Smoky Mountain River Rat Main Tubing Outpost

Mitchell Brock

2023-07

My wife and I went tubing here for the day and it was a great experience. There are two separate outposts, and you can do both (and you might as well because you pay for it) and they're within a mile of each other. Definitely kid friendly and even pet friendly (you can put your dog in a special tube if you want) the staff were very cheerful and helpful as well. If you make a reservation online you will save approximately $5 per person. The main stretch takes about 2 hours to float down the river from start to finish while the second one is only about an hour. (2 miles, and one mile, respectively). Highly recommend if your on vacation or even just a relaxing day on the river. You need to either bring water shoes with you or purchase a pair there because when the water is low you have get out of your tube and walk short distances on slippery rocks. I would also recommend bringing a long walking stick or buying one there to help push off rocks if you get stuck. Overall has a great time here would definitely recommend.

James Vinson

2023-08

This 2as one of our absolute favorite things too do... We would have done it a 2nd time if we hadn't already made plans for something else.. it was awesome, beautiful views.. calm floating and then several awesome rapids, definitely plan on getting wet... I recommend getting a paddle or stick.. 10 out of 10 of things to do on Vaca!! Definitely bring a bad to keep your items dry, plenty of calm rafting for pics.. we might go back and bring the dogs🐶❤️..

C E

2023-08

River tubing was an absolute blast! Outpost A took about 2 hours and was pretty smooth except for a few bumpy parts. Outpost B took about an hour but had more intense rapids. I highly recommend getting a push stick to help you along the river (they sell them for $7 in the gift shop). Also highly recommend a waterproof phone pouch to take on the river with you

Heather D

2023-08

Really fun for all! Came with my 5 year old nephew. We did outpost A & B. A is more calmer waters & B is more rapids and way shorter float time. You pay for both though. PAY IN ADVANCE ONLINE. They sell out fast and you will have to wait. The whole thing last about 2-4 hours. Pretty views. Check the website for water levels because we went when the water was average and there were spots we had to get out and walk or we got stuck. They sold “push sticks” and paddles for this reason. So if water is super low it may not be the best time to go. Plenty of spots to swim and there is a really good burger restaurant next to outpost B ! Check it out!

Mary Weezie Canada

2023-05

This was our second visit and so worth it. One of my favorites. Great family experience for all ages. Staff is very friendly and a very organized process, all the working parts move smoothly. Recommend booking online and at least a day in advance. Will save you money and guarantee you will have a spot. We booked the day of on our most recent trip and we were still able to get our group of 8 but it is extra per person to book the day of. The scenery is beautiful and a nice mix of lazy, chill floating and other areas that move faster and a little bumpy. The water is cold but very refreshing! About half way down the river is a neat spot to stop and there is a deep hole where they have installed a ladder on a piece of rock. You can climb out and jump in. Nice bit of adventure along the way. There are picnic tables you could pack a lunch and eat on the property before or after you float down the river. The grounds are surrounded by beautiful mountain views and everything is kept very clean. The shop items are very reasonably priced for water shoes, paddles and sticks to use while you tube if you forget to bring any items. Life jackets are provided for all sizes. There are changing rooms as well. You could make a whole day of it if you wanted. Between both our trips we had my 3 sons, my nephew and nieces between ages 5-16 and they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Neha Vl

2023-08

This was soooo much fun and such great value for money!! We purchased the tickets in advance and this helped us save about $10 per ticket and also helped us keep our appointment time (others were asked to come back 1.5hrs later as slots was completely booked). There is ample parking space and restrooms/changing rooms in both outposts A and B.We went on a holiday so the queue to check in was really long. We realize later that there is also a check in at outpost B that is relatively less crowded.Outpost B is a shorter route and definitely more adventurous with 3 amazing rapids. It is less crowded than Outpost A which is more popular, longer, has many smaller rapids and the rock jumps. We started with outpost B (went through it twice) and then went to outpost A.Having a stick really helps push yourself in the calm waters! Happy tubing.. we would love to come back here someday.

Misty Ryan

2023-08

The float was nice, except for the fact that the current is not strong enough to keep you moving if the water level is "average". My group was perfectly capable of getting ourselves downstream, but anyone who cannot easily get themselves in and up from the float should not be allowed to go. Our group had to help 3 separate older people get to the exit. They were unable to move because the water wasn't flowing in some areas and they were trapped. Two people were pushed from about halfway and another was helped from the end to the exit. One of the people had previously suffered strokes and his left side was limp for the most part. Why on earth would they allow someone to go if it puts them and anyone helping them in danger.?. They need safety precautions in place and to ensure those going understand they need to be strong enough to get themselves downstream in some areas.

Diana Garrity

2023-08

Great time. We did upper river. Rapids were perfect excitement and we did a Cabana that was a fabulous option although we did not use it much. It was great to have it to come back to after being on the river all day. Would definitely do this adventure again.

Jolynn Moss

2023-08

My family had a fabulous afternoon floating down the river! The area was very nice and inviting for my grandchildren. We had a picnic lunch and then Mike's Shaved Ice Snowballs! Awesomely delicious! The only complaint is that the bathrooms were disgusting!

Brandi Bellow

2023-05

Took a large group of 14 ages 5-69! Water was low so some of us went slower and got stuck on rocks, but overall very fun time! Point A is for all family and has a spot to stop and jump off rocks for those brave enough to do so! Very busy, so don't go if you want a serene float down river. Point B has more rapids and is shorter but with low water it was difficult to navigate. Would try again when water is at normal level. More peaceful because less people on river. Float by lots of busy campgrounds and people are in water having fun, but still peaceful. Cost is very reasonable for all day adventure, but make sure to purchase prior to visit.

Amy

2023-09

Took my mother on Tuesday. Everyone was pleasant and helpful . Explained what we would expect for our time on the river. It was beautiful/peaceful. We both had a wonderful time. We will definitely be doing this the next time we are up this way.

Jennifer Beh-Zimmer

2023-08

We always enjoy our time on the River. The staff is very friendly and helpful, the equidistant well kept and in good condition. It is always fun to make new friends on the river. We will keep coming back. So relaxing

Melody Smith

2023-09

So much fun!! Very well organized. Nice people. Reasonably priced. We’ll definitely come back again!

Kalvin Hang

2023-05

We had plans to come to TN for our vacation, so we added this event just to keep COOL. This is about as simple and relaxing as possible or so we thought....Back home in Michigan, tubing is easy and relaxing. No dangers. Boy did I misjudge this tubing in TN. Maybe it's just TN that is a little rough. I'll know better next time.Anyways, I saw the review and video's and everything looked simple. Even for small kids? Wow. So, we took our 4-5 year old grand kids....We set out and people where telling us to be careful and bring a pole or something. We were not expecting much, so we went with Nothing. Boy that was a mistake.Once we started, I had the 4 year old boy. I was careful and remember to NEVER let him go alone. My wife had the 5 year old girl. As we stared, our youngest child, lost her tube. Yeah, it floated away. Bye bye. Then our oldest daughter fell in. Not just in, but in the DEEP END! Lucky for her life jacket and a guest who could swim well. Then my wife fell in too! what! She had the girl, but she let go and only allowed herself to go in the water. She also feel into the deep part too. Wow. Too much deep end here. My other daughter also fell in too, but she was OK. She just kept falling in. I TOLD EVERYONE, JUST STAY DOWN AND DO NOT TRY TO GET UP OR YOU WILL FALL IN.Eventually, we all finished. This water is deep! Be carefull if you decide to tube here! I was the only person who did not fall in.

Jeanna Wilson

2023-08

SUPER fun experience! My husband and I are already talking about coming back next year to do it again! My 5 year old loved it! We will definitely be back.

Ben Albert

2022-05

This is such a great time!! My family really enjoyed the chill side. Our daughter loves jumping off the cliff. Actually got my mom out there who has never done anything like this. This was our second time and many more to go!! Thanks for the great service and awesome time. The only thing I would do is have someone out there selling food.

Angelica Ponte

2023-09

Such a fun experience! Our Guide Liam was super awesome he gave us the best white water rafting experience! Would go back again!

Amber Burke

2023-05

This was a fun relaxing trip with my family of 5. Youngest was 3. Wasn't crowded so we basically had the river all to ourselves. The man driving the bus at the end was extremely nice ( didn't get his name). I really hope they plan to invest in new life jackets VERY soon ! All of the adults ones were pretty bad and looked moldy. We had to pick thru and find the one that looked the least bad.

Ms. R

2023-08

We recently did a tubing trip here and had lots of fun. Outpost A was family friendly and it's very organized! It made for a relaxing afternoon and a great way to cool off in that Tennessee heat.

Angela- Frequent Flyer, Mom, Wife, RN

2021-05

We really enjoyed our day on the river, although being rookies, we really wish we would’ve known that low river levels meant a lot more work. Several of us were in great shape, but a couple of those in my group had knee issues, and the water was so low in several places they struggled to walk on uneven river bed to maneuver back to passable areas of the float. We would’ve done the second section of the river, even though we had smaller children with us, had we known in advance.Overall though, great company and a great day! Kids loved jumping off the rock area into the river at one particular spot. We saw one snake sunbathing on a rock on the river bank. And we saw some goats on the riverbanks too. Would love to do this float again when the river is higher. Also a great tip is to arrive early, around opening time. We went right at 10am and river was pretty wide open and uncrowded and no wait for bus back to parking lot. When we got back to our car the entire lot was full, so I imagine the river was too.

Evanya Stevens

2023-09

We had an amazing ride! It was our first time but Shayla (we nicknamed her Shay Shay) was an awesome guide and really made sure we got the most from our experience. I’d definitely go back!

Rosaline Hernandez

2023-07

We had a blast! We went down the family friendly side with my family and we all had a great time. I highly suggest to buy a stick or paddle, it helped us several times. Sometimes the water is very low and you get a little stuck within the rocks and need a little push, or you might come to an area that the water is not moving as much and need an extra little push with the paddle. In the area where the rocks are for you to jump off, keep a close eye on your tubes. We had an extremely rude grown man take our tubes after I repeatedly told him it was my husband and sons, he did not care and walked over me and stole them from us. It might be helpful to have staff keep an eye on this area as I felt very uncomfortable having a grown man walk over me and take my belongings.

Tisha Bain

2023-05

Great place for family's to have a good time. There was a food truck available to get some snacks with a little picnic area to sit. The store had sunscreen, hats and water shoes available to purchase should you need them. All the staff was very helpful and friendly. The process to buy tickets was quick and easy. Everyone in the group had a blast.

Glenn Wiehe

2023-07

Outstanding service from ALL employees, beginning to end.No need to buy trip needs from Walmart etc... not only is trip reasonably priced, buy shoes, oar for pushing, dry bags, all competitive prices, they don't trap you at last minute for buying there.Do not fret crowds, always looked packed when we drove by, we live here, but finally decided to try it with grandchildren visit, looks crowded, is not, plenty of parking, fast moving ticketing, life vest dressing (no add charge), tube and river entry. Crowd breaks up and go at your own pace. All this at july 4 week... wish we had gone sooner.

Ashley Cathey

2023-05

We had such a great time tubing with River Rat! It was a gorgeous day! The employees at River Rat were so kind and helpful. I was very impressed with their professionalism given how young they were. Our 5, 7, and 9 year olds all enjoyed the day. It was truly fun!

Sam Miller

2024-05

Went on the extreme ride with Ewok. Amazing experience all around. Felt like we got 100% out of the river. 10/10 would recommend.

Lisa Marie Maples

2020-05

Easy to put in river. Great customer service my tube for a leak and I was able to swap it for a new one half way down. No lines for return trip back. We bought the $6 paddle and it helped us steer away from rocks and stay together. Also recommend the $2 straps which is refundable upon retuen. We held strapin smooth water and let go with bumpy rapids. We did take a cell phone in waterproof case but did t need it. Police and staff patrol roads where visible I wouldn't take a toddler. but my 72 year old Mom did great. Clean bus and awesome staff.

Dopey 'slilgirl Gonzalez

2022-05

Even with a long line and humidity, wait time moved along quickly and we were greeted with a cold water hose and friendly staff. Perfect place to experience Tennessee with family visiting from out of state. Found our new favorite place in the warmer months. We will for sure be coming back.

Jenny Gallion

2023-07

We had a great time tubing down the Little River from Outpost A and the more adventurous, shorter route from Outpost B. (We went on that one twice!) Beautiful Day, friendly staff, yummy lunch from REO Cheesewagon, lots of laughing, sun-kissed cheeks, and memories to last a lifetime!

N.F “Nola”

2022-05

We had a great time, water was cold but felt good to me with the heat, very clean facility. Easy and quick pick up at the end of ride so you can go again. Price was awesome, would suggest getting one of the paddles to help you control your tube, can't take anything as far as ice chest is just you on a tube that has 2 handles and the life jacket they require you have, you don't have to wear it but have to keep it with you.