We can’t think of a better way to cool off and relax on a hot summer’s day than floating down a clear mountain river.
If that sounds refreshing to you, see our list below for a few of our favorite places to go tubing.
[ ALSO READ: Best places to beat the heat ]
Many places require or encourage reservations. Be sure to check each providers website for specific details.
High Mountain Expeditions
Begins and ends at the New River Outpost in Boone
Price: $25 per person, $10 cooler tube
Age restrictions: Children must be 3 or older
Trip length: 2 to 3 hours
Cherokee Rapids
Begins and ends on the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee
Open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
Price: $14 per person
Age restrictions: Children must be 4 or older
Trip length: 2 to 3 hours
[ ALSO READ: Families can have ‘Super Saturdays’ at ImaginOn this summer ]
Zen Tubing
Two locations on the French Broad River in Asheville (reservations are required)
Price: $30 for adults and kids; $10 cooler tube ($25 if you bring your own tube)
Age restrictions: Children must be 4 or older
Trip length: 2 to 3 1/2 hours
Deep Creek Tubing
Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Bryson City
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
Price: $7 for an all-day pass
Trip length: Tube as long as you want on the 1-mile stretch
NC Outdoor Adventures
Toe River in Bakersville/Green Mountain
Price: $23 for a single person tube, $50 for a 2-person tube, $20 for children (less than 65 lbs.), $20 cooler tube
Age restrictions: Children must be 3 or older; children 5 and younger must ride with parent
Trip length: 2 to 4 hours
Palmetto Outdoor
Saluda River in West Columbia
Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Price: Standard rental cost $20 (more options are available, including “the double” with two seats and room for a cooler)
Age restrictions: Children must be at least 10 years old
Trip length: 3 hours
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