Tennessee's #1 Tubing • Smokies' #1 Whitewater Rafting
Splash into the Smokies’ ONLY hub with both top-notch Tubing and heart-pumping Whitewater Rafting! River Rat specializes in making lasting memories, so grab your swim shoes and get ready to vacation as nature intended in Mother Nature’s Water Parks.
TUBING: Townsend, TN (CLICK for Directions)
WHITEWATER RAFTING: Hartford, TN (CLICK for Directions)
River Rat Tubing: #1 Tubing Outpost in the Smokies | Townsend, TN
Come float your way through gorgeous Smoky Mountain views on the Little River in beautiful Townsend, TN. River Rat is the top-rated tubing outfitter in the Smokies, providing top-tier memories to guests from around the world.
Two awesome tubing routes are included with all day passes, season passes, and adventure packages - with which you can float as many times as you want during operating hours on the day of your visit. Groups of all sizes are welcome, with group discounts available!
For the ultimate river adventure experience, book one of our Riverside Cabana Rentals as well. Surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery and nestled just feet from the riverside, there's no better way to relax between tubing trips.
Outpost A: The Main Outpost float is our family-friendly float and features many small, refreshing rapids, scenic mountain views, swimming holes and even a private rock jump! This section is suitable for ages 3+, is dog-friendly and is ideal for first-timers to The Rat.
Outpost B: This route is what we like to call our “adventure float,” as it features a handful of steeper, adrenaline-pumping rapids, refreshing swimming holes, and gorgeous mountain scenery. This float is suitable for ages 6+. Dogs are not allowed on this route.
Note: Age restrictions may apply due to high-water levels. Check our Water Levels page for daily updates.
Tubing Outpost amenities: High-quality tubes, complimentary life jackets for all ages, unlimited shuttle rides, dog-friendly tubes, changing rooms, key check, locker rentals (Outpost A only), lunch options at both outposts, Gift Shops, and Private Riverside Cabana Rentals.
BOOK HERE: Reservations Required
River Rat Whitewater: #1 Whitewater Outpost in the Smokies | Hartford, TN
Adventure-enthusiasts of ALL experience levels, look no further! River Rat Whitewater is home to the Smokies' #1-Rated, guided rafting adventures on the #1 Rafting River in America.
Our Most Popular (Ages 8+): Adventure-lovers, this one's for you. Our Upper Rafting Adventure combines class III and IV rapids with the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest for an unforgettable river-bound expedition.
Our Best Upgrade (Ages 8+): Once our guests try out our Xtreme rafts, they never go back! Want to take your expedition up a notch? Take on all the thrills the Upper section of the river has to offer in our specialized Xtreme rafts. No experience necessary! Our Xtreme Upper Rafting Adventure takes on the same route in our specialized, smaller rafts. These boats' smaller size provides rafters more agility to experience the full excitement of every rapid.
A Favorite for Young Families (Ages 3+): Rafting with young ones, or just want to take it easy? The Lower Pigeon Adventure has plenty of rapids to satisfy your craving for excitement, but mellow enough for even the youngest thrill-seekers with gorgeous mountain views on class I and II rapids.
Our team of highly experienced guides are ready to uniquely cater your rapids expedition to the adventure type that you’re looking for. Take your pick of half or full-day expeditions at the River Rat, ranging from serene to extreme.
River Rat Whitewater is the closest rafting to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville. We’re located just 25 miles from Gatlinburg and 30 miles from Pigeon Forge.
Whitewater Outpost amenities: On-site lunch at Grab It N Growl food truck, draft beer, picnic area, changing rooms, hot showers, bus parking, and Gift Shop
Also available: Day-cations (full day of rafting) and Whitewater Rafting/Tubing combo packages
BOOK HERE: Reservations Required
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Groups of ALL sizes are welcome at both Outposts! The bigger your group, the bigger your discount.
Come play in Mother Nature's water parks! PADDLE! SPLASH! PLAY!
Tuesday - Thursday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
TUBING OUTPOST | TOWNSEND:
*Open May 24th*
Open 7 Days/Week: 10am - 4:30pm
For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact River Rat Tubing & Rafting directly.
