Epic Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater Rafting and Tubing Adventure in Tennessee
September 20, 2025
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River Rat Whitewater Rafting
What an amazing adventure we had whitewater rafting with the highly rated Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing and Rafting Company in Hartford, Tennessee. The rafting tour we took was the perfect balance of fun and adventure, making it an incredible experience for both beginners and those with a bit more rafting experience. The skilled guides who take you on this incredible journey made sure everything was safe and enjoyable. Whether it is your first rafting trip or you’re looking for the perfect trip to share with younger children, this is the company you want use for such adventure.
You will get a skilled guide that will travel in the raft with you, helping to guide your way through the rapids. There are four different groups you can join depending on your skill level and age of child.
We were able to book our tickets online prior to this adventure two days before our rafting trip in June. All equipment is provided for you, and they will keep your keys behind the desk prior to your guided trip to keep them from getting lost in the river. You are not allowed to bring any items with you on the raft.
It is recommended that you wear waterproof shoes and clothes you can get wet, as you will get wet, possibly soaked on this rafting journey. I always wear my Teva sandals on any excursion where I know I will get wet. You MUST wear water shoes with a back strap; no flip flops or bare feet are allowed.
Rafting Address: 3630 Hartford Road, Hartford, Tennessee
Hours: Open April 1 to September 1. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10am to 5pm. Water release times may vary. September 2-30 open Tuesday and Thursday only.
A Food truck is onsite where you can grab some delicious food or drink before or after your rafting trip. You will find picnic tables and bar seating on the deck, making it easy to sit back and relax while you enjoy your meal.
Need to know
Free parking onsite
Showers and restrooms are available on site for you to use after your rafting adventure. We brought our personal items and took showers after our trip.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your start time
Professional photos will be taken near the beginning of your rafting trip. You will be notified when you are near the photographers so you can smile for the cameras. These are available for purchase prior to or after your trip.
A gift shop is located inside the building where you can buy River Rat gear, clothing, snacks, and more.
Guided whitewater rafting tours
There are four guided whitewater rafting tours available. Before you start your tour, you will listen to a brief presentation where they will tell you the rules and expectations to help keep you safe on your trip. They try to add comedy into the presentation to keep everyone’s attention.
UPPER RAFTING TRIP - This popular trip takes you on the upper section of Pigeon River with class III-IV rapids. Age requirement of 8+
XTREME UPPER RAFTING TRIP - This more adventurous trip takes you on some class III & IV rapids in their smaller Xtreme rafts. Age requirement of 8+
LOWER RAFTING TRIP - This adventure is geared toward younger kids with scenic mountain views and smaller rapids. Age requirement of 3+
DAYCATION RAFTING ADVENTURE - This full day trip includes 2 rafting trips with Class III-IV rapids on the Upper Rafting Adventure. The specific adventure is your choice and a stop for lunch is included. Age requirement of 8+
Whitewater rafting map
Whitewater rafting Adventure
After the safety presentation, we loaded onto the bus and began the trek to the loading area at the riverbank. During the bus drive, the guides again used comedy to entertain us during our ride.
Our guide was pretty quiet on our trip but very helpful and answered any questions we had. He was able to tell us how the river path has changed over the years due to hurricane damage and construction in the area.
We enjoyed our trip down the river with smooth extended periods of calm waters surrounded by beautiful backdrops. Then came the moments of excitement as we crossed over the rapids of varying levels with periods of exuberance as we tried to navigate through them while staying grounded in the boat without falling out.
Spoiler alert: the other adult in our boat actually fell out of our raft while crossing over the rapids. Our guide desperately tried to get her into our raft and although it took a few minutes, he was able to pull her aboard. She admits she panicked once she fell overboard and eventually remembered to remain calm and cross her feet while keeping them pointed downstream. She was thankful to be back in the raft, and we learned to lean in more through the rapids. We had each brought two kids between the ages of 9 and 17 who successfully stayed in the raft the whole time. Fun fact: if you fall out, you can ask for a special sticker once you return that displays your act of courage!
Below are the professional photos taken on our rafting trip.
River Rat tubing adventures
If tubing is more your style, you can also find tubing adventures with Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing and Rafting Company in Townsend, Tennessee on Little River. NOTICE the different location/address for the tubing adventure. A shuttle is provided between start and end points but not between Outpost A and B. Day passes can be used for both Outposts and all day.
Need to know
Check in no earlier than 30 minutes
Reservations are required and an online waiver is to be filled out online prior to arrival
Open rain or shine although lightening may delay start time
Wear water shoes but no flip flops
Bring push sticks (trekking poles) so you do not get stuck
No coolers are allowed but a small bag is permitted
One drink is allowed on the tube but no alcoholic drinks or cans
Keys can be held behind the counter, and it is not recommended to bring them on the water
$5 discount if you book both tubing and rafting at the same time
photo credit Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing
Outpost A and Outpost B Tubing routes
Outpost A offers a family and dog friendly route. Here you will find smaller rapids and swimming holes. Float time is around 2 hours. Age minimum 3+
Address: 205 Wears Valley Rd., Townsend, Tennessee
Dogs must be under 50 pounds and have good behavior. Tubes with bottoms and a rope to tether to your tube will be provided. Dog prices start at $14.99+
Find river gear, souvenir shop, food trucks, lockers, and more
Outpost B provides more adventure with some significant rapids and swimming holes. No dogs allowed on this route. Float time around 1 hour. Age minimum 6+
Address: 8435 State Highway 73, Townsend, Tennessee
Find river gear, souvenir shop, and cabana rental
Keys can be left at the counter to avoid taking them on the river
Must have items for your trip
Lightweight towel to dry off after your trip
Other adventurous activities
1-day Jeep rentals with Smoky Mountain Jeep Rentals. Rent a Jeep so you can explore the Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster Ride. We took this coaster ride that went rather fast on a track through the trees making it a quick and fun adventure.
Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour. Take a guided ghost tour through Gatlinburg as you learn about historical paranormal stories.
Smoky Mountains Newfound Gap Jeep Tour. Take this extreme Jeep adventure with your guide through Newfound Gap.
Extreme outings
This trip to Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing and Rafting Company in Tennessee offered us a thrilling adventure. Whether you choose to go whitewater rafting or floating peacefully down the river while tubing, this experience will bring you closer as a family while taking in the beauty of the Smokies. You will find laughter along the rapids in this crazy outdoor activity.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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A trip to Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing and Rafting Company in Tennessee offers a thrilling adventure. Whether you choose to go whitewater rafting or floating peacefully down the river while tubing, this experience will bring you closer as a family while taking in the beauty of the Smokies. You will find laughter along the rapids in this crazy outdoor activity.