“Outland is more than just a rafting company, it’s a family business that’s been sharing the Ocoee River with guests since 1981.”

When it comes to must-visit whitewater rivers in the United States, just about every trusted source would agree that the Ocoee River in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest belongs near the top of the list.

Welcoming more than a quarter million visitors during the height of the pandemic, this stretch of river remains one of the most commercially rafted rivers in the world. With more than 20 outfitters currently operating and over 40 companies having tried to make their mark throughout the river’s history, choosing the right outfitter can be a challenge. In a destination with so many options, experience and reputation go a long way.

Founded by Lamar Davis, one of the rare owner/raft guides still deeply connected to the river, Outland Expeditions has become a cornerstone of the Ocoee whitewater community. As the seasons have come and gone, Lamar has passed the torch to his daughter, Dakota Davis VanOflen, who proudly carries on the legacy and values her father established more than four decades ago.

“For over 45 years, we’ve focused on providing safe, exciting whitewater rafting trips while staying true to the family values we were built on.”

For Dakota, Outland Expeditions represents far more than a business, it’s a family tradition built around creating unforgettable guest experiences.

“We genuinely care about every person who visits us, and we treat our guests like they’re part of the family. From experienced guides to a welcoming atmosphere, we want everyone to leave with memories they’ll be talking about for years.”

Longevity in an industry where outfitters often come and go is one of the strongest indicators of quality. Companies don’t remain successful for decades by accident, they do it by consistently delivering experiences that guests want to return to.

When asked what excites her most about coming to work every day, Dakota didn’t hesitate.

“Seeing people step off the bus smiling and hearing them talk about their trip. We get to help families, friends, church groups, and coworkers make memories together, and it’s rewarding knowing we played a small part in one of the best days of their vacation.”

Knowing a company finds joy in making a difference in someone’s day, or even creating a memory they’ll cherish for years, is something every guest should consider when choosing an outfitter.

When asked what keeps guests returning year after year, Dakota had this to say:

“I think it’s the people. Our guides know how to make every trip fun while keeping safety the top priority, and many of our guests come back asking for the same guide year after year. Combined with our friendly staff, great location, and consistent experience, it keeps people returning with their friends and families.”

Delivering an experience that keeps guests coming back is essential for any outfitter, but treating people like family is what truly sets Outland Expeditions apart.

One of the best ways to understand a company’s culture is to ask the guides who work there. Veteran guide Zak Aragon, who has spent years on the river, shared what Outland means to him.

“…to be a guide here at Outland is to be a part of a great family that has always treated me well and like their own. This was the company I started with in 2011 and one that I have come back to like a boomerang over the years. When I was a rookie, Lamar took me under his wing, cared for me, and has always looked out for me one way or another. It’s great to see those same values carried on by his daughter, Dakota, and how she’s become a part of all of our lives as well. I have worked and guided in several places, but very few have had that ‘feels like home’ vibe when I pull in to park. That’s why I love working here.”

When a company’s own guides describe it as “home,” it speaks volumes about the culture they’ve built. That same sense of welcome extends to every guest who walks through the doors at Outland Expeditions. It’s not just about running rapids, it’s about creating an experience where families, first-time rafters, church groups, and lifelong adventurers all feel welcomed, supported, and excited to come back.

After more than 45 years on the Ocoee River, Outland Expeditions continues to prove that great rafting isn’t measured only by exciting whitewater or breathtaking scenery. It’s measured by the people who make the experience unforgettable.

Whether it’s your first trip down the Ocoee or your fifteenth, Outland Expeditions offers more than just a day on the river. They offer a tradition built on trust, exceptional service, and genuine hospitality. If you’re looking for an outfitter with decades of experience, knowledgeable guides, and a reputation built one family at a time, Outland Expeditions is ready to welcome you aboard.

Because at Outland, you’re not just another guest, you become part of their story.