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Family Summer Fun, Splashing each other while tubing down the river in East Tennessee

TUBING

Trade the ordinary for an unforgettable day on the water! With Big Bear Tubing, your Tellico River adventure begins the moment you hop aboard the tube shuttle and head to Big Bear's private river entrance — right beside the famous Iron Works Grille Restaurant. Grab a bite, sip something cold, and get ready to drift into pure mountain bliss.

Float. Splash. Repeat. 

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Connect with Big Bear Tubing on Facebook

or visit them online at

 

www.bigbeartubing.com

  423-519-BEAR

 

As you settle into your tube, the river’s mix of gentle currents and playful ripples guide you downstream, gliding beneath a breathtaking million-dollar bridge and through a few fun rapids before reaching the perfect midway stop. Jump in for a swim, soak up the sunshine, and take in those postcard-worthy mountain views.

Each float lasts around 45–65 minutes, depending on the current — but don’t worry about rushing back to reality. Your tubing pass is good all day, so you can float, splash, and laugh your way down the river again and again until the last shuttle departs at 5 PM.

Discover why tubing the Tellico River is a Monroe County must-do — where adventure, relaxation, and a little mountain magic all flow together! 

Teen Summer Fun in East Tennessee
Group of friends and family in the Tellico River the Best place to go Tubing in East Tennessee
Family having fun floating down the river
Big Bear tubing Bus ride to Iron works grill to be dropped off to go tubing
Happy Family enjoy summer activities in East Tennessee

Monroe County may be landlocked but our lakes are great places to enjoy water sports such as boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, wakesurfing, and wakeboarding. You can also go FishingRafting and CanoeingSnorkeling, and Tubing. Two places to check out are Tellico Lake and Indian Boundary.

Before you take to the water, make sure you understand boat safety. A Boating Education Certificate is required for anyone born after January 1989. Sadly, classes are not taught by a pufferfish.

Click this map to see all sites to go boating.

A map of sites to go boating or fishing.

Cherokee Outdoor Resort and Tellico Marina are both located in Vonore and have everything you need for a great day on the lake including docks and launch ramps, a supply store, a restaurant, restrooms, showers, mechanics, and so much more. Boats can be rented at Cherokee Outdoor Resort.

Photo of jetski on Tellico Lake.
Photo of kayaks on Tellico Lake.
Photo of boat on Tellico Lake.

Jet skis, ski boats, and pontoon boats can also be rented at JBeez Watercraft.

Floating on tubs on the Tellico RIver under bridge in Tellico Plains Tennessee

What are you waiting for?
Make plans to visit Big Bear Tubing this summer!

It’s sure to be a family favorite for years to come. 

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© 2025 MONROE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

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