Smoky Mountain River Rat, a family-owned and operated business since 1995, offers an unparalleled tubing experience at its Main Tubing Outpost in Townsend, Tennessee. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely float or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, this premier destination has something for everyone.
Operating Hours and Tubing Options

The Main Tubing Outpost operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last trip time at 5:00 PM and ticket sales and check-in closing at 4:30 PM. Visitors can choose from a variety of tubing options, including:
- Day Passes: Allow for unlimited tubing fun at both Outpost A and B, with shuttle service included.
- Season Pass: Ideal for those looking to tube all vacation or summer long.
- Dog Day Pass: Available for dogs under 50 lbs, providing access to the Main Tubing Outpost A route, a tube tether, and a dog-friendly tube.
Tubing Routes
Smoky Mountain River Rat offers two distinct tubing routes, each catering to different skill levels and preferences:
Outpost A (Main)
- Suitable for ages 3 and up
- Includes small rapids, a private rock jump, swimming holes, and stunning mountain views
- The route is 2 miles long and takes approximately 2 hours to complete
Outpost B
- Designed for ages 6 and up
- Offers a more adventurous tubing experience
Amenities and Facilities
The Main Tubing Outpost provides a range of amenities and facilities to enhance your tubing experience:
- Free Parking: Available at Outpost A
- Day Locker Rentals: Offered at Outpost A
- Key-Holding Service: Provided at Outpost A
- Gift Shops: On-site shops selling essential river gear, comfort items, and souvenirs
- Riverside Cabana Rentals: Available at Outpost B, offering luxury and comfort with amenities like seating, gifts, and upgrade options
Safety and Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable tubing adventure, Smoky Mountain River Rat has the following safety guidelines and requirements:
- Protective Footwear: Highly recommended due to the rocky river bottom
- Sunscreen: Recommended for tubers
- Tube Tethers: Available for young children
- No Lifeguard on Duty: Tubers must be aware of their own safety
Booking and Discounts
Smoky Mountain River Rat offers several booking and discount options to make your tubing experience more affordable:
- Advance Booking Discount: $5 off per individual tubing day pass when booked at least 1 day in advance
- Group Rates: Discounts available for groups, with larger groups receiving bigger discounts
Contact Information
- Phone Number: Available on the Smoky Mountain River Rat website
- Website: smokymtnriverrat.com
Additional Information
Smoky Mountain River Rat is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing top-notch tubing and whitewater rafting experiences since 1995. The company has been recognized as a leading destination for these activities, earning numerous awards and accolades over the years.
References:
– Smoky Mountain River Rat. (n.d.). Smoky Mountain River Rat: #1 Tubing & White Water Rafting. Retrieved from https://smokymtnriverrat.com
– TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g55383-d1448636-Reviews-Smoky_Mountain_River_Rat_Tubing-Townsend_Tennessee.html
– Smoky Mountain River Rat. (n.d.). Tubing in the Smoky Mountains – Important Tips | River Rat. Retrieved from https://smokymtnriverrat.com/know-before-you-go-tubing/
– Smoky Mountain River Rat. (n.d.). River Tubing: Rates & Packages | Smoky Mountain River Rat. Retrieved from https://smokymtnriverrat.com/tubing-rates-packages/
– Smoky Mountain River Rat. (n.d.). 1 Tubing Adventures near Gatlinburg – Smoky Mountain River Rat. Retrieved from https://smokymtnriverrat.com/tubing-adventures/