How to Tube Safely in the Smoky Mountains

I can't think of a better way to cool off in the heat of the summer in the Smoky Mountains' than to float down a mountain stream on a tube. Bring a tube from home or shell out a few bucks for a tube and shuttle service from one of the many tube shuttle services in Townsend. While tubing is a lot of fun , first time tubers can do a few things to be safe and comfortable while floating down the river. 1. Dress appropriately. Many tubers wear swim suits, but cut-off shorts and tees are fine. Don't wear baggy clothes that might get caught on tree branches or rocks along the way. 2. Wear shoes. An old pair of sneakers or water shoes work best. Foot protection is needed getting down the bank to the river, over the rocks were the water level is low and getting out of the water and up the bank at the end of the float. 3. Apply waterproof sun screen and lots of it. The mountain streams and rivers run cold and many people make the mistake of feeling safe from the sun. Unfortunately they go home with sunburn instead of a pleasant tubing memory. 4. Tube in the center of the stream when possible. Remember along the banks and under fallen logs are homes to many creatures including snakes, turtles and crayfish. Most creatures will run the other way, but no one wants to step on a turtle or disturb a nest of snakes. 5. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear a life vest. Life vest are included free of charge at most tube rental locations. Otherwise bring your own. 6. Select the right size tube. Mommy tubes are available for small children. They are tube like floats without the center hole, so there is no danger of the child slipping through. Tubes for older children and adults come in small, medium and large. Don't put a 350 pound person in a tube designed to hold 120 pounds. 7. Each and every tubing experience is different. The water is colder in the early spring. The depth of the water depends upon the amount of rain received each season. Immediately following a rain the water is deeper and running faster and can be dangerous. Take this into consideration when tubing with children. Tubing may not be for everyone, but if you love adventure and the great outdoors tubing just might become your favorite activity in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Smoky Mountain River Tubing

There is nothing more fun in the summer then floating down the Smoky Mountains on a raft or in a tube. My husband remembers the 'good old days' , when as a kid, he and his friends would carry their own inter tubes to the mountains, hiking up and floating down for free. One can still bring their own inter tube and float down for free, but the easiest way is to visit an outfitter that provides tubes, life vest , a shuttle and everything else needed to tube down the river. I am basically a water rat at heart , so while there are several outfitters offering rafting and floats, I always choose Smoky Mountain River Rat. River Rat is located on the Townsend side of the mountains, 15 miles from Pigeon Forge and 45 miles from Gatlinburg. The scenic loop and Cades Cove is only 9 miles away and is a popular camping destination for families. River Rat has over 500 tubes and also offers kayaks for those so inclined. River Rat is open 7 days a week May through September from 10 until 5. Tube rental, unlimited shuttle , life jacket and tax is only $13.00 per person with children 5 and under for free. Group rates are available. Kayak rentals run $15 and include 1 trip on the shuttle bus. Additional trips on the shuttle for kayaks are $5.00. Tubing is great for all ages and one need not know how to swim. Great grandmothers to little ones 2 years and up float down the 1 1/2 mile gently flowing river. The River Rat also offers a second choice designated for children 5 years and older that is a little swifter and last 1 hour. Swim wear is appropriate to wear , but many choose to wear shorts and tee shirts. Tennis or water shoes are a good choice because the rocks one encounters along the way can be hard on ones feet. River Rat has picnic tables, changing rooms, showers and bathrooms on site. Reservations are not necessary but one can save time by visiting their web site at www.smokymtriverrat.com , printing and filling out the forms needed before the float. Reservations may be made online or by calling 865-448-8888.

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