The backwoods of Georgia become the "Trip To Hell" for four city business men. Wanting to canoe a river and shoot the rapids before the wilderness area succumbs to a dam, Ed (Jon Voight), Lewis (Burt Reynolds), Bobby, (Ned Beatty), and Drew (Ronny Cox) expect a fun-filled weekend of camaraderie. What they find is adventure of an unexpected nature. When Ed and Bobby pull in along the river bank for a break, they run afoul of two good old country boys who resent outsiders. What ensues is a struggle against man and nature as the four sportsmen race downriver through a deep gorge with a vengeful mountain man in pursuit.