Four city-dwelling friends decide to embark on a wilderness canoe trip in the American South, seeking adventure and a respite from their everyday lives. Led by the charismatic and outdoorsy Lewis, the group also includes Ed, a cautious but skilled archer; Bobby, the least experienced of the foursome; and Drew, who brings a guitar and a peaceful outlook. Their goal is to navigate a river in a remote, soon-to-be-flooded valley, aiming to conquer the untamed wilderness before it's lost to a dam construction project. The initial excitement of setting off into nature soon gives way to the thrill of the unfamiliar and the challenge of the rapids.

As they delve deeper into the backwoods, the men encounter locals who are not pleased with outsiders intruding into their secluded way of life. Tensions escalate when a pair of menacing hillbillies confronts two of the travelers, leading to a harrowing sequence that forever alters the course of their journey. The incident thrusts the group into a primal fight for survival, forcing them to navigate not only the physical dangers of the river and the wilderness but also the moral complexities of vengeance and justice. Their adventure becomes a test of courage, brotherhood, and the human spirit, challenging their perceptions of civilization and the untamed world.