The Rio Três Forquilhas is a river in the northern coastal region of Rio Grande do Sul, originating near São Francisco de Paula at an elevation of approximately 1,060 meters and flowing down through the municipalities of Três Forquilhas, Itati, and Terra de Areia before emptying into Lagoa Itapeva, one of the larger bodies of water in this part of the state. The river's name reflects its geography: it receives three tributary streams — Arroio Laranjeiras, Arroio Três Pinheiros, and Arroio da Colônia — that join it in a fork-like pattern across the valley. Additional tributaries include Arroio Colônia, Arroio da Marcola, Arroio do Padre, Arroio Pedra Branca e Barreiro, Arroio Bananeiras, Arroio Barata, Arroio Carvalho, and Arroio do Pinto. The river has calm, cold water and passes through Atlantic Forest vegetation along its banks.

A commercially offered kayak tour covers approximately 5.5 kilometers of the river over roughly three hours. The route begins on the Chapéu River — where a steamboat port operated in the 1920s — and proceeds through narrow channels before reaching the main course of the Rio Três Forquilhas, concluding near the BR 101 road in Três Forquilhas. The meeting point for this tour is Sítio Lima e Silva on Rua Morro do Chapéu, and a return transfer to the starting point is available for a small fee. Guides on the organized tour speak Spanish and Portuguese, and equipment including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets is provided.

Independent paddlers can also rent kayaks, paddles, and life jackets by the hour at Sítio Lima e Silva, which sits on the riverbank near the town center. The site also offers pedal boats, a small fishing deck, barbecue facilities, fruit trees, and accommodation options including house rental and camping. The river supports trahira, pearl cichlid, and channel catfish among other species. The surrounding landscape includes the Morro do Chapéu, a prominent hillside feature visible from the river corridor.