Smoky Mountain River Rat, Tubing and Whitewater

River Rat Tubing: Top Tubing Outpost in the Smokies | Townsend, TN

Looking for the best Tubing in the Smokies? You’ve found it! Come float your way down two routes on the Little River in beautiful Townsend, TN. Both awesome tubing routes are included with all day passes, season memberships, and adventure packages - 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. The bigger your group, the bigger your discounts!

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 those wanting to take it easy or first-timers to The Rat. 

Outpost B’s 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 along the way! Due to the increased physical requirements of this route, this float is suitable for ages 6+. Dogs are not allowed on this route. You can also find our luxury, Private Riverside Cabana Rentals at this outpost. A full list of cabana amenities can be found on our website.

Outpost B’s route is our “adventure float,” as it features a handful of steeper, adrenaline-pumping rapids, refreshing swimming holes, and gorgeous mountain scenery along the way! This float is suitable for ages 6+. Dogs are not allowed on this route. You can also find our Private Riverside Cabana Rentals at this outpost.

Note: Age restrictions may apply due to high-water levels. Check our website for daily updates.

Tubing Outpost amenities:

• High-quality tubes, complimentary life jackets for all ages, unlimited shuttle rides, dog-friendly tubes, changing rooms, car key kiosk, locker rentals (Outpost A only), lunch and sweet treat options at both outposts, and Gift Shops

Also available:

• Private Riverside Cabana Rentals, Season Tubing Passes, Tubing/Whitewater Rafting combo packages

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 Rafting Adventures on one of the most popular rafting rivers in America.

Adventure-lovers, this one's for you. Our Upper Pigeon 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 (ages 8 and older).

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 this section of the river has to offer in our specialized Xtreme rafts. No experience necessary! Our Xtreme Upper Pigeon 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.

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 (ages 3 and up).

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