Understanding Water Levels:
We tube on a rain-fed river. Water levels can change quickly and vary daily. It’s important to check current levels the day before and the morning of your reservation.
Water flow is measured by Cubic Feet per Second, but CFS rates affect each river differently. Considering factors such as safety and navigability over our last 30 years of operation, River Rat operates according to the water level ranges we define below.
An individual’s weight, physical fitness, and ability to remain in the current also contribute a tuber’s subjective experience while enjoying this natural waterway. See FAQ page for Tubing Safety Tips.
- Review current CFS rate
- Use Water Level Guide to understand current level
- If levels are Above Average or higher, reference the Additional Age Restrictions guide (communicates additional age restrictions and/or possible closures)
- Read full Water Level Description that applies below
**This CFS rate only applies to the Little River. It’s NOT CONNECTED to Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River in Hartford. **
WATER LEVEL GUIDE:
CFS = Cubic Feet / Second
- “Very Low”: 0 – 49 CFS (Advisory – Read Description Below)
- “Low”: 50 – 99 CFS
- “Average”: 100 – 299 CFS
- “Above Average”: 300 – 599 CFS (Additional age restrictions apply. No dogs permitted.)
- “High”: 600 – 799 CFS (Additional age restrictions. Only Outpost A operating. Outpost B closed.)
- CLOSED: 800+ CFS
ADDITIONAL AGE RESTRICTIONS GUIDE:
ABOVE AVERAGE [300 – 599 CFS]
Outpost A (Main Outpost):
No dogs permitted.
300-599 CFS: Only ages 6+ permitted.
Outpost B:
Dogs never allowed on this route.
300-399 CFS: Only ages 13+ permitted.
400-599 CFS: Only ages 18+ permitted.
HIGH WATER [600 – 799 CFS]
Outpost A (Main Outpost):
No dogs permitted.
600-699 CFS: Only ages 13+ permitted.
700-799 CFS: Only ages 18+ permitted.
Outpost B:
CLOSED
CLOSED [800+ CFS]
WATER LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
CLOSED
When water rises beyond 800 Cubic Feet per Second, we close all of our Tubing Outposts for the safety of both guests and staff.
Note: water may rise or fall by the hour. This page is updated hourly and current conditions above Average levels are updated on our homepage pop-up twice per day.
Please call (865-448-8888) if you have additional questions or if our homepage pop-up has not been recently updated.
**River Rat Tubing Outpost has company standards in place to monitor the water levels and reserves the right to restrict or impose, at any time, age restrictions or the availability to float for your safety.
HIGH WATER
HIGH water conditions due to heavy rainfall result in age restrictions. High water can happen quickly. At this level, water is moving faster and generally above all rocks. Protective footwear is highly recommended. The Little River may be muddy due to run off.
Note that water may rise or fall by the hour. Water levels are updated on this page hourly and current conditions above Average levels are updated on a homepage pop-up twice per day.
Please call (865-448-8888) if you have additional questions or if our homepage pop-up has not been recently updated.
**River Rat Tubing Outpost has company standards in place to monitor the water levels and reserves the right to restrict or impose, at any time, age restrictions or the availability to float due to High Water for your safety.
ABOVE AVERAGE
Above Average water conditions due to heavy rainfall result in age additional restrictions. At this level, water is moving faster than usual and is a bit deeper. Can be more comfortable in the rapids for heavier individuals (higher above rocky riverbed), but still requires active engagement and quicker reaction time to navigate the swifter water. Lightweight/young tubers will move more quickly than others in Above Average levels. Tube accordingly. This is still a natural waterway so proceed with caution. Protective footwear is highly recommended. The Little River may be muddy due to run off.
If current level is close to HIGH, please also read the description for that range above.
Note that water may rise or fall by the hour. Water levels are updated on this page hourly and current conditions above Average levels are updated on a homepage pop-up twice per day.
Please call (865-448-8888) if you have additional questions or if our homepage pop-up has not been recently updated.
**River Rat Tubing Outpost has company standards in place to monitor the water levels and reserves the right to restrict or impose, at any time, age restrictions or the availability to float due to High Water for your safety.
AVERAGE
At AVERAGE water levels, the Little River is not too high and not too low. This is still a natural, rocky river. If you are looking for a water park lazy river float, this is not exactly what you’ll get. You must still paddle with your arms to control your tube and direction to avoid slower or rocky spots, but at this level, you can expect to float with minimal effort. Protective footwear highly recommended.
If current level is close to either the LOW or ABOVE AVERAGE range, please also read the description for that range.
Note that water may rise or fall by the hour. Water levels are updated on this page hourly and current conditions above Average levels are updated on a homepage pop-up twice per day.
Please call (865-448-8888) if you have additional questions or if our homepage pop-up has not been recently updated.
If water CFS is nearing “Low”, read the Low Water description below as well to understand both conditions.
LOW WATER
LOW water level occurs when water on the Little River has dropped below average. Again, with a rocky river bottom you can expect to hit rocks at any water level, but more so at LOW level. At a LOW water level you can still navigate down the river. Tubing the Little River on these days will be harder and require more effort. If you simply sit in your tube and allow the water to navigate your path, you WILL get stuck more often. However, if you use your arms to paddle and navigate, there is a clear path to the take-out. Protective footwear is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED on LOW water days.
Every person is different and we cannot guarantee how much one person will walk or get stuck, versus someone else. A person needs to be in good physical condition, with no recent or pending surgeries. If normally getting up and out of a chair is a problem, tubing at this LOW time is NOT recommended. If someone in your group is over weight, this will result in getting stuck more often and River Rat recommends going when the water is higher.
VERY LOW WATER
These are not ideal conditions for tubing in Townsend. When the water is VERY LOW, you will get stuck, and you will walk with your tube in some areas. However, many people do tube and have a good time. There are still places to swim and enjoy being in mother nature. If you decide to go, please understand the Little River has a very rocky river bottom. The river bottom can also be slick and uneven. Protective footwear is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED during these Low Water days.
Every person is different and we cannot guarantee how much one person will walk or get stuck, versus someone else. A person MUST be in good physical condition, with no recent or pending surgeries/injuries. If normally getting up and out of a chair is a problem, tubing at this VERY LOW time is NOT recommended. If someone in your group is over weight, this will result in getting stuck more often and River Rat recommends going when the water is higher.
