue; others are certified Emergency Medical Technicians and Wilderness First Responders.

On all of our adventures, you do not need to know how to swim. On all High Mountain Expeditions river trips, guests are required to where a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Before every river trip our guides will give a detailed river safety talk and show guests how to properly swim in whitewater.

High Mountain Expeditions invites guests as young as 3 on our ½ day Watauga River adventure. We understand the importance of creating extraordinary adventures for children and adults to share and create lasting lifelong memories together. The minimum age for our adventures ranges between 3 and 9, creating plenty of options that the entire family can enjoy together.

All adventures go rain or shine unless the conditions are deemed to be unsafe. A full refund will be issued if a trip is cancelled. At High Mountain Expeditions, safety is our primary concern, so we do reserve the right to move the trip to a different river depending on changing water levels.

High Mountain Expeditions takes pride in the food we serve on and off the river. The meals we serve on our adventures are hearty and healthy, complete with fresh fruit and homemade desserts. Our famous gourmet deli style lunch has something to offer for even the pickiest of eaters. We are happy to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, food allergies and other special dietary considerations as long as you tell us of your needs ahead of the trips departure.

High Mountain Expeditions is the only outfitter in the region to provide complimentary transportation to and from all its river adventures. Our drivers are cautious, responsible and have all been trained to drive safely on the roads they navigate.

High Mountain Expeditions is proud to hold permits from The U.S. Forest Service, State Park Service and National Park Service to conduct trips on protected land and rivers that might otherwise be inaccessible to most members of the general public.

If you feel your guide has provided a very special trip for you, you can leave a gratuity for them. The amount is completely up to you, but typically ranges from a simple “Thank You” to 20% of the cost of the trip.