Low Key Adventure: Tubing/A Float Trip down the Tuckaseigee River/Gem Mining

Low Key Adventure: Go Tubing at Deep Creek/Take a Float Trip down the Tuckaseigee River/Go Gem Mining near Franklin: Tubing at Deep Creek (riding an old inner tube down the rapids of Deep Creek) - Take Exit 67 off US 74 and go through Bryson City to the Deep Creek Entrance of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (follow brown park signs), and rent an inner tube at one of the many vendors that line the road as you approach Deep Creek. Take a Float Trip down the Tuckaseigee River - Rent a raft, a funyack (an inflatable kayak for two), a duck (an inflatable kayak for one), or an inner tube at Barkers Creek on US 74/441. Children as small as 40 lbs can ride in a raft or funyack. Go Gem Mining near Franklin - Franklin used to be a center for Gem Mining. There are many choices from original mine sites to other sites which help ("salt") mother nature. So if you feel lucky or have kids don't miss the opportunity to sit by the sluice looking for rubies, sapphires, etc. outside of Franklin.