For visitors seeking to experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from a different vantage point, like floating or riding white water down a mountain’s stream, tubing is a fantastic option!
A classic Smoky Mountain experience, river tubing is fun for all family members. River tubing is one of our favorite ways to escape the summer heat. It’s an excellent alternative to canoeing or kayaking. It’s affordable, requires no experience, everyone gets their own tube, and it keeps everyone cool and happy.
Not only can you lounge back and let the water do the work, but visitors can bask in the cool waters and roll down some ancient riverbeds while taking in the grandeur of lush forests, and towering mountain peaks.
Where to Go River Tubing Near Gatlinburg
There are two great spots for tubing on the Tennessee side of the Smokies: the Little River near Townsend and the Little Pigeon River near Sevierville. Despite the similar names, these rivers are different. To add to the confusion, the Little Pigeon River isn’t the same as the Pigeon River.
Little River (Townsend)
Smoky Mountain River Rat provides tubing on the Little River about 30 minutes from Gatlinburg. Located in Townsend, The Smoky Mountain River Rat offers two river trips on The Little River, on an upper and lower section. The Upper section is considered the more adventurous and scenic route, with rolling rapids and swimming holes along the way. The lower section is a more relaxed ride and family-friendly float with a rock jump, rope swing, and gentler rapids than the upper float.
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They offer two trips: the upper section, Outpost B, which is more adventurous and features great swimming holes; and Outpost A, their main location, which is family-friendly with small, refreshing rapids, scenic mountain views, swimming spots, and even a private rock jump! This section is suitable for ages 3+ and is dog-friendly.
Outpost A (Main):
- Family and Dog-Friendly Route
- Duration: 2 hours (fluctuates depending on water level)
- Features: Private rock jump & swimming holes along route, several sets of moderate rapids
- Age Requirement: Ages 3+
- Dogs are welcome to tube at OUTPOST A ONLY.
Outpost B:
- Adventurous Route
- Duration: 1 hour (fluctuates depending on water level)
- Features: Swimming holes along route, adrenaline-pumping rapids, and Riverside Cabana Rentals located near route exit
- Age Requirement: Ages 8+
- Dogs not permitted on this route.
River Rat is a premium outfitter and one-stop vacation destination with unique tubing routes, high quality equipment, on-site lunch options, souvenir and river gear shops, plenty of picnic space and much more.
Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center is based on the Little River in Townsend. It’s also wise to contact these outfitters to check the river’s water flow.
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Little Pigeon River (Sevierville)
River Romp offers tubing on the Little Pigeon River, about 5 minutes from Pigeon Forge and 20 minutes from Gatlinburg.
Whichever river or outfitter you choose, a shuttle bus will be provided. Both of these outfitters operate daily during the summer.
Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge - Smoky Mtn Nat'l Park - Nature Trails, Tubing, Rafting & Zoo
Other Tubing Locations
- Deep Creek: Deep Creek is considered some of the more adventurous tubing and is a popular area for swimming. The upper “whitewater” section of Deep Creek is known for its rougher, wilder waters, especially after a good rain. This bumbling ride ends in a deep and wide swimming hole. Located in the Deep Creek area, JJs Tube Rental is well known for their old-fashioned tubes, more like truck tire material that have hard plastic seats tied in the middle with rope. Deep Creek Lodge and Tubing Center has continued the legacy of offering family-fun and the tubing gear needed to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the park. For tubers who have worked up an appetite battling the rapids or just lounging about, Deep Creek Lodge and Tubing Center offers a snack shop and pavilion where tubers can have a lunch, snack or meal located right beside the creek.
- Oconaluftee River: For visitors wishing to experience a pristine river near the historic town of Cherokee, North Carolina the Oconaluftee River offers a fun and scenic float from this side of the park.
- Greenbrier Area: Located just up the road from Gatlinburg on 321, The Greenbrier area is a lesser known recreation area for tubing and swimming holes in the Smoky Mountains.
- Cherokee Rapids: Cherokee Rapids is popular for offering one of the longest trips in the area and their famous “Big Cove” Route. For guests with smaller children, seeking a more relaxing float trip Cherokee Rapids offers the “Island” Route.
Important Information
River Rage Tubing:
- Located on the banks of the Little River, at the entrance to the Smoky Mountains National Park, and closest gateway to famous Cades Cove in Townsend, Tennessee.
- Pricing: $19.99 for all-day passes.
- Minimum age 6 for tubing.
General Information:
- Parking: Plenty of parking available.
- Trip Length: The time of trip is determined by the water level. On the average, it is a 1:15-1:30 hour trip, without stopping off to swim or relax.
- Changing Room & Rest Rooms: Yes, bring an extra set of clothing.
It’s also wise to contact these outfitters to check the river’s water flow.
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Tips for Your Tubing Adventure
- Book in Advance: A limited number of passes are sold for each time slot to create a better experience. Pre-booking ensures you and your group get to tube at your preferred time.
- Plan Ahead: Check in as close to your reserved time as possible. Checking in earlier than 30 minutes before your reserved time is not permitted due to hourly inventory limitations.
- Sign Waivers: Ensure each tuber has a waiver signed for them.
- Check the FAQ: Our FAQ page is an amazing resource that includes anything you want to know about your visit from check-in to check-out.
Tubing is an excellent way to experience the beauty and excitement of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can choose from a variety of tubing options, ranging from gentle floats to thrilling white water rapids.
| Outfitter | River | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoky Mountain River Rat | Little River | Townsend | Family-friendly and adventurous routes, rock jump, swimming holes |
| River Romp | Little Pigeon River | Sevierville | Tubing on the Little Pigeon River |
| Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center | Little River | Townsend | Based on the Little River |
| JJs Tube Rental | Deep Creek | Bryson City | Old-fashioned tubes for tackling rapids |
| Cherokee Rapids | Oconaluftee River | Cherokee, NC | Longest trips in the area, relaxing floats for families |
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