Jun 5, 2026
Tubing the Little River in Townsend, TN
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
In Townsend, summer has a way of drawing people to the Little River.
The river runs alongside the road, slips beneath the trees and winds toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For visitors and locals looking to cool off, tubing offers a direct way to experience one of the Peaceful Side’s defining features.
Townsend has two main tubing outfitters: Smoky Mountain River Rat and River Rage Tubing. Here’s what to know before you go.
Smoky Mountain River Rat offers two tubing routes on the Little River in Townsend. The main tubing outpost is located at 205 Wears Valley Road, and Outpost B is located at 8435 State Highway 73.
The routes include a relaxed float and a more active section with faster-moving water. Tubing is open to children as young as three years old, and dogs weighing 50 pounds or less are allowed on the Main Outpost route. Tube rental and shuttle transportation are included with the tubing pass.
The 2026 tubing season runs May 23 through Sept. 7. Both outposts are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The check-in desk closes at 4:30 p.m., and the last river entry is at 5 p.m.
Day passes start at $21.99 during the regular season, May 23 through June 19 and Aug. 10 through Sept. 7. During peak season, June 20 through Aug. 9, day passes start at $24.99. These rates include the $5 advance booking savings, which applies automatically at checkout when visitors book at least two days in advance. Season passes are $84.99.
River Rat also offers private riverside cabana rentals for groups who want space by the water. The cabanas are available for families with children younger than three, pregnant women and older adults who want to spend time by the river without tubing the full route.
Through June 6, Tennessee residents can receive $3 off tubing per person with a valid Tennessee ID. Online reservations are required. Use promo code TUBE26-LOCAL. Group discounts are also available throughout the season for parties of 20 or more.
River Rage Tubing is located at 8303 State Highway 73 in Townsend, near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the road toward Cades Cove.
The River Rage route is about 1.5 miles long. On average, the float takes one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes, without stops to swim or relax. The actual trip duration depends on the water level.
This year’s season runs through Labor Day and may be extended if weather allows. Tubers are put on the river starting at 10 a.m., with the last river entry at 5 p.m.
All-day passes are $25, and season passes are $75 each. The minimum age for tubing is six years old.
River Rage has changing rooms and portable bathrooms on site. Pets are not allowed. Visitors can book online and view real-time availability.
River Rat vs. River Rage: Which is Right for You?
Both outfitters get visitors on the Little River, but the details vary by route, price, age requirement and amenities. Here’s a side-by-side look.
Little River Campground & RV Resort, located at 7261 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend, also offers tubing for overnight guests.
Tube rentals are currently available at the office for $18 each. The campground describes the route as a lazy river experience. Children 12 and under must wear life jackets in compliance with the TWRA, and water shoes are highly recommended.
While the tubing season is underway, its final day depends on conditions. To confirm availability before booking, call Little River Campground at (865) 738-3665.
After spending time on the Little River, consider giving back. The Little River Watershed Association supports conservation, education and recreation along the river through donations, volunteer cleanups and community programs.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region. She holds a Master of Science in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University.