Floating the Little River is the classic Townsend summer day. Cold mountain water, small rapids, a rock jump and the Smokies rising over the trees, all just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Smoky Mountain River Rat, the family-owned tubing outfitter that has run the Little River since 1995, sits directly across the road from Tremont Lodge & Resort. That means no car, no parking hunt and no drive back to the hotel in a wet swimsuit.
Here is everything you need to plan River Rat tubing in Townsend, from which float to pick to what to bring and when to go.
Smoky Mountain River Rat has been running tubing trips on the Little River in Townsend since 1995. Your day pass includes a tube, a life jacket for every age and unlimited shuttle rides back to the start, so you can float as many times as you want.
Both outposts have changing rooms, key check, lunch options and a gift shop that sells river shoes and waterproof phone cases. Lockers are available at Outpost A.
2027 season: River Rat has closed for the 2026 season and plans to reopen in March 2027. Check SmokyMtnRiverRat.com for current rates, hours and daily water levels before you go, or call (865) 448-8888.
River Rat runs two different floats from two outposts, so pick the one that fits your group.
Outpost A: the family float
Outpost B: the adventure float
What to bring:
Age limits can change when the river runs high after heavy rain, so check the daily water level update before you head over.
Directly across the road from Tremont Lodge & Resort
Smoky Mountain River Rat
Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 448-8888
Tubing on the Little River is a warm-weather activity. The water comes straight out of the mountains, so it stays cool even in July.
River Rat plans to reopen in March 2027. Early spring water is cold and often higher after rain, so late spring is when tubing really gets going. Watch the daily water levels.
Peak season. Memorial Day through Labor Day brings the warmest air and the biggest crowds. Go early in the day or on a weekday for shorter lines at the shuttle.
Warm September days can still be great for a float, with fewer people on the river. Once nights cool down, swap the tube for fall color on the Foothills Parkway.
Tubing is closed for the season. The Little River is still worth a visit for fly fishing, the Dark Island Swinging Bridge and walks along the Townsend Greenway.
Tubing is the one Smoky Mountain activity where you stay really matters. You will be wet, sunburned and tired by the end of the day, and nobody wants a 45-minute drive back through Parkway traffic after that.
Tremont Lodge sits directly across from River Rat. Float in the morning, walk back for lunch, cool off in the pool and still have energy for dinner in town. Cades Cove is about 15 minutes away when you want a quieter day.
Pair a tubing afternoon with an early morning on the Cades Cove Loop Road. Wildlife is most active at sunrise, and you will be back in time for the river.
Want a dry-land adventure after the river? Book a guided trail ride at a stable a short drive from the lodge, or saddle up for a ride through the Cades Cove valley.
The Little River is one of the best-loved trout streams in the South, with wild brook, brown and rainbow trout. Book a Townsend guide who supplies the gear, or wade right in if you know what you are doing.
If storms push the river too high to float, head underground instead. A cave tour at Tuckaleechee Caverns is the go-to wet-weather backup, only minutes up the road.
Tubing is the headliner, but the Little River shapes almost everything in Townsend:
Find more ideas in our things to do in Townsend guide, our family-friendly Townsend guide and our pet-friendly Smoky Mountains guide.
Smoky Mountain River Rat is the main tubing outfitter in Townsend. It runs two floats on the Little River with tubes, life jackets and unlimited shuttle rides included. It sits directly across the road from Tremont Lodge & Resort.
No. Smoky Mountain River Rat has closed for the 2026 season and plans to reopen in March 2027. Check SmokyMtnRiverRat.com for opening dates.
River Rat typically opens in spring and runs through the warm months, with peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Water levels can change day to day, so check the daily update before you go.
The family float at Outpost A is for ages 3 and up. The adventure float at Outpost B is for ages 6 and up. Age limits can change when the river is high.
Outpost A is a relaxing family float with small rapids and a rock jump. Outpost B is an adventure float with steeper, wilder rapids and swimming holes.
Yes, on the family float. River Rat offers a Dog Pass at Outpost A for leashed dogs under 50 pounds, with a dog tube and tether. You need to bring your own dog life jacket. Dogs are not allowed on Outpost B. See our pet-friendly Smoky Mountains guide.
Bring water shoes that strap on, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, dry clothes and a waterproof phone case. Tubes and life jackets are provided.
Yes. River Rat runs whitewater rafting trips on the Pigeon River in Hartford, TN, with Class II to IV rapids depending on the trip.
River Rat is directly across the road from Tremont Lodge & Resort, so guests can walk over instead of driving.
Visit the Dark Island Swinging Bridge, walk or bike the Townsend Greenway, try fly fishing for wild trout or browse more ideas in our things to do in Townsend guide.
Tremont Lodge & Resort is directly across from Smoky Mountain River Rat and less than five minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Float the Little River in the morning, then come back to the pool, hot tub and fire pit.
Planning a family trip? Our rooms and suites sleep from two to six, including a two-bedroom cabin in Townsend.
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