Tips for River Tubing in the Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States for good reason. With plenty of hiking opportunities for all ages, miles of picturesque drives with stunning scenic overlooks, and an abundance of wildlife including elk, deer, and bears, the park is a mecca for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
When visiting the park during the summer months, the options for cooling off are endless. From waterfall hikes to swimming holes, white-water rafting and tubing down the river, there is something to do for every member of the family. Read on for tips, highlights, and more ways to experience river tubing in this majestic region.
Cherokee: The Best Tubing in the Smokies
There are two main entrances for the national park, one in Cherokee, North Carolina and one in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. While the Gatlinburg side of the park has plenty of family-friendly things to do, it is known as the more touristy area. In stark contrast, the town of Cherokee is much more laid-back, quiet, and relaxed.
Cherokee also has the best river tubing in the Smokies! Cherokee tubing brings travelers down the Oconaluftee River, noted to be one of the cleanest, clearest, and most beautiful rivers in the southeast United States.
River Tubing Options in Cherokee
Two river tubing companies are located right in downtown Cherokee, minutes from the entrance to the national park and pretty much directly across the street from each other. We have enjoyed trips with both groups and can’t really recommend one over the other, they are equally fun and family-friendly!
Each company operates a little differently. Cherokee Rapids River Tubing, located at 1697 Acquoni Road, boasts class I and II rapids and is great for adventure lovers. Guests are taken two miles upstream on the Oconaluftee River, and the route ends right at the car parking area.
The float is slightly shorter but definitely has some fun rapids! There are areas for swimming and rope swings along the way. The rental fee includes your tube and life jacket if desired. Total float time is about two hours, and military/ veterans/ police get a discount!
Smoky Mountain Tube and Raft is located at 1847 Tsali Boulevard in Cherokee. Here guests are taken up the Oconaluftee River to the drop-off point. The trip is a leisurely and relaxing 3 mile long float down to the pickup spot, where buses are waiting to bring you and your tubes back to the parking area where restrooms and changing stations are available to dry off.
Smoky Mountain Tubing operates the same as Cherokee Rapids- your price gets you a tube and they provide life jackets as needed. For a discounted fee you can also pay for a “cooler tube”, which has a bottom and straps to connect to your tubes in order to keep your drinks and snacks close by. There are stops for swimming holes and rope swings along the way, and dogs and fishing poles are also allowed on this float trip!
What to Pack for River Tubing in the Smokies
In order to experience the best river tubing in the Smokies, you need the right equipment. A pair of sturdy water shoes is a must, as the river banks are covered with pebbles and rocks. As always, we recommend a high-quality sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and UPF shirts to protect your skin – it may feel nice and cool up in the Smokies but the sun is just as strong!
Also remember the water stays chilly year-round, so a long sleeved rash guard is helpful even in the summer. You can pack all of your essentials in a dry bag and bring it along with you, or leave everything in the car and just bring a small waterproof phone and keys case. These are both helpfully sold at the Smoky Mountain Tube check-in area if you haven’t gotten them ahead of time!
Also, packing a small cooler with cold drinks while you float is a great idea. And a waterproof camera like a Go-Pro can come in super handy. Wrap it around your wrist and you don’t have to worry about losing your phone in the river, but you still get to capture all the memories made during your trip!
Where to Eat after River Tubing
We can’t recommend Native Brews Tap & Grill enough, it is a great post-tubing spot to hang out, warm up, and fill your belly. There are plenty of options for indoor seating, and outside offers patio tables with games for the kids as well. And, the food is fantastic! (The brews are just as great too).
Native American Brewing is co-founded by the granddaughter of one of the last-known Cherokee Indian medicine men, and the Cherokee tribal traditions of healing and ceremonial drink are found in each of their brews. Also, the best part of visiting the taproom and grill is that you can walk from Smoky Mountain Tubing to the restaurant – the no-frills atmosphere means popping in after a day of river tubing won’t leave you feeling out of place!
Continue the Fun after Tubing
Cherokee has so much to offer, it really is a special and sanctified place to visit. The people and culture shine through in every aspect, from the small shops selling traditional clothing and jewelry to the stores selling outfitter gear, ice cream, and old-time candy.
And don’t forget that Cherokee is the gateway to the Smoky Mountain National Park! Full of family-friendly hikes, waterfalls, lush mountainscapes and scenic drives, the park is a spot not to miss when visiting Cherokee.
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using my link to Amazon.com.
And there you have it—river tubing in the Smokies is the perfect way to soak up the natural beauty of the area and enjoy some laid-back fun. From gentle currents to stunning landscapes, this adventure has it all. So grab your tube, invite your friends and family, and get ready for a day of relaxation and excitement on the river. Happy tubing!
Happy Travels!
