DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?

Yes. Book your passes and sign your digital waivers before you arrive. A limited number of passes are sold for each time slot to create a better experience for you. Pre-booking ensures you and your group get to tube at your preferred time. A pass must be purchased for each tuber – children, dogs and adults included.

PRE-BOOK TO SAVE $5 EACH

When you book 1+ days in advance, each pass is discounted $5! Group Rates, which are already discounted, also receive this discount.

COMPLETE WAIVERS BEFORE ARRIVING

You’re not ready to check in until all tubers’ digital liability waivers are complete. All tubers must have one, so ensure all minors are signed for by a legal adult (18+ years old). The waiver link can be found in the Customer Portal texted to the reservation purchaser, as well as in the confirmation email. Please text this portal link to each person in your group.

**Before checking in, for your safety and comfort, be sure to read through TUBING SAFETY TIPS section on this page too**

TUBING OUTPOST A (MAIN) – 3 Years Old +

PARKING (A)

Free parking is provided in our 5 acre lot located behind the main entrance and Toobers retail shop. After parking, gather your wallet and river attire. Proceed to the main building.

BUS PARKING: Buses welcome! Please call 865-448-8888 for parking instructions prior to your arrival if you’re driving a bus or motorcoach.

WHEN TO ARRIVE

Plan to check in as close to your reservation time as possible. Early check-ins are not permitted. Call in advance to request reservation time adjustment if necessary. Availability is limited.

CHECKING-IN (A)

Our Main Outpost building/Gift Shop is where you’ll check in, as well as where all changing rooms and restrooms are located. It’s best to send one representative for your group to check in – preferably the individual whose name is on the reservation, as they will need to present their ID (only this one guest needs to present their ID). A government-issued photo ID must be presented upon Check-In. The last name used on your reservation and Credit Card should match the ID presented.

Our Front Desk Staff will then provide your wristbands, which all tubers (both people and dogs) must have to get a tube and to return in our shuttle. Life jackets, tube rental and shuttle service are all provided with a wristband.

You’ll be directed towards the onsite river entrance, where you’ll grab a lifejacket and a tube, head through our tunnel to the river and then tube the day away!

LOCKERS

Locker rentals are available for your use at this location so after you’ve checked in, lock up all other belongings that you don’t want lost or wet – including your car keys.

RIVER JOURNEY (A): WHAT TO EXPECT

Outpost A is for the relaxation-enthusiasts, young ones, and your water-loving pups. You’ll navigate through a series of small rapids, enjoy our private rock jump, relax in swimming holes, and take in stunning mountain views along this route. Your tubing journey down this route will be 2 miles long and will last an average 2 hours.

Note that the Little River is a natural river, not a lazy river float, that is dependent on rainfall which causes varying water levels. As the river bottom is rocky, especially on low-water days, we highly recommend wearing protective footwear (see Tubing Tips section). Sunscreen and tube tethers for young children (available in our gift shop) are also highly recommended.

Please note: there is no lifeguard on duty.

Be sure to read our “Tubing Safety Tips” drop-down below.

EXITING THE RIVER (A)

As you exit, you will need to stand up out of your tube and walk a short distance in the water. The rocks can be slick and uneven, so it is essential that you wear protective footwear. You will exit to the left after the only concrete traffic bridge along your route. This traffic bridge will be visible from far away while you’re tubing, so once you see it, use your arms to paddle to the left side of the river. There will be a large River Rat exit sign, a large paved boat ramp, and a conveyor belt for your tubes.

This is the only exit for River Rat customers. As all property along this route is private property, please do not get out of the water anywhere else (aside from our rock jump). This is the only place our shuttles can come get you. Please respect the home owners and other businesses by staying in the river. Our “Toober Oober” shuttles will be waiting to take you back to our Main Outpost, where you parked.

DON’T FORGET – YOU CAN GO AGAIN OR SWITCH TUBING LOCATIONS!

Your wristband allows you access to both tubing outposts A & B all day long until the last trip time of the day. Once you return from tubing one route, you can either tube again or you can return your rental items, retrieve your belongings, and move your vehicle to the other tubing location. Remember, everyone 3 years and older and dogs under 50lbs are welcome at the Main Outpost A. However, only those tubers 6 years and older can tube the upper section, Outpost B.

TUBING OUTPOST B – 6 Years Old +

PARKING (B)

Free parking is provided in our lot located behind the main entrance and retail shop, through the gate. After parking, gather your wallet and river attire and proceed to the outpost to check in.

CHECKING-IN (B)

Once inside this outpost, the front desk will assist you with checking in for your reservation and informing you of what to expect for your tubing journey. If you have already checked in and received a wristband at Outpost A, please still check in inside this outpost as well before proceeding to get a tube and PFD. The individual whose name is on the reservation must present a government-issued photo ID upon Check-In. The last name used on your reservation and Credit Card should match the ID presented. Each participant will be issued a wristband, which allows you to tube all day until the last trip time of the day. This route is suitable for ages 6 and up, unless additional age restrictions apply.

Outpost B is a much smaller outpost, but still offers a gift shop with all your essential tubing tools and other great souvenirs.

After checking in, head back to your vehicle to get ready for your trip and be sure to secure belongings you don’t want lost or wet inside your vehicle. Restrooms are located between the outpost and the parking lot. A key kiosk is available in the outpost, where our staff will hold your car keys while you float.

You can then proceed back to the Outpost to retrieve your tube, life jacket, and then wait under the awning for our “Toober Oober” shuttle to pick you up. You will be driven to the put-in which is located just before the National Park line.

NOTE: The entrance to the river is steep and can be slick. We highly recommend protective footwear and caution when entering the river.

RIVER JOURNEY (B): WHAT TO EXPECT

** The rapids on this end of the river are more intense. If you have never tubed this river, we recommend starting at Outpost A, and then tubing this route.**

For those ready to take on more exciting rapids, this is our “adventure float”! You’ll find gorgeous mountain views and plenty of refreshing swimming holes along this float. This route is about 1 mile long and takes an average of 1 hour to tube.

Please note that this is still a natural river, not a lazy river float, that depends on rainfall which causes varying water levels. As the rapids on this route are steeper and the river bottom is rocky, protective footwear is also highly recommended for this route (see Tubing Tips section). Note that tethering is not permitted on Outpost B’s float, as it increases your chance of destabilizing the connected tubes. Dogs are also not allowed on this route.

Be sure to read our “Tubing Safety Tips” drop-down below.

EXITING THE RIVER (B)

The exit that you will float to is located behind Outpost B’s parking lot. When you see our Private Riverside Cabana rentals to your left and our River Rat exit sign soon after, make your way to the left-hand side where a staff member will assist you with exiting the river. Since you’re back at Outpost B, you may retrieve your keys and belongings, have lunch, or begin another trip.

Be sure to return our life jackets and any helmets used back at Outpost B if you do not plan to float this route again. Please note that Outpost A and Outpost B’s routes are separated by a low-flow dam, so it is not an option to continue floating beyond this Outpost’s exit down to outpost A.

All property along this route is also privately-owned, so please do not get out of the water anywhere else. Please respect the home owners and other businesses by staying in the river until you reach our designated exit.

DON’T FORGET – YOU CAN GO AGAIN OR SWITCH TUBING LOCATIONS!

Your wristband allows you access to both tubing outposts A & B all day long until the last trip time of the day. Once you return from tubing one route, you can either tube again or you can return your rental items, retrieve your belongings, and move your vehicle to the other tubing location. Remember, everyone 3 years and older and dogs under 50lbs are welcome at the main location A. However, only those tubers 6 years and older can tube the upper section, location B.

INCLEMENT WEATHER & HIGH WATER

We tube rain or shine. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, we will delay the start of your trip until it passes.

If you are unable to use your tubing tickets on the day you reserved, we are happy to change them to another date. All tickets must be used within the summer season to which you made the purchase. Tickets cannot be transferred to the following season.

Because river and weather conditions can change, we reserve the right to move trips to a different section of river for your safety. No refund or rain checks will be issued unless the outfitter completely cancels operation for the day.

Water levels can change quickly in inclement weather, so check our Weather & Water Levels page before you arrive for current water levels and age restrictions (updates hourly). High Water levels can create additional age restrictions or closures. These conditions are reported on a homepage pop-up.

TUBING ADVENTURES

Cancellation Policy (Individual Trips):

RIVERSIDE CABANA RENTALS

Cancellation Policy:

TUBING WITH YOUR DOG:

• Dogs are welcome to tube at OUTPOST A ONLY.
  
• Dog Pass prices can be found HERE.
• Dog Passes includes both a dog tube and a tether rental to connect their tube to yours.
• Dog parents are encouraged to tether the dog’s tube to your own, even if you plan to hold your dog on your lap.
• We DO NOT provide dog life jackets.
• All property along the route is private property so ensure the dog has used the bathroom before you tube. Avoid trespassing and respect local residents by keeping your dog in their tube or in the river through your entire float.
• Pets are not permitted in the Gift Shops/Check-In building. Please arrange to be able to complete your check-in without bringing them in the building.
• Bring dog poop bags and be prepared to pick up after them.

REQUIREMENTS – PLEASE READ:

• Weight Limit:
  • Dogs under 50 lbs are permitted. Heavier dogs not advised due to nails popping the tube.
• Behavior/Training:
  • Must be trained, well-behaved, and friendly to both people and dogs.
  • Must be comfortable in water and be able to swim, as they will get wet and will go through rapids. If the dog is scared, they may pop the tube.
  • Must remain on a leash at all times.

SERVICE DOGS

• If you have a Service Dog (trained to do work or perform tasks for a disability), call our Reservations Department (865-448-8888) for more information.

TUBING SAFETY TIPS

Here are key tips that contribute to a safe and comfortable float:

• Life Jackets must accompany tubers at all times on the river (details in next section)
  • No Lifeguard on Duty!
• Sit correctly with your bottom in the tube and your legs over the front (not laying on your stomach)
• Use your hands to paddle (or purchase a paddle) and navigate the river current
• Avoid obstacles like tree limbs or rocks
• Tube facing downstream when possible to remain aware of surroundings and navigate safely
• Stay in your tube when possible
• Tethering is only permitted for connecting to Children and Dogs
  • For your safety and the safety of those tubing around you, adult tethering is not permitted.
  • Tethers not permitted at Outpost B.
• If you fall out of your tube, to help avoid injury, do not attempt to stand. It is typically best to float on your back with your feet downstream until you reach calmer water and then pull yourself back into your tube.

LIFE JACKET (PFD) REQUIRED

Life Jackets are provided complimentary to all tubers at the River Rat. We have PFDs available for small children, youth and adults. You can bring your own, but it must be US Coastgard-Certified.

The TWRA requires that a US Coastguard-certified life jacket (PFD) accompany each tuber on the river – adult and child alike. TN state law requires that children 12 years and younger wear these PFDs throughout the entire float. Ages 13+ are not required to wear them (though one MUST accompany each person). Note that River Rat highly recommends it still be worn by all adults while on the river.

If you are not an experienced swimmer, make certain you wear your PFD securely at all times, as there are several areas along the route that will be deeper than standing height for an adult.

It is strictly prohibited to use the PFD straps to connect tubes. Doing this or letting it drag behind you in the water, quickly creates wear and tear on the PFDs.

PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The Little River has a very rocky riverbed – especially on days with low water levels! For your safety, wearing secure footwear is highly recommended while tubing down the river. Good options include: water shoes, tennis shoes, or sports sandals (sandals with a heel strap that secure to your feet).

If you forget to bring water shoes, we have affordable options available in our gift shops.

OTHER RECOMMENDED GEAR

Due to the fact that this is a natural mountain river and not a lazy river float, some navigation is required to stay within the current on your float. This is especially true on low and high water days. To help you navigate the current and more easily avoid any rocks along your route, we highly recommend purchasing a Push Stick or Paddle (available in our Gift Shops) for your adventure.

WEIGHT ADVISORY

This activity is not recommended for individuals weighing over 300lbs, unless physically fit and regularly participate in vigorous exercise. The heavier the person, the more their tube can be weighed down, causing river navigation to be more challenging. Low water levels can also contribute to this difficulty navigating as you may naturally get slowed down in some rapids, requiring you to stand up and down out of your tube on slippery rocks. Shoes are highly recommended regardless of water levels. An individual’s physical capabilities could also affect their ease or difficulty of participating in the activity.

Be sure to check our website for current water conditions before your visit.

PREGNANCY ADVISORY

TETHERING TUBES TOGETHER (Outpost A only)

For your safety, tether use is now ONLY permitted for Children (ages 3-5) and dogs. Tethers are provided with the purchase of Child and Dog Day Tubing Passes, which must be returned at the end of the day. They must be used to connect no more than 2 tubes together.

River Rat does not allow guests to use privately-owned tethers, as this creates a danger to other guests, damages equipment, and makes exiting the river difficult. Every river is different. Success using tethers on other rivers does not mean it is safe to use your personal tether on these river routes. Please simply hold on to each others’ handles if you would like to remain close.

Adult-to-adult tethering greatly increases the risk of getting stuck and flipping tubes. It can then also pose a risk to tubers around you.

TUBE OPTIONS

We offer high-quality tubes that are designed to lessen the chance of it popping when making its way along the Little River, which has a rocky riverbed. We have tubes both with bottoms and without bottoms available.

ADULTS: Tubes with an open center are intended for adults, as they are better reinforced & have better center of gravity for adults.

CHILDREN: Tubes with a bottom are best for small children for comfort & size.

HOW TO SIT IN A TUBE PROPERLY

Sit in the tube with your backside in the hole and with your feet hanging over the front near the handles. Use your arms to paddle and help navigate your tube along river. Try to always stay facing down-river while seated in your tube. Floating on your stomach is not recommended!

GIFT SHOPS

Forgot something? Our Gift Shop has all the river gear you’ll need and is filled with great souvenirs from your River Rat vacation in the Smokies! We have all of the important/recommended items listed below available in all of our gift shops for you should you forget something or not want to stop elsewhere before your visit.

RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING ON THE RIVER

WATER SHOES/ PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR

The riverbed of the Little River is very rocky! We highly recommend wearing secure footwear, for your safety, while tubing down the river. Great protective footwear options include: water shoes, tennis shoes, or sports sandals (sandals that secure to your foot with a strap around the heel).

Flip flops are NOT recommended.

SUNSCREEN

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen! It is recommended to apply sunscreen before each run down the river. If you forget to bring sunscreen we have some available in our gift shop.

PUSH STICKS

Push sticks are very helpful for assisting you in pushing your tube away from rocks or from the river embankments to avoid getting slowed down or stopped – especially on low water level days.

NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

You’re welcome to bring 1 non-alcoholic drink container with you on the river, but it must be secured somehow to either you or your tube. Please either use a reusable water bottle, like our River Rat Nalgenes, or a water bottle strap to secure your disposable bottle to the tube. We offer both of these options in our gift shops as well. No cans, glass bottles, paper or Styrofoam cups will be allowed on the river.

ITEMS WE DON’T ALLOW OR RECOMMEND BRINGING ON THE RIVER

CAR KEYS

DO NOT BRING YOUR CAR KEYS ON THE RIVER. Day locker rentals are available at Outpost A and we also offer a key-holding service at both Outpost A and B. If bring your keys on the river, you’ll likely lose them and be paying a locksmith to assist you.

Note: We only hold keys behind the front desk, not personal belongings.

BAGS (SIZE & CONTENT LIMITS)

BAG MAXIMUM SIZE: 12″ Wide x 18″ High x 6″ Deep

Bags larger than the size provided above are NOT ALLOWED on the river or shuttle buses. An extra tube will not be provided for your bag.

If you do bring a bag on the river they must be able to close with a clip, zip, or drawstring (no coolers, plastic, or open bags). Bags are limited to carrying one plastic or reusable bottle per person – no glass, cans, styrofoam or alcohol.

These parameters are set to improve the quality of all tubers’ experience and to keep the Little River clean of litter! The less you bring, the less you have to keep up with and the more fun you’ll have.

SNACKS

As the average duration of the float is only about 2 hours, and there isn’t anywhere along the route that you can get out and picnic, it’s most convenient to enjoy the snacks you’ve brought before and after your float.

Check out our Food Options page to see what we offer at both Tubing Outposts.

CELL PHONES

We do not recommend bringing your phone loosely with you on the river, whether it is waterproof or not, as even waterproof phones aren’t sink-proof.

If you would still like to bring it with you to take photos, be sure to use a waterproof phone case with a strap to keep it attached to you. We sell quality, affordable waterproof phone cases in our Gift Shop should you want to bring your phone.

LOUD SPEAKERS

If you do bring a speaker, please keep it on a low volume out of respect for our riverside home owners and all those wanting to enjoy this peaceful, natural environment.

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED ON THE RIVER

In order to keep our river clean and free from litter, we do not allow the following items on the river.

Note: You may leave coolers in your vehicle for after the trip, they are just not allowed in the tubes or river.

• Alcohol
• Glass Bottles
• Cans
• Styrofoam
• Coolers
• Loose Ziplock/Grocery Bags

This activity is not recommended for individuals weighing over 300lbs, unless physically fit and regularly participate in vigorous exercise. The heavier the person, the more their tube can be weighed down, causing river navigation to be more challenging.

Low water levels can also contribute to difficulty navigating, potentially requiring you to stand up and down out of your tube on slippery rocks when stuck. Shoes are highly recommended regardless of water levels. An individual’s physical capabilities could also affect their ease or difficulty of participating in the activity. Be sure to check our website for current water conditions before your visit.

Family Float/ Outpost A (Main):

Everyone must be at least 3 years of age to tube the river. There may be an age restriction to apply due to high-water levels. Check current water levels and age restrictions on our Weather & Water Levels page.

Adventure Float/ Outpost B:

Everyone must be at least 6 years of age to tube the river. There may be an age restriction to apply due to high-water levels. Check current water levels and age restrictions on our Weather & Water Levels page.

ALL ROUTES – Unaccompanied Minors:

Minors under the age of 16 years old are not permitted to tube without an accompanying legal adult (ages 18+). Minors of 16 and 17 years old can tube without an adult if a liability waiver has been completed for them by a legal guardian.

Family Float/ Outpost A (Main):

The average trip time is ~2 hours.

Trip time will vary depending on the water level.

Adventure Float/ Outpost B:

The average trip time is ~1 hour.

Trip time will vary depending on the water level.

**Water levels fluctuate daily, so please check the information board at the front desk or our up-to-date Weather & Water Levels page.

**Our locker processes differ at Outpost A and B**

MAIN OUTPOST (A)

Paid full-day lockers are available at this outpost – where we recommend you lock up all items that you don’t want lost or wet, including your car keys.

OUTPOST B

This outpost utilizes a car locker system, so leave your belongings in your locked car and our staff will keep your keys at the Keyosk behind the front desk while you are on the river. This is not required, only a free service we provide.

NOTE: If you do not wish to leave your keys with our staff, please DO NOT take them on the river. It is very likely you will lose them. We do not recommend taking anything of value on the river.

REFRESHMENTS, SNACKS, AND LUNCH OPTIONS

We have awesome refreshing and tasty food options available at both Tubing Outposts A & B.

Check out our Food Options page to see what we offer at both outposts.