Is Creek Tubing the Best $8 You Can Spend for All-Day Adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Why Adventure Vacations Are Worth It

If you have never taken an adventure vacation, I highly recommend putting one on your list. Don’t get me wrong, we absolutely love the "lay on the beach and do nothing" kind of trips. Those are perfect when you need a full reset. But adventure vacations bring a different kind of energy, and they are a blast.

A few years ago, we went to Maui. Yes, the beaches were beautiful, but the real highlights came from getting out and exploring. We tackled the Road to Hana, which is a very nerve-wracking, winding road carved into the side of a mountain. Along the way, we stopped for waterfall diving, explored lava caves, hiked a really cool path that led to an amazing overlook, and soaked in some unreal natural scenery.

We also made it up Haleakala, the volcano, and that ended up being my favorite part of the entire trip. Standing high above the clouds, it felt like I had left planet Earth and was standing on top of Mars.

This Year's Adventure: Colorado

This year, we have Colorado on the calendar. Plans already include hiking in the Rockies, horseback riding with Thunderhorse Outfitters, and white water rafting.

(I HIGHLY recommend Thunderhorse Outfitters. We rode with them in Austin, Texas, and can't wait to see the Rockies with Travis and the horses!)

White water rafting has always been another favorite adventure. We rafted the Cumberland River, and while it was incredibly fun, there were moments that were a little scary. When my cousin told me about a similar experience that was less intense, I immediately thought, "That sounds perfect!"

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Tubing in the Smoky Mountains Is the Perfect Middle Ground

That is why a recent video caught my attention. A family was tubing in the Smoky Mountains, and it reminded me of my cousin’s trip. Naturally, I had to look into it.

As it turns out, several companies offer river tubing throughout the Smoky Mountains, and adventure bloggers are big fans. The folks at Adventuring Eyes even called it the best $10 they spent in the Smokies.

If you are building a summer bucket list, tubing inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park deserves a spot. Now there are several great outfitters in the area. Some are closer to the $10 mark and some are closer to $30 for a day pass. The most inexpensive company I found was Deep Creek Tubing. You can rent a tube and float down the rapids of Deep Creek.

According to their website, they charge $8 to rent a tube for the entire day. Deep Creek Tubing is in Bryson City, NC, which is about an hour and a half from Gatlinburg. This price doesn't include a life vest or stick to get yourself off the rocks, so if you want those extras, you can bring them or rent them for an additional price. Note that the Smoky Mountain National Park requires those under 13 to wear a life vest. Deep Creek Tubing also offers camping and cabins if you want to stay near the adventure.

More Smoky Mountain Tubing Outfitters

Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing in Townsend, Tennessee

One of the most popular tubing experiences on the Little River, this option offers two routes. One is very family-friendly, while the other adds a little extra excitement. Dogs are welcome in designated areas with special tubes, which makes this a great option for families or groups looking to spend the whole day on the river.

Wild Bear Tubing in Sevierville, Tennessee

Wild Bear Tubing floats scenic stretches of the Pigeon River near Pigeon Forge. They are typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and include shuttle service and life jackets.

River Rage Tubing in Townsend, Tennessee

River Rage is known for affordable all-day tubing and convenient amenities like showers, lockers, and easy river access.

Smoky Mountain Tubing in Cherokee, North Carolina

This is a North Carolina option in the Smokies that offers both tubing and rafting experiences.

More Tubing Options Near Deep Creek

Smoky Mountain Campground and Deep Creek Tubes along with JJ’s Deep Creek Tubes in Bryson City are great choices for a relaxed float near Deep Creek. Cowboy Tubin is another popular option in Townsend.

First Time Tubing Tips You Need to Know

Adventuring Eyes also shared helpful advice for first-timers.

• Wear water shoes because the riverbed is rocky.
• Bring a dry bag and leave valuables in your car.
• Sunglasses are easy to lose when the rapids get splashy so either leave them at home or secure them with a band.
• Pack out all trash and respect nature so the Smokies stay wild and beautiful.

They loved it so much they hiked back up and did the run three times, which says a lot.

Real World Tubing Advice From People Who Have Done It

People in the comments shared even more useful tips.

• Erin Punter Spence says to bring a rope or something to connect your tube to your child’s tube. You will get separated if you do not. She learned that lesson the very stressed-out way.
• Tracy Welsh Bryson also recommends bringing a rope to stay connected to kids or your partner. Being tied together can help you pull each other off rocks when you get stuck.
• Dorothy Axt Edwards says to keep your feet up at all times. Rocks are no joke and injuries can happen quickly.
• Kris Harper recommends checking water flow and height before you go because conditions can change everything.
• Stephanie Alaina Cooper warns that the water is cold even in peak summer. Expect numbness, and consider buying one of the push sticks they sell to help get off rocks. She says it is completely worth it.
• Cody Allison said to bring a floating cooler and a rope to tie it off. You might get thirsty along the way.

Tubing in the Smoky Mountains feels like the perfect balance between adventure and fun, and it might just become your new favorite summer tradition.