Smoky Mountain River Rat

Cool off and experience the natural beauty of the Smokies with Smoky Mountain River Rat in Townsend, Tennessee. Located on the Little River just a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, River Rat offers family-friendly tubing adventures surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

Choose between two different tubing routes depending on the kind of adventure you’re looking for. Outpost A is the family-friendly route, welcoming guests ages 3 and older under normal river conditions. This scenic float features moderate rapids, swimming holes and River Rat’s private rock jump along the way.

Ready to step up the adventure? Outpost B features larger, more exciting rapids along with swimming holes and beautiful Little River scenery. This route is designed for guests ages 8 and older under normal river conditions.

A Tubing Day Pass provides access to both routes, so you can float once or enjoy additional trips throughout the day as operating conditions allow. Commercial-grade tubes, life jackets and River Rat’s “Toober Oober” shuttle service along the individual routes are included. The two outposts are located about a mile apart, and guests provide their own transportation between them.

Families can even bring their four-legged adventurers along on the Outpost A route. Dogs under 50 pounds are welcome with a Dog Tubing Day Pass and receive a dog-friendly tube and tether. Additional requirements apply, and dogs are not permitted on the more adventurous Outpost B route.

For an extra-relaxing day by the water, River Rat also offers private Riverside Cabana Rentals at Outpost B. Available as full-day rentals, the furnished cabanas sit just steps from the Little River and can be reserved with tubing passes or enjoyed on their own. Tubing passes are not included with cabana rentals.

Both first-time tubers and experienced river adventurers are welcome, and no previous tubing experience is necessary. Because the Little River is a natural river, water levels, float times, and age requirements can change with weather and river conditions.

Reservations are required for tubing, so plan ahead before heading to Townsend. The Main Tubing Outpost is located at 205 Wears Valley Road, with Outpost B located nearby at 8435 State Highway 73.

Whether you want a relaxing family float, a more adventurous ride through the rapids, or an entire day spent along the Little River, Smoky Mountain River Rat offers a refreshing way to experience the Smokies.