One of the best ways to pass the hot summer months in East Tennessee is by river tubing in the Smoky Mountains. If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you won’t want to miss this exciting adventure!
River tubing in Tennessee is next level. Specifically, the Smoky Mountains area is widely known and beloved for its epic whitewater and thrilling river recreation. Everything from relaxing float trips to nail-biting floats with class 3 and 4 rapids is available on these rivers in the Smoky Mountains.
Due to the high-elevation mountain springs running down the slopes and merging into streams and creeks, the opportunity for water recreation on the Smoky Mountains rivers is endless.
When it comes to tubing in the Smokies, it’s kind of a “pick your own adventure” type of deal. There are nature’s “lazy rivers” and then there are adventurous routes with whitewater rapids. Most rivers have a good mixture of both! I’ll tell you all about them.
In this guide, I’m going to share the 3 best rivers to go tubing in the Smoky Mountains that are perfect for every type of adventurer. If you don’t have your own tube, you’ll want to read my roundup of the two top outfitters on each river, also in this post!
After reading this, hopefully, you’ll discover the best tubing in the Smoky Mountains for YOU!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!
What to Bring on Your Smoky Mountains Tubing Adventure
- Dry bag backpack. Depending on the tubing outfitter and the river, you might be allowed to bring a bag. If you can, bring a small dry bag backpack to hold your valuables. Keep the bag strapped onto you at all times.
- Life jacket. Some outfitters have them available for rent, but if not, you’ll need to bring your own.
- Water sandals. If the water level is too low in some spots, you will need to walk through the river. You’ll want a pair of water sandals or shoes with nice traction. The rocks are slippery!
- Reusable water bottle. Stay hydrated! Clip it to your tube or secure it in your dry bag.
- Waterproof phone case with lanyard. These are great for every water adventure.
- Waterproof camera. GoPros and Insta360s are waterproof; no case necessary!
- Tube. Tube outfitters are placed all along these rivers (I’ll mention the best ones later). But if you want to save some money and you plan on tubing in the Smokies (or anywhere!), you could invest in your own tube. The best tubes for river tubing are durable and light in color.
- Paddle. I would 100% recommend bringing a paddle to steer yourself and to jab at rocks when you lose momentum in shallow areas. Our kayak paddles are detachable so we just each brought one-half of one paddle. But you can also bring a mini paddle. You do not want a full-size paddle for tubing; they’re too long.
- Towel and a change of clothes. You’ll want to dry off after your tubing adventure!
NOTE: It’s never recommended to bring a lot of gear on the river. If you are bringing a cooler, you’ll likely need to rent/bring a separate tube for it. Some outfitters do not allow you to bring coolers on the river on their tubes, so verify that before heading out.
Read my complete list of float trip essentials here!
When to Go Tubing in the Smoky Mountains
Tubing in the Smoky Mountains is ideal from spring through fall.
Most of the outfitters are only open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, so if you don’t have your own tube and you want to float the river with an outfitter, you’ll want to go river tubing during the summer months.
ATTENTION: All vehicles parked inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park boundaries must have a parking tag displayed on their windshield. Read more about that here.
3 Best Rivers to Go Tubing in the Smoky Mountains
1. Little River
The Little River is an amazing river to go tubing in the Smokies. Tubing in Townsend, the quiet side of the Smokies, is a great way to escape the crowds and dive into nature.
With 59 miles of river originating from the top of Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) and snaking its way to Knoxville before dumping into the Tennessee River, there is ample opportunity for fishing, paddling, and tubing on the Little River.
The best tubing on the Little River is above the Townsend Dam, which is where several outfitters are located.
Below are the two best Little River Tubing outfitters.
Smoky Mountain River Rat
Location. Smoky Mountain River Rat has two locations in Townsend, Tennessee. One is on Wears Valley Road and the other is on State Highway 73.
Hours. Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day with daily hours from 10 AM-6 PM. They could open earlier in May depending on the weather and water levels.
Pricing. Tubing tickets cost $21.99 for adults (with at least one day advance online reservation) and $16.99 for children ages 3-12. Dog day passes for canines 50 pounds and under are also available for $14.99. Unlimited daily transportation and river trips are included with your ticket!
Tubing. There are two tubing experiences. One is calmer and perfect for beginners, children, and/or lazy river enthusiasts while the other is perfect for adventure fanatics and repeat tubers. The calmer route is 2 miles and takes an average of 2 hours to float while the adventurous route is 1 mile and takes an average of 1 hour to float.
River Rage Tubing
Location. River Rage Tubing is located about 8 miles before the Townsend entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hours. They are open 10 AM-6 PM daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Pricing. Tubing tickets cost $19.99 for adults and $16.99 for children ages 6-12. Your ticket includes an all-day pass, shuttle transportation, and bicycle rental if you want to explore Townsend before or after your river tubing adventure.
Tubing. You will tube for 1.5 miles, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, not including time for breaks or swims.
READ NEXT: Tennessee Vs. North Carolina: Which Side of the Smokies Is Better?
2. Deep Creek
Deep Creek is probably the most popular river to go tubing in the Smoky Mountains. The adventure spectrum is wide, ranging from wild whitewater to calm smooth water. Also, the overall ambiance and natural setting are gorgeous with waterfalls dotting the creek!
Below are the two best Deep Creek tubing outfitters.
Deep Creek Tube Center
Location. Deep Creek Tube Center is located in Bryson City, North Carolina, about 1 mile from the Deep Creek entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hours. Memorial Day through Labor Day. 2025 hours TBD.
Pricing. Tubing tickets cost $8 for an all-day rental. Transportation is not included.
Tubing. On the one-mile stretch of water that is for tubing, there is an upper and a lower section. The upper section is wilder and offers the most whitewater while the lower section is wider and calmer with a waterfall. There is a great swimming hole in between the two sections.
Deep Creek Lodge and Tube Outpost
Location. Deep Creek Lodge and Tube Outpost is located in Bryson City, North Carolina, right outside the Deep Creek entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hours. 9 AM-7 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Pricing. Tubing tickets cost $8 for an all-day rental. Transportation is not included.
Tubing. On the one-mile stretch of water that is for tubing, there is an upper and a lower section. The upper section is wilder and offers the most whitewater while the lower section is wider and calmer with a waterfall. There is a great swimming hole in between the two sections.
READ NEXT: Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains: Which Smokies Campground Is Right For You?
3. Oconaluftee River
The Oconaluftee River is a great spot to go tubing in the Smokies. Stretching 18 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee, North California, the Oconaluftee is a haven for kayakers, fishermen, and yes, tubers!
Below are the two best Oconaluftee river tubing outfitters.
Cherokee Rapids River Tubing
Location. Cherokee Rapids River Tubing is located in Cherokee, North Carolina, less than 2 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Hours. They are open daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day, weather and river conditions permitting.
Pricing. Tubing tickets cost $14 (ages 5 and up). Transportation is provided! You’ll float back to your car.
Tubing. There are two routes. There is the Big Cove Route, which is described as “all nature,” complete with swimming holes, rapids, and a rope swing. There is also an Island Route that takes you through town. The Oconoluftee River has Class 1 and 2 rapids.
Smoky Mountain Tube and Raft
Location. Smoky Mountain Tube and Raft is located in Cherokee, North Carolina, less than 2 minutes from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Hours. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 10 AM – 5 PM daily.
Pricing. Tubing tickets cost $14 (ages 5 and up). Cooler tubes are available for $10. Transportation is included! You’ll float back to your car.
Tubing. The Oconoluftee River has Class 1 and 2 rapids. Your 3-mile float will last 2-3 hours depending on how often you stop.
READ NEXT: Smoky Mountains in the Summer: What to Expect
Plan Your Trip to the Smokies
No matter which season you’ll be visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I’ve got guides to help you plan your trip!
- Smoky Mountains in the Winter
- Smoky Mountains in the Spring
- Smoky Mountains in the Summer
- Smoky Mountains in the Fall
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
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