Summer is fast approaching and we all know what that means; looking for the perfect river tubing in North Carolina to float with a cold drink and some great friends, and we have got you covered!
North Carolina is the epitome of beautiful landscapes and natural wonders that make any river choice a fantastic option for a great afternoon of seeing the sights and relaxing (or getting an adrenaline rush!).
River tubing in North Carolina is definitely one of the things on our bucket list of the best things to do in North Carolina. This gorgeous state is home to some delicious barbecue, unique breweries and beer, and the cutest little mountain towns; so while you’re adventuring around, take a day and pick one of these stellar options for the best tubing in North Carolina and get a new perspective!
So, blow up your tube, crack a cold one and get ready for your options for the best North Carolina tubing rivers!
What is the longest river tubing in North Carolina?
French Broad River is home to the longest river tubing in North Carolina! Running a total of 218 miles from Transylvania County, North Carolina and well into the state of Tennessee!
Even if you’re only on the tract for a short time, French Broad River is housed by several mountainous ranges in North Carolina. So from wherever you start to wherever you end up, you’ll be surrounded by some gorgeous mountainous landscapes! French Broad River is definitely one of the best options for river tubing in the North Carolina mountains!
How much does it cost to go river tubing in North Carolina?
The cost of river tubing in North Carolina varies by river, whether you choose to go through a rental company, or bring your own tubing supplies!
It definitely helps to look into the regulations for private tubing down some of these rivers as most are monitored by state parks. For the most part you are able to take your own tube and set out, but if you’re road-tripping and not wanting to use as much of your storage space on tubing equipment there are plenty of tubing and water sports outfitters in the area to rent from!
Tube rentals on the rivers range in price due to both the popularity of the river stretch or based on availability! We’ve seen prices from as low as 10 dollars per tube upwards to 30 dollars per tube!
Prices for river tubing really just depends on the kind of adventure you’re looking to have! It could cost a National Park entry fee and enough for a few brews for the river, or it could cost a little more if you’re outsourcing! Don’t miss out on some of the best river tubing in North Carolina!
10 Best Places for River Tubing in North Carolina You Must Visit!
Deep Creek
Deep Creek is home to some of the best river tubing near Bryson City, North Carolina!
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek is one of the North Carolina mountains river tubing tracks you shouldn’t overlook! The Creek itself has white water tubing, rapids, and of course some gorgeous natural surroundings.
Open access from Memorial Day to Labour Day weekend, they definitely recommend a life vest for this creek for kids and adults who are not confident swimmers. The National Park offers tubes at 7$ for an all day rental! There are two different sections for both adventurous tube-goers, and those looking for a relaxing afternoon!
The upper section is white water for a wild and bouncy ride, known for separating riders from their tubes. Please be careful in this section and wear life jackets to be safe! The lower section is wider, and calmer, better for younger kids and adults who want less worries in their tubing experience!
Deep Creek is definitely one of the river tubing in North Carolina that you should look into when considering where in North Carolina to go!
Green River
Green River is one of the options for the best river tubing near Saluda, North Carolina!
This dam release river flows through the mountains of North Carolina just south of Asheville. Home to a 6 mile round trip tube ride, Green river offers a combination of cool rocks, trees, branches and wildlife to watch while you enjoy your float on the water!
Costs range based on how long you’re looking to float! There are Class I and II rapids so definitely bring life jackets for the little ones and for those who are not strong or confident swimmers!
Don’t miss out on this great option for river tubing in the North Carolina!
Dan River
The best river tubing near Raleigh and Greensboro, NC is definitely Dan River!
If you’re looking for a spot with some easier white waters and a gentle float spot! There are several public access points along the water, so this is one of the options for river tubing in North Carolina where if you brought your own supplies, you could go off on your own! But there are also some other tube rental companies especially around the campgrounds.
If you’re booking for a large party this is defintiely an option to consider, it’s a two and a half hour float around and definitely a great time for a group of friends to enjoy some of the best north Carolina tubing rivers!
Cape Fear River
Cape Fear River is a great option for river tubing in North Carolina and is definitely one to consider for any visits to the great state!
Surrounded by rolling green of forests and wildlife, Cape Fear River is the best river tubing near Lillington, NC! The perfect spot for anyone looking for some natural lazy rivers in North Carolina!
It has some easy paddling routes, and of course is perfect for a group of people looking to gather and enjoy some good chats and laughter while floating with the currents! An afternoon with the best tubing in North Carolina is the perfect addition to any friends weekend away!
Toe River
Completed by North Toe River and South Toe River, this long stretch is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the best river tubing near Bakersville, NC!
Toe River is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roan Mountain and Mount Mitchell, making this a great destination for people looking for some awesome river tubing in the North Carolina mountains. There are a few tube rental companies to look in to if you’re not bringing your own supplies.
With plenty of beautiful surroundings and some fun stops to make and go for a swim, Toe River is a great option for rivers to float in North Carolina!
French Broad River
French Broad River is the longest river tubing trip in North Carolina and definitely a fantastic option for river tubing in North Carolina!
Running a total of 218 miles, French Broad River is the perfect day of five hours floating on one of the best tubing in North Carolina! Being one of the oldest rivers in the world, with some back dating it around 260-325 million years old, French Broad River is a fantastic spot for people looking for some adventure!
Complete with some swift moving white water rapids, and mountain views in Pisgah National Forest! It’s a five mile track that’s fit with some Class II and III water rapids. This is a great spot to enjoy one of the natural lazy rivers in North Carolina!
Don’t miss out on this option for river tubing in North Carolina!
Tuckasegee River
The Tuckasegee River, one of the best river tubing near Dillsboro and Sylva, NC, is another fantastic option for river tubing!
If you’re looking for a little more than a simple float on the river than “The Tuck” is the place for you! They are very popular for their float and fly fishing, being an underrated location to set up and catch a few fish in between floats!
The cost to float along “The Tuck” is a little more expensive than other locations, but it’s home to some Class I and II rapids, whitewater rafting spots and perfect for adventurists! Don’t miss out on this awesome option for water tubing in NC!
Oconaluftee River
Home of the best river tubing near Cherokee, Oconaluftee River is a fantastic option for an afternoon on the river!
Filled with great scenery, some rapids, and a fun atmosphere! Located on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Oconaluftee River is a great spot for river tubing in the North Carolina mountains. Get ready to enjoy a relaxing ride through the length of the river with beautiful scenery! It’s one of the attractions of visiting Cherokee, North Carolina, that many recommend so if you’re trying to find all the cute small towns of the state, Oconaluftee River is the best spot to check out on your quest!
If you’re looking for more activities to do in and around Cherokee, North Carolina, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best things to do in Cherokee!
Catawba River
Catawba River is some of the best river tubing near Marion and Fort Mill, NC!
It’s the perfect spot for people looking for a chill, relaxing and quiet tube down the river! because it is wide, it is a calm spot for tubing, making it great for families with young children that don’t really want the risk of some rapid exploration.
As some of the best tubing in North Carolina, it’s pretty accessible! With low water, wooded banks, and rocky shoals; it’s easy to get in and out of depending on where you’re started. It’s perfect for a quick early morning tube if you’re looking to beat the heat as it runs from two and a half hours to three and a half hours.
When choosing the spot for water tubing in NC, the slow paddles make this a lovely spot that make it a great choice!
New River
The best river tubing near Boone, NC, is definitely New River!
This two hour river tubing route is a great option for families looking for natural lazy rivers in North Carolina! New River is home to extremely calm water, the perfect destination for people with young kids who aren’t particularly strong swimmers (life jackets still necessary!). There are great spots to stop along the edge of the river, so as you go on a calm and cool tube down you can stop for a nice bite to eat in a picnic on the shore!
Don’t overlook New River as an option for the river tubing in North Carolina!
North Carolina is jam packed with beautiful mountain views, classic wilderness vibes and of course, amazing people. So whether you’re stopping in on your road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, or you’re exploring the state and looking for all the hidden gems you can find. There’s something for everyone! Don’t forget to explore these amazing options for rivers to float in North Carolina!
Now that you’ve seen these beautiful spots, where will you be water tubing in NC first?
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