Smoky Mountain River Rat Main Tubing Outpost — Local services in Pigeon Forge

When we decided to do this we had no idea and were never told that the river you float runs through private homes and rental properties. The river is a "Sportsman Stream" stocked for fisherman and intensely managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency who sells license and a special Trout stamp that the fisherman pay for. These guys have been fishing all morning after considerable effort & expense to do so and here comes a flood of people on bright yellow tubes, yelling and splashing. Angry doesn't begin to explain the looks or the tense situation, especially when a kid floated right into a man's fishing line and got the hook stuck in his tube. The kid was freaking out as the fisherman reeled him in to retrieve his lure. About 200 yards from the start of the lower launch, there's an expensive, beautiful home with a yard that runs to the river. They have spent a lot of money to create a recreational spot at the riverside on the property THEY OWN. They had made really nice tree swings and tubers in our group made themselves at home and left trash around their private picnic area. Sure enough,an owner came out and told them to move along. The tube company never explained any rules or that you will basically be trespassing and paying for the opportunity. I saw several angry home owners and fisherman, etc which made for an uncomfortable experience. Being picked up by the bus afterwards was a treat, the body odor was strong that hot, unpleasant day. Basically the tubing company is making money by sending people through private property, in situations where someone could get angry enough to hurt someone or to end up with a trip to an ER to get fishing tackle removed from your body. The fact that "River Rat" (fitting name) sends people downriver without caring that they're ruining a fishery and disturbing residents at their homes says all you need to know about this company. By the way, the river is so low and rocky you're going to carry your tube more than you...

I'm sure if I actually was able to do this I would have enjoyed it but unfortunately I wouldn't know. Initially my sister booked this for me over the summer as a surprise and accidentally booked the wrong day. So they said you can just come a different day. The season will be ending on "September 22", which I immediately put in my calendar. I had every intention of doing this on September 8 only to be very much disappointed. On September 1 I received an email confirming my booking for September 2 in which I was going to be at a family gathering that day and didn't remember scheduling this. When I called she said that it was scheduled for me because it is the last day of the season. I explained to her that I was in fact told the 22nd. I asked could I just get proof of purchase and use next season at least and she said absolutely not because the " books have to be closed" each season. I didn't understand why that matter as it had already been paid for. I just needed something showing that I had paid and I could just wait till next time. This apparently wasn't an option which I really didn't agree with and wonder how many other people have just lost their money due to unforseen circumstances, weather, or being misinformed or for ones who live further away than I do and can't just reschedule They offered no resolution to my problem and when I asked to speak to the owner I was given a sharp "No" and that I have had all summer, which isn't the point. So if someone makes a booking on the last day of the season and the weather turns bad or forbid they have an emergency, then they just forfeit their money? This almost seems like cheating people as no one can predict the future. I would have liked to try this but I doubt I will if now unless an appropriate resolution is made. Not just a sorry about your luck attitude. I will also let others knows as well. Buyer beware unless you happen to have perfect luck. Make sure you understand their...

We chose River Rat to celebrate the 4th. We got there around 11 and we were able to get our bands and get our tubes into the water by 1130.

We had so much fun! The tunnel to the water is such a neat experience. You grab one of two different tubes available and go down the tunnel onto a platform with pretty rock steps to easily get in the water. Then sit back and enjoy! You might see the bald eagle we saw🖤

There are a few little rapids to make it even more fun and thrilling. If you aren't paying attention, there are some bigs rocks to get stuck on and ones that could possibly flip you over. But a little common sense in NATURE goes a long way.

Along the way there are three deep, slow, beautiful spots to get out and take a swim at. The topper is around midway. There's a swim spot where you have a chance to go up the steps onto the bank and jump off into a seamingly bottomless pool. Gorgeous spot!

The property owners along the creek are super nice. One family even invited us to join them 😊 At the end, there are workers to help you out. You carry your tube up to a pile and get in line for one of many buses to give you a ride back to do it again!

With it being a holiday the second time wasn't as quick. We waited for about an hour because traffic was making it tough for the drivers to get tubes back. But the workers were so nice. Spraying everyone with water and giving FREE ice water to stay cool in the heat. And we still managed to go through a third time.

They have inexpensive food and drinks as they don't allow it on the water. And for good reason. But you can get a hotdog and drink for around 5 bucks. They also have a store to buy waterproof bags, sunscreen, and water shoes. We got straps ($2 each then reimburseed upon return) and a push stick. Highly advised! There are changing rooms and restrooms. Everything was clean.

Overall awesome family experience! So much fun. We will...