Tubing

Tubing may be the lazy man’s version of river rafting, but boy is it fun. Plunk your behind down in the middle of an inner tube, and float on down the river. It’s that simple.

Tubing is great for the whole family, and the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Be sure to wear shoes and sunscreen; a pair of sturdy-bottomed shorts are also recommended.

There are several tubing outfitters in Townsend [1], including Smoky Mountain River Rat (205 Wears Valley Rd., 865/448-8888, www.smokymtnriverrat.com [2], May–Sept. daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $13). Outfitters transport you a mile or so up the river and let you float back down to the starting point.