Tubing in the Smoky Mountains
It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!
Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.
1. Dollywood Harvest Festival
If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.
3. Wears Valley Fall Festival
The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.
No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!
Many Options for Tubing in the Smoky Mountains
There are a lot of ways to know when Summer truly hits the Smoky Mountains:
- When you stop seeing 68 degree temperatures between 9:00AM and 2:00AM.
- When there are thunderstorm icons on 3 days out of the 7-day weather planner.
- When you start wondering which of the Barbecue and Bluegrass events are going on in downtown Sevierville and which is going on at Dollywood.
- When you start seeing the fireflies before it even turns completely dark.
- When you look forward to bluegrass, stories and free Trolley rides in downtown Gatlinburg.
- When everything you look at around you in the mountains is shining, shimmering and absolutely glowing the greenest green you've ever seen in nature.
- When you start seeing Vacation Bible School banners all across the county.
- When you start looking forward to the city of Pigeon Forge announcing who will headline the Patriot Festival at Patriot Park on July 4th.
But if the calendar and those items don't quite indicate a spirit of Summer fun in the Smokies, there's one thing that never fails -Tubing in the Smoky Mountains! Summer without tubing is like a "Q" with no "U" after it, nothing provides a unique combination of fun and thrills while also being relaxing, serene and atmospheric at the same time like renting a tube from one of several professional river fun companies that we have in our area and nearby communities.
In this article, we'll recommend some companies to check out and consider adding to your Summer 2018 getaway plans. Let's look!
* River Romp Tubing *
1980 Pittman Center Rd
Sevierville, TN 37876
865-774-5994
865-964-2830
Info: "This is a Smoky Mountain tradition you do not want to miss. The River Romp is now celebrating its eighteenth year in the water recreational field. We provide a safe tubing experience with a knowledgeable staff and the best equipment. Our courteous and friendly personnel are always willing to go beyond to see that our customers are safe and satisfied." - website
Tube rates are $12.00 per person for 1-9 people and $10.00 for 10+ people. Group, church and military discounts are available.
* River Rage Tubing *
8303 TN-73
Townsend, TN 37882
865-448-8000
Info: "We are located on the banks of the Little River, at at the entrance to the Smoky Mountains National Park, and closest gateway to famous Cades Cove in Townsend, Tennessee. Our reputation is based on offering the best service at the lowest price. Our friendly staff will give you an idea about real Southern Hospitality and provide you with the latest and safest equipment in the industry. For your convenience we established three separate locations, each offering private river access. Jump in a comfortable and colorful tube and enjoy the serenity of the Mountains up and down the river stream! Every trip with River-Rage includes a FREE all-day shuttle service, USCG approved life-vest, and choice of a tube-run. Our shuttle bus will take you for a short ride to the starting point. Little River has numerous exciting mountain rapids along with slower moving waters -perfect for relaxation and family fun." - website
Tube rates are $10.00 per person. Group rates are between $8.00 to $9.50 per person depending on group size. Tubing and barbeque combo packages are also available.
* Cowboy Tubing *
8351 State Highway 73
Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 448-6858
Info: "View natures breathtaking scenery, while floating the headwaters of the Little River.
* Class 2 Rapids
* All Day Tubes
* Clean Restrooms
* Changing Areas
* Free Life Jackets
* All Day Shuttles
* Quality Service
* Picnic Tables
* Free Parking
* Friendly Helpful Staff
No Experience Necessary!" - website
Rates are $10.00 per person.
* Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center *
209 Wears Valley Rd
Townsend, TN, 37882
865-448-3500
Info:"Come spend the day tubing on the beautiful Little River in Townsend, TN and don’t just see the Smokies, be a part of them The Little River in Townsend is a part of our beautiful state that we believe everybody should experience. Because of this, we can’t think of a better place to bring your tubing group, or plan a church group outing or arrange a scouting retreat for scouts of any age or gather any type of group who wants a unique take on what makes The Smoky Mountains so great!" - website
Tubing rates are $15.00 per adult for all-day tubing, $12.00 per youth (age 6-17) for all-day tubing and children aged 2 to 5 are free all-day. Price includes all-day shuttle.
BONUS: Dolly's Splash Country
Dolly's Splash Country is on this list not because it provides the same river tubing experiences as the others listed above, but because the price of admission allows you to enjoy tubing experiences while on park and no list on Summer tubing fun would be complete without it.
1198 McCarter Hollow Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
Admission price is $49.95 for 1-day ticket per person. For 2-day tickets, it's $69.95 per person and 3-day tickets are $79.95 per person.
Come to the Smokies and get your tube on!
