Four riders, eight hours, real backcountry fun. This VIP Can-Am style SXS outing takes you into Middle Tennessee’s hills with guided water crossings and waterfalls, plus stops that go beyond just driving around. I like that it stays intimate with a maximum of four people, and that safety gear is handled up front with helmets and goggles for everyone.

One consideration: lunch is at a country store/restaurant for an additional expense, and you’ll want to dress for good weather since the ride is dependent on it. Drivers also have extra requirements, including being at least 18 with a valid driver license and a credit card at check-in.

Key points I’d plan around

• Max four people: you get real attention from the guide, not a parade of machines.
• Water crossings and waterfalls: this is built around scenery and river-life moments.
• Driver or rider options: you can choose based on your comfort, if you meet the driver rules.
• Eight hours of guided riding: enough time to feel like a true day trip.
• Lunch stop at a country store: plan a little extra budget and time for the break.

Franklin, Tennessee start: why the location matters

This tour starts and ends right back at the meeting point at 4770 TN-50, Williamsport, TN 38487. Being local like this is handy because you can show up prepared, get through the safety briefing quickly, then get on the trails without guessing where to park or where the group is headed.

You’re also in a sweet spot for “real day outdoors” touring. The ride is focused on Middle Tennessee backcountry roads and areas, so you’re not stuck with a short loop that feels like an extended parking lot.

The 8-hour guided route: waterfalls, water crossings, caves, and a ghost town

The day runs about eight hours, and it’s organized as a guided tour through the hills with several major scenic stops. Expect the driving to include water crossings and waterfalls along the way, plus stops that connect the scenery to older places you can still see in the countryside.

Your guide leads you through backcountry roads and areas, with time built in for photo stops and sightseeing. The route also includes stops for things like caves and an old ghost town, plus additional historical sites/areas and the kind of farms, barns, and country stores you only really get by leaving the main roads.

A good way to think about the timing: the first part of your day is set aside to learn the machine and how the trails are run. Then you spend the bulk of the day riding between scenic points, with lunch as your midday reset before returning to the start.

Can-Am SXS basics, driver rules, and safety gear you wear the whole time

This is a guided SXS ride, so you won’t just get dropped on a trail and hoped for. Before you head out, you get detailed instructions on how to operate the Side by Side safely, plus rules for the road and the trails. That matters because water crossings and uneven terrain are part of the plan.

You also have clear safety requirements while moving: helmets, goggles, and seat belts are required when the SXS is in motion. Helmets and goggles are provided for each passenger, and each person gets a bottle of water.

If you want to drive, there are firm rules. Drivers must be at least 18 years old, bring a valid driver license, and have a credit card available at check-in. If you’re traveling as a group, you’ll also want to decide who is staying fully sober and ready to drive, since the tour specifically calls out not drinking and driving and designating a DD.

Small-group VIP feel with a four-person max

The VIP part isn’t fancy marketing. It’s the fact that the tour is set up for a maximum of four travelers, so you aren’t negotiating your attention with a big group.

With fewer people, the guide can keep the day moving smoothly, explain what you need to know for your machine, and adapt the pace. You’re also more likely to get helpful coaching if you’re nervous about handling an SXS on uneven ground or around water crossings.

One more human detail I’d trust: the guide named Kevin gets mentioned for making people feel like family and keeping the vibe friendly and organized. That matters more than it sounds, because a backcountry ride feels better when you can relax and focus on the views instead of worrying about the process.

Lunch at the old country store: plan money and timing

Lunch is a stop at an old country store/restaurant area along the route, and it’s not included. That means you should budget extra, and it also means lunch is a real part of the day rather than a quick snack.

The upside is that the lunch break matches the theme of the tour. You’re not just eating to refuel, you’re pausing in an old-school country setting with time to look around and take a break before heading back out.

If you’re sensitive to waiting, treat lunch like a scheduled reset and come prepared with water and a bit of flexibility. Also, consider bringing small weather-proof items for the stop, since there’s no mention of lunch being weather-protected.

What to bring: the stuff not included that can make or break the day

Even though you get helmets, goggles, seat belts, and bottled water, you still want to handle your comfort. The tour does not include sunscreen/bug repellent, sunglasses, or weather-appropriate attire like jackets and rain gear.

Here’s what I’d pack based on the stated needs:

• Sunscreen and bug repellent (especially if you’re staying outside at the store stop)
• Sunglasses you can keep secure for riding time
• Weather gear that you can actually tolerate while outdoors, since the ride depends on conditions

Wear something you’re okay getting dusty or damp. Water crossings are part of the route, so plan like you might come home with wet gear or at least damp shoes and socks.

How long it really takes and where to start off right

Plan on about eight hours on the clock. That includes the start, the instructions, the guided riding time, stops for scenery, and the lunch break, plus the return to the meeting point.

The tour also notes that you should be able to easily find the starting point so the day doesn’t get delayed. If you’re the type who arrives late and scrambles, this one is a good reason to leave early. A backcountry schedule runs smoother when everyone is on time for the briefing and safety check.

Price and value: what $510 buys you in practice

At $510 per person for an approximately eight-hour guided SXS tour, the value comes from a few concrete things, not just the vehicle.

You’re paying for:

• A small-group format with a maximum of four travelers
• A guided experience that includes water crossings, waterfalls, caves, and an old ghost town
• Provided safety equipment (helmets and goggles) and included water
• Use of the SXS and included fees and taxes

Lunch is extra, so factor that in when you’re comparing costs. Still, for a guided day in backcountry terrain where the route includes multiple major scenic features, this tends to make sense as a “one big activity day” purchase rather than a grab-bag of small stops.

This is also the kind of activity where group composition matters. If you’re going with friends or family and at least one person qualifies to drive, you can turn it into a more balanced shared experience. If no one in your group meets the driver requirements, you’ll want to consider whether you’re comfortable being a passenger for the full ride.

Who this VIP SXS tour is best for

This experience is a strong match for:

• Families who want a structured day outdoors with safety gear handled and a guide setting the route
• Older couples who want countryside touring with stops and scenery built into the day
• People who like hands-on travel, since you can drive if you meet the rules

It’s also well suited to folks who prefer a guided plan rather than trying to figure out routes and logistics on their own.

The two biggest “fit” questions for you:

1. Are you comfortable with required safety gear and seat belts for the moving portions?
2. Are you ready for a weather-dependent backcountry day, especially with water crossings included in the plan?

Should you book this SXS backcountry tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided eight-hour backcountry day with real set pieces like waterfalls, multiple water crossings, caves, and an old ghost town, all in a small group. The provided helmets and goggles plus included water reduce a lot of the friction that can come with outdoor tours.

I’d think twice if you’re trying to keep the total cost low, since lunch is extra and you’ll likely want to add sunscreen/bug repellent and weather gear. Also, if driving isn’t an option for anyone in your group, confirm that you still feel great being a passenger for the duration.

If you’re prioritizing a friendly, well-run day with a guide like Kevin who’s praised for making it feel personal, this VIP setup is exactly the kind of experience worth planning around.

FAQ

How long is the VIP 8 Hour Back Country Can-Am experience?

It runs for about eight hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 4770 TN-50, Williamsport, TN 38487, USA and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the price per person?

The price is $510.00 per person.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of four travelers.

Can I drive the SXS?

Yes, but drivers must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver license and a credit card at check-in.

What safety gear is provided?

Helmets and goggles are provided for each passenger. Helmets, goggles, and seat belts are required when the SXS is moving.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is available at a country store/restaurant stop, but it is an additional expense.

What drinks are included?

You get one bottle of water per person.

Is this tour open all seasons?

The ride is described as open all seasons, but the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.