Articles for tag: Free Stuff, Hiking, Kids, Maps, Packing Tips, Tennessee Travel, Travel Necessities, Water Fun

Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing Review: Here’s What To Expect Your First Time River Tubing With River Rat In Townsend TN… Or With ANY Outfitter!

East Tennessee is hot, and when you’re looking for a way to cool down with your family and friends, floating down the river is where it’s at! For me, the River Rat Tubing season pass was a no brainer -- because it's the most convenient way to get on the water without the commitment, logistics, or work of a canoe or kayak. Our entire party of 10 people (including teens and toddlers) had a blast their first time there, and I've been tubing with River Rat several times now.

Spruce Flats Falls In East Tennessee: Here’s What It’s Like To Hike Spruce Flats Falls Trail AND What The Swimming Hole & Waterfalls Are Like!

The Spruce Flats Falls trail is rated "moderate" because some portions are rocky and steep... and there are lots of exposed tree roots that are easy to trip over. The hike to the waterfall definitely requires some effort. It's almost a 1.5-mile round trip. It took us 30 minutes to hike to the falls carrying my toddler son in his hiking carrier. The Spruce Flats Falls hike (with time spent at the swimming hole and waterfalls) takes about 2 hours. See my best tips before you go...