Water parks are all the rage… and waterparks in the Smokies are no exception. In fact, in addition to commercial waterparks, the Smokies are home to two of the best natural waterparks in the country. A great place to spend time with the family or a great group of friends, River Rat Tubing in Townsend, Tennessee and River Rat Whitewater Rafting in Hartford, TN are both natural waterparks in the Smokies you won’t soon forget. Here are four good reasons our favorite natural waterparks in the Smokies rival all others:
1. River Rat Tubing and Whitewater Rafting offers a genuinely unique experience.
You won’t find a lazy river here, but we’ll go you one better. You can tube from either of our outposts in Townsend, TN down the beautiful Little River all day long with the same wristband. Our wave pools are swimming holes, and when you’re ready to find some shade and relax near the water, you’ll certainly enjoy our wonderful Riverside Cabana Rentals.
If you choose whitewater rafting as your adventure in gorgeous Hartford, TN You’ll learn to surf, not on a shark-shaped board, but on our signature yellow river raft, and you’ll trade man-made waterslides for riveting rapids and high rocks that beckon you to cool and beautiful swimming holes along your trip.
2. Our waterparks in the Smokies are beautiful backdrops for all your vacation photos.
Your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is all about making memories, and we’re certain that someone in your group will be intent on capturing all the moments along your natural water park journey down the river that you’ll want to commit to memory. Be sure to tuck a great waterproof disposable camera in your bag before you hit the water! We can almost guarantee that you’ll come home from your natural waterpark adventure with some of the best pictures you’ve ever taken. You’ll encounter gorgeous scenery at every twist and turn of the Pigeon or Little Rivers, and you’ll certainly encounter lots of smiles and antics from those who join you on this day at the river.
3. Our beloved waterpark in the smokies is as educational as it is fun.
The Guides for our whitewater rafting excursions are also excellent educators. Along the trip, you’ll hear fascinating stories and local lore, and your guide is very likely to point our local wildlife watching your group from the banks of the river and tell you more about the vegetation local to the hills of Appalachia. You’ll also leave knowing so much more about river safety and the classification of rapids, too. You’ll also have opportunities to stop and explore along the way of your whitewater rafting or tubing adventure, making this a wonderful field day for your entire family or group.
4. No trip to these waterparks in the Smokies is ever just like the last.
No matter how many times you visit one of our beautiful, natural water parks in the Smokies, you’ll always come home with new stories to tell. You have a choice of adventures at either of our locations: You can raft the upper or lower river in Hartford, or choose to navigate the Pigeon in our X-boat, a smaller, more extreme raft that ups the ante and only adds to the fun. Alternatively, you can tube our family-friendly route from Outpost A in Townsend or choose to tube from the more challenging Outpost B. Each trip offers something new and different every single time you visit. Of course, after your day of play in the water and sun, we’ll welcome you back to either venue with great food and drink options, and places and spaces to recoup and relax.
If you can’t wait to enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, we’re looking forward to rolling out the proverbial red carpet to two of the world’s best natural waterparks in the Smokies… just for you! Not sure which river to choose? We offer packages that allow you to enjoy either or both. So, make plans to tube with us on the Little River in Townsend, TN, or enjoy a day of Whitewater Rafting in Hartford, TN. And because so many of our visitors return summer after summer, and we look forward to seeing you and your family again for even more natural waterpark adventures in the Smokies in the years to come. So, go ahead, mark your calendar get ready to come visit us in this beautiful place that you’ll always remember!
Your soon-to-be favorite waterparks in the Smokies are waiting!
