smoky mountain river rat

Jasey19

We did the slower moving river. It was great for kids. The tubes have bottoms, so it was easy to sit back and relax. Some parts were deeper than 6 ft, so take a vest for younger swimmers. Look for coupons before you go.

410taylors

My boyfriend and I were just looking for something to take up a couple of free hours during our stay at Tennessee and we came across a pamphlet for this place. We ended up spending the whole day there and had a blast. The river was slow and calm for the most part which was relaxing and gave us time to talk and unwind. Everyone in a while the river would pick up speed and get a little rough which was also fun. We also ate at the little diner that they had there which overlooks the river. The food was cook-out style.. pulled pork, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, etc. We ate at several fancy places during our stay but this was actually my favorite, food and service wise. I will absolutely be back.

RuthW867

This is a well run business. They are informed on what you can and can't do, where to get in the river, and where to get out. The shuttle is timely and available.

marvinmChesapeake_OH

River Rat is a very peaceful trip down the Pigeon River. You can float and swim on your 2 hour trip down the river. They have increased the length of the trip so it takes about 2 hours. When the water is down you may have to paddle a little bit but for the most part you just lay back, catch some rays, and enjoy the scenery. A bus is waiting for you at the end of the trip to take you back to the start. You can ride all day if you wish. The office staff is very friendly and the building is very nice and clean. Good way to spend a day. If you wish between trips you can travel down the road, less than a mile, and eat at one of the several eating establishments. There are coupons available everywhere to reduce the cost of your trip. Have fun !!

claudiap744

This ride down river is great!!! The rapids are not too bad ( we had a low water level). The views are spectacular!! The rife last about 1.5 hrs depending on the flow. Our 7 year old wanted to go alone, even though I had the option of clipping her to my tube, and her tube had a bottom where the adults' didn't. So its safe, fun and exciting!! A must do!!

834jennyj

The tubes and facility were great. However I would not recommend tubing when the water is low. We got stuck on everything and I fell out in the rapids trying to get unstuck. This is not River Rats fault just my thoughts. When we got to the end we didn't even wait five minutes at the end before we had a ride back.

pollied

Wayne is the nice mustached man who drives the shuttle for River Rat. Best way to spend a relaxing day in the Smokies!

alexamarvin

I went too river Rat today, and I had a blast! also these two blondes on a golf cart helped me out alot, and were very sweet and fun too talk too! Thanks for the amazin time River Rat!

rtgill19

We arrived at River Rat around 11 am. It wasn't very crowded at all and we were served pretty quickly. To speed up the process it would be helpful to print and fill out the waiver before you get there. It will really speed up the process. Staff was nice and didn't seem annoyed even when it was busy. Outside of things we couldn't control we had a great time. I think it may be a bit over priced, however other places had pretty horrible reviews so we decided to use River Rat. Wear shoes and bring sunscreen. Also if the river is low be prepared to walk a bit and have a VERY slow ride down the river!

linamcandrew3800

It was our first time tubing in the Smokies and a first time tubing for our kids. They are ages 9 and 4. We all had a blast. The process of paying, getting our tubes, life jackets and getting into the river was simple and seamless. The river was tame but moved us along for the 1.5 mile to exit. It took us 2.5 hours. Little kids have the option to request a tube with the bottom attached so they can sit in it without their feet touching the water. In some spots the river was shallow and I had to get out and push us past them, but it added to the fun of the trip. Oh, for $2 deposit we were able to tether my tube to my daughter's so I felt safe with her at all times. Bring sunblock and enjoy your time!

brandonc710

The water was a little low, but it was very relaxing. We came across a few deep swimming holes and the water was very clear and refreshing. Waters aren't intimidating at all for any age.

KelseyG730

I have been a faithful River Rat customer for as long as I can remember and it just gets better each year. The facilities are always clean, the staff always friendly, and the tubes extremely durable. We like going to the main store as well as the upper location called The Shack. You really get your money's worth at this place. Love coming here!

698bradh

This was a pretty fun place to go. As soon as you pull into the parking lot, there is a competitor across the street that's advertising the same river, for cheaper prices, but it didn't even appear they were open. We stuck with River Rat because that's who we first heard of. The water level was listed as "low" on their sign, but it really wasn't that bad. As long as you pay attention to where you're going, and anticipate the low spots, you'll be fine.There were a few times I had to get up and walk around, but like I said, just look ahead and watch where you're going, if you see rocks coming up, steer away. I also suggest buying a pair of water shoes while you're there if you don't feel like walking around on slimy river rocks.

554carolyns

we had a very relaxing time just tubing down the river a great way 2 reconect enjoyed the senery the staff was very knowledgeable about even more fun things 2 do during r stay

MarybethM283

My family immensely enjoyed our tubing experience at River Rat. The staff is friendly and very helpful. There are clean changing rooms and bathrooms on site. All you need to do us grab a tube and head down to the riverbank. Then spend the next 2 hours meandering down the river. Once you reach the end you are picked up and driven back to the outpost. You have your choice of a tube with a bottom or not and you can leash tubes together if you want. We kept my 7 year old attached. It really was a wonderful relaxing way to spend a few hours and one of the most inexpensive attractions in the area.