Best River Tubing in North Carolina

Young people floating down a river in inner tubes
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Exploring the scenic waterways of North Carolina is a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast seeking an exhilarating aquatic adventure. In this guide, we’ll delve into the top river tubing experiences that this beautiful state has to offer. From the heart-pounding rapids of the Green River to the tranquil, meandering waters of the Yadkin River, North Carolina’s diverse landscape promises a tubing experience for every taste. So, let’s dive right into the best river tubing spots this state has in store for you.



Deep Creek

Deep Creek, within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, beckons tubing enthusiasts to its tranquil waters. With gentle currents and scenic beauty, Deep Creek promises an unparalleled tubing experience. The soothing sounds of flowing water accompany you as you navigate the winding river, creating moments of serenity amid the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Reasons to go River Tubing at Deep Creek:

  • Tranquil Environment: Deep Creek offers a peaceful tubing experience amidst the serene ambiance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Scenic Natural Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking views of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife as you float down the crystal-clear waters, immersing yourself in the pristine natural surroundings.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Deep Creek’s gentle currents and kid-friendly rapids make it an ideal destination for families. Children can safely enjoy the tubing adventure, creating unforgettable moments for the entire family.
  • Adventure for All Ages: Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a relaxation seeker, Deep Creek caters to all ages and preferences, offering a perfect balance of excitement and tranquility for everyone.
  • Easy Accessibility: Deep Creek’s convenient location and well-maintained facilities make it easily accessible for tubing enthusiasts. Ample parking, nearby rentals, and clear entry points ensure a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the tubing adventure to the fullest.

Recommended Gear: Tube, Life Jacket, Water Shoes, Sun Protection, Waterproof Bag, Snacks, Waterproof Camera


Green River

Green River, a favorite among thrill-seekers, promises an adrenaline-fueled tubing escapade. Cutting through the scenic Green River Gorge, this waterway offers heart-pounding rapids and breathtaking landscapes. Towering cliffs and lush forests create a dramatic backdrop as you navigate the exhilarating currents. Prepare for an unforgettable tubing adventure, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature’s wonders.

Reasons to go River Tubing in the Green River:

  • Thrilling Rapids: Green River’s challenging rapids provide an exhilarating tubing experience for adventure enthusiasts, ensuring an adrenaline-packed journey downstream.
  • Spectacular Scenery: Surrounded by the majestic Green River Gorge, tubers are treated to awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs, lush forests, and the beauty of untouched nature.
  • Varied Difficulty Levels: With a mix of rapid intensities, the Green River caters to both beginners and experienced tubers, offering diverse challenges for a wide range of skill levels.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Explore the natural habitat of various wildlife species while tubing, offering a chance to witness birds, fish, and other creatures in their natural environment, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Group Adventure: Tubing down the Green River is a fantastic group activity, allowing friends and family to bond over shared thrills and create lasting memories amidst the excitement of the rapids.

Recommended Gear: Beach Towel, Inflatable Tube, Life Jacket, Snacks/Water, Water Shoes, Waterproof Bag, Sunscreen


Linville River

Linville River, a hidden gem in nature’s embrace, offers a serene tubing experience amid the untouched wilderness. Flowing gracefully through the heart of Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, this river enchants with its tranquil waters and scenic vistas. Surrounded by lush forests and dramatic cliffs, tubing on the Linville River promises a peaceful escape, allowing adventurers to unwind in nature’s calming presence.

Reasons to go River Tubing in the Linville River:

  • Serene Wilderness: Tubing on the Linville River offers a peaceful escape into nature’s embrace, surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
  • Picturesque Scenery: Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes as you float along the river, surrounded by lush forests, towering cliffs, and the soothing sounds of flowing water, providing a visually stunning experience.
  • Relaxing Adventure: Linville River’s gentle currents provide a leisurely tubing experience, perfect for relaxation and unwinding. Enjoy the calming flow of the water, allowing you to escape the stresses of daily life and find moments of tranquility.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: The Linville River’s calm waters make it an excellent choice for families with children. Kids can enjoy a safe and enjoyable tubing adventure, creating cherished memories for the whole family to cherish.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Explore the natural habitat of various wildlife species while tubing, offering a chance to witness birds, fish, and other creatures in their undisturbed environment, enhancing the overall experience and providing opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe local fauna.

Recommended Gear: Water Shoes, Sunscreen, River Tube, Life Jacket, Waterproof Bag, Snacks, Waterproof Camera


French Broad River

French Broad River, a captivating waterway, invites tubing enthusiasts to its meandering currents and scenic vistas. Carving a picturesque path through the landscape, this river offers a perfect blend of leisure and excitement. Surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills, tubing on the French Broad promises a rejuvenating experience, allowing adventurers to embrace the charm of nature’s wonders.

Reasons to go River Tubing in the French Broad River:

  • Scenic Splendor: Tubing on the French Broad River unveils stunning vistas of lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, creating a visually enchanting and immersive experience amidst nature’s beauty.
  • Tranquil Waters: The gentle currents of the French Broad River provide a relaxing tubing adventure, allowing tubers to unwind and enjoy a peaceful float downstream, creating moments of serenity on the water.
  • Wildlife Observation: Explore the habitat of various wildlife species, offering opportunities to spot birds, fish, and other creatures in their natural environment, enhancing the overall tubing experience for nature enthusiasts.
  • Versatility for All: French Broad River caters to both beginners and experienced tubers with a mix of calm stretches and mild rapids, ensuring an inclusive adventure suitable for tubers of all skill levels and preferences.
  • Social Enjoyment: Tubing on the French Broad River is a fantastic social activity, allowing friends and family to bond over shared experiences. The leisurely pace and natural surroundings create an ideal setting for quality time, making it a memorable group adventure.

Recommended Gear: Inflatable Tube, Sunscreen, Life Vest, River Shoes, Sun Hat, Dry Bag, Beach Towel


Cape Fear River

Cape Fear River, a captivating aquatic marvel, invites tubing enthusiasts to its winding waters and scenic vistas. Meandering through diverse landscapes, this river promises a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. With its serene stretches and occasional rapids, tubing on the Cape Fear offers an exhilarating experience amidst nature’s grandeur. Prepare for an unforgettable tubing journey along this picturesque waterway.

Reasons to go River Tubing in the Cape Fear River:

  • Scenic Diversity: Tubing on the Cape Fear River offers a diverse landscape, showcasing lush forests, sandy banks, and scenic vistas, providing tubers with an ever-changing backdrop of natural beauty.
  • Adventurous Rapids: Experience the thrill of navigating through exciting rapids, adding an adrenaline rush to your tubing adventure and making it a perfect choice for adrenaline-seeking enthusiasts.
  • Relaxing Floats: Enjoy leisurely floats on calm stretches of the river, allowing tubers to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere, providing moments of relaxation amidst the natural surroundings.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Explore the Cape Fear River’s ecosystem, offering opportunities to observe various wildlife species, including birds, turtles, and fish, creating an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.
  • Group Bonding: Tubing on the Cape Fear River is an excellent group activity, providing an ideal setting for friends and family to bond over shared adventures, laughter, and the joy of exploring the great outdoors together.

Recommended Gear: Life Jacket, Water Shoes, Sunscreen, Waterproof Bag, Snacks/Water, Waterproof Camera, River Tube


Rocky Forest River Run

Rocky Forest River Run, a thrilling destination for tubing enthusiasts, promises an adrenaline-pumping experience amidst nature’s rugged embrace. The river’s wild currents and challenging rapids provide an adventurous ride, making it an ideal spot for those seeking excitement. Surrounded by rocky terrains and dense forests, tubing on this untamed waterway offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of natural wilderness.

Reasons to go River Tubing at Rocky Forest River Run:

  • Adventurous Rapids: Rocky Forest River Run offers thrilling and challenging rapids, providing an adrenaline-pumping tubing experience for adventure seekers looking for excitement on the water.
  • Spectacular Scenery: Surrounded by rocky terrains and dense forests, tubing on this untamed waterway provides a visually stunning backdrop, offering a unique and immersive experience amidst nature’s wilderness.
  • Nature’s Playground: Explore the wild side of nature while tubing, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the Rocky Forest River Run, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
  • Group Bonding: Tubing on this adventurous river is a perfect group activity, allowing friends and family to bond over shared thrills, laughter, and the joy of navigating challenging rapids together, creating unforgettable memories.
  • Thrilling Challenge: The river’s wild currents and rocky terrain create a challenging environment, making it an ideal spot for experienced tubers seeking an exhilarating and daring tubing adventure, pushing their skills to the limit.

Recommended Gear: Inflatable Tube, Towel, Life Jacket, Water Shoes, Waterproof Bag, Floating Sunglasses, Sunscreen


Yadkin River

Yadkin River, an enchanting waterway, beckons tubing enthusiasts to its gentle currents and scenic surroundings. Flowing gracefully through picturesque landscapes, this river offers a perfect blend of serenity and adventure. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, tubing on the Yadkin promises a tranquil escape, allowing adventurers to embrace the natural beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors.

Reasons to go River Tubing in the Yadkin River:

  • Tranquil Float: Yadkin River offers a serene tubing experience with gentle currents, providing a calm and relaxing float for tubers seeking peaceful moments on the water.
  • Picturesque Scenery: Tubing amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, the Yadkin River provides picturesque landscapes, creating a visually stunning environment for a delightful tubing adventure.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: With its gentle waters, Yadkin River is perfect for families, allowing children to enjoy a safe and enjoyable tubing experience, fostering memorable moments for everyone.
  • Birdwatching: Explore the rich birdlife along the riverbanks, offering opportunities for birdwatchers to spot various avian species in their natural habitat, enhancing the tubing experience for nature enthusiasts.
  • Charming Atmosphere: Tubing on the Yadkin River offers a charming atmosphere, allowing tubers to unwind in the midst of nature’s tranquility, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing outdoor adventure.

Recommended Gear: Picnic Supplies, Life Jacket, Tube, Water Shoes, Sun Protection, Waterproof Bag, Waterproof Camera


Smoky Mountain Tubing

Smoky Mountain Tubing, a haven for water enthusiasts, invites adventure-seekers to its exhilarating rapids and scenic beauty. Carving through the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this tubing experience offers a thrilling journey amid nature’s grandeur. Surrounded by lush greenery and the distant echoes of wilderness, tubing in the Smoky Mountains promises an adrenaline-pumping escapade through the wild waters.

Reasons to go River Tubing at Smoky Mountain Tubing:

  • Exciting Rapids: Smoky Mountain Tubing offers thrilling rapids, creating an adrenaline-fueled tubing experience for adventure seekers craving excitement on the water.
  • Spectacular Scenery: Tubing amidst the Smoky Mountains provides awe-inspiring views, surrounded by lush forests and majestic peaks, offering a visually captivating and immersive experience amidst nature’s wonders.
  • Family-Friendly Adventure: With its varying currents, Smoky Mountain Tubing caters to families, allowing both kids and adults to enjoy a safe and fun-filled tubing experience, creating cherished moments for all.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Explore the rich biodiversity of the Smoky Mountains, providing opportunities for nature enthusiasts to spot diverse wildlife species, enhancing the tubing experience with encounters of native fauna.
  • Group Bonding: Tubing in Smoky Mountain Tubing is a fantastic group activity, fostering camaraderie and laughter as friends and family navigate the exciting rapids together, creating lasting memories amidst the thrilling adventure.

Recommended Gear: Sunscreen, Waterproof Bag, Beach Towel, Inflatable Tube, Life Jacket, Sunglasses, Water Shoes


New River

New River, a majestic waterway, calls upon tubing enthusiasts to embrace its meandering currents and scenic vistas. Flowing through picturesque landscapes, this river offers a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquility. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, tubing on the New River promises a rejuvenating escape, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the great outdoors.

Reasons to go River Tubing at New River:

  • Thrilling Rapids: New River offers exciting rapids, providing a thrilling tubing experience for adventure seekers seeking excitement and adrenaline-pumping water adventures.
  • Spectacular Scenery: Tubing amidst the New River unveils breathtaking views, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, lush forests, and scenic vistas, creating an immersive and visually captivating experience.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: The gentle currents of New River make it ideal for families, providing a safe and enjoyable tubing adventure suitable for both kids and adults, fostering unforgettable family moments.
  • Relaxation and Tranquility: Enjoy a peaceful float on New River’s calm stretches, allowing tubers to unwind, relax, and immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of nature, providing moments of tranquility on the water.
  • Group Bonding: Tubing on New River is a perfect group activity, fostering camaraderie and laughter among friends and family as they navigate the river’s twists and turns together, creating lasting memories amidst the shared adventure.

Recommended Gear: River Tube, Life Jacket, Water Shoes, Sunscreen, Waterproof Bag, Snacks, Waterproof Camera


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