SCampillo
If tubing near Boone NC is in your travel plans, I’ve got you covered on the river and on the slopes! Some of the best river and snow tubing is found in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with fun for the whole family.
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When we first moved to North Carolina, river tubing was one of the things I wanted to do most with my daughter.
It’s not the same as Florida tubing so it was a must on my to-do list. If you’ve never been, it’s an adventure you will have to try.
Although the summer months are ideal for river tubing, the early season of fall would still make a great lazy river adventure.
Whether you choose to float down the river or hit the slopes on a snow tube, a great experience awaits you in the North Carolina mountains!
Planning Your Tubing Adventure
Before embarking on your tubing adventure, be sure to prepare and plan ahead. Check the weather forecast beforehand to pick a day for optimal tubing conditions, whether you’re planning a river or snow tubing trip.
You never know what Mother Nature has planned so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Research local tubing parks or slopes, paying attention to their rules, restrictions, and required equipment. Most parks and outfitters typically offer tube rentals, equipment, and safety gear. Making it one less thing to worry about.
Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and plenty of water to keep hydrated. You can keep these secure on a separate ‘cooler’ tube tied to yours.
If snow tubing, plan to wear warm, water-resistant clothes, including gloves, hats, and boots. Consider bringing additional layers in case of unexpected weather changes. You’ll also want to check the snow conditions for road closures and safety before heading out.
Don’t forget to pack lunches, snacks, and electrolytes to keep your energy levels high during your outing. Water alone isn’t always enough unless your snacks include raw living, hydrating food!
Finally, always inform someone of your planned trip and expected return time as a safety precaution.
9 Best River Tubing Outfitters Near Boone
River tubing offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty while adding adventure to your outdoor experience.
There’s just something about the peaceful drifting down a natural lazy river while navigating the gentle rapids. All while being surrounded by the beauty and sounds of nature.
It’s a unique experience that allows you to unwind and enjoy the ebb and flow of the river. Kind of like an outdoor meditation in nature. If you enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s embarking on a retreat, hiking, or river tubing, it’s a great way to connect with nature.
The following Boone area outfitters in Western North Carolina, provide everything you need to make your river tubing trip an unforgettable adventure!
River & Earth Adventures
Located in Boone, River & Earth Adventures provides river tubing on the Watauga River as well as other outdoor activities.
The owner-operated business is committed to providing the highest quality service.
What I love most about River & Earth is its dedication to the environment and healthy living.
They offer locally sourced organic lunches, provide eco-education, and include the best quality equipment with every rental.
They provide all necessary equipment, including tubes, life jackets, and transportation to and from the river. Their experienced guides provide transportation to and from the river and ensure a safe and enjoyable tubing experience for everyone.
High Mountain Expeditions
High Mountain Expeditions is located in Boone providing a river tubing adventure on the scenic New River. One of the oldest rivers in the world!
River tubing trips include all necessary equipment including high back tubes with backrests and cup holders for a more enjoyable experience. Cooler tubes are also available.
Before launching in the river, a guide will provide orientation on river safety and the best way to maneuver the tube. Tubing trips are 2-3 hours in length and include a shuttle service to the river and a return trip back to the outpost.
Wahoo’s Adventures
Rated a 5-star outfitter, Wahoo’s Adventures offers an unforgettable tubing experience. They are located in the Boone area and offer river tubing trips along the scenic New River.
With a focus on safety and enjoyment, they cater to individuals, families, and groups of all ages. Their seasoned professional guides are known as some of the best in the world and will guide you from start to finish.
Wahoo’s is a full-service outpost with a parking area on the riverside. This means they offer hot showers, an on-site store, catered meals from casual to gourmet, camping (including treehouse cabins), and much more.
Definitely among the best way to take in the natural landscapes and wildlife along the river. The trip length is about 2 hours depending on water levels.
You will also have the option to choose from a variety of tube styles in addition to cooler tubes and Bluetooth speaker rentals.
RiverGirl Fishing Company
RiverGirl Fishing is located in the small town of Todd, north of Boone in the Historic train depot. While I don’t promote or support fishing, I’ve included them for their tubing adventures along the New River. They also provide biking and eco-tours which are a plus.
The company offers tubes with backrests and cup holders, tubes for the littles, and cooler tubes to tie up with. Your animal companion is also welcome. Tickets can be purchased online through their online booking system for your convenience.
Zaloo’s Canoes & Kayaks
Zaloo’s Canoes & Kayaks is located in Jefferson offering fun river tubing adventures on the South Fork of the New River. Their trip options include a 2-hour or 4-hour trip with transportation to and from the river.
This leisurely activity provides an opportunity to relax, soak in the beautiful natural surroundings, and enjoy the gentle currents of the river.
It’s a great way to get on the water with family or friends and enjoy the beautiful mountain countryside along the way.
Tubing in Asheville
Zen Tubing
Zen Tubing is one of the best places to visit for river tubing in Asheville with floating fun along the French Broad River. It’s also among the most popular in the area with one location in Midtown and the other in South Asheville.
If you want more of an “artsy” type of float, then the Midtown location is for you. It takes you through the River Arts District of Asheville which is pretty cool.
For a more nature-infused vibe and scenic type of floating trip, the south Asheville location will give you all that and more. This location is near the Biltmore and Bent Creek River Park so you’ll be able to see it from the water.
You’ll also have plenty of places to stop and chill on the river.
Both locations provide a relaxing and enjoyable way to explore the scenic beauty of the area while floating down the river.
Tubing trips include tubes, life vests, and free transportation to and back from the river. You can take your time, explore, swim, and take in the beauty that surrounds you along the way.
Just keep in mind that the “final call” is at 6:30 pm so you don’t want to miss the shuttle!
This experience is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to people of various ages and skill levels. Plus, parking is free.
Green River Cove Tubing
Green River Cove Tubing is a family-friendly outdoor adventure company that has been around for 40 years. So they know a thing or two about the tubing business!
They offer 2 to 4-1/2 hour tubing trips along the Green River in Saluda, NC.
Here you’ll experience gentle rushes along the river and a good portion of it, some exciting, fun, cascading action. It’s one of my favorites and highly recommend this one if you want more of a class 1 & 2 rapids tubing experience.
While all ages are welcome, children must be 42″ in height to tube as it is not a full lazy river. Life vests are recommended for the younger kiddos or anyone that cannot swim.
Life jackets are offered but since they don’t have many, they can’t guarantee it will fit. It’s preferable to bring your own if needed. Especially during their busy times which is typically on the weekends.
I would also recommend taking a waterproof wet bag to keep your things in as there will be quite a bit of splashing down the river.
French Broad Outfitters
French Broad Outfitters is located in Asheville and offers a wide range of activities including tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The river tubing experience allows you to enjoy a leisurely float down the French Broad River while taking in the scenic views.
If you want to immerse yourself in nature amidst the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll enjoy this one.
This outfitter provides all-day float trips that take you down a deep, slow-flowing, and wide section of the French Broad. It’s a great way to relax, have fun, and connect with nature in the Asheville area.
Explore the North Carolina Outdoors
Tubing in Brevard
Headwaters Outfitters
If you want to venture outside of Asheville, the Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman offers a nice scenic tubing trip along the French Broad River.
Headwaters Outfitters is the first tubing place we experienced when we first moved to NC and it was amazing. The water level was a bit low so it flowed pretty slowly but the scenery, twists, turns, and wildlife along the way were priceless.
I highly recommend it.
And if I recall correctly or if they haven’t changed the routes since I last went, the end of the tubing trip ends near a lavender field. I remember this being so beautiful but regretfully didn’t capture any shots of it.
Don’t make the same mistake I made and be sure to capture every moment!
Each tubing trip includes your tube, lifejacket, orientation at the riverbank, and shuttle service to and from the river. Additionally, your day pass includes the option to go on multiple runs between 10 and 3 pm if you choose.
Must have reservations though and the last trip is at 4 pm.
3 Best Snow Tubing Parks Near Boone
Now let’s talk about snow tubing! Winter doesn’t always have to be about skiing and snowboarding, it can be just as much fun sliding down the mountain on a snow tube.
You can find some of the best snow tubing near Boone with fun for the entire family.
The winter months in the high country can look much like a winter wonderland with a blanket of white and snow-covered pines. And snow tubing parks make it a fun experience for everyone!
It may not be Colorado but it sure is the next best thing!
Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline
Hawksnest tubing park is a snow tubing facility located in Seven Devils, North Carolina, near Boone. It is the largest snow tubing park on the south east coast.
The park provides up to 30 fun-filled snow tubing runs with lanes spanning 400 to 1,000 feet long.
Additionally, the tubing lanes are equipped with conveyor lifts that transport tubers back to the top of the hill. This makes it easy to enjoy multiple rides without the need to hike back up the mountain.
The park is also well-maintained and perfect for families, groups, or a friend’s fun-filled weekend adventure.
For more adventure, Hawksnest Zipline offers zipline tours that stretch across 4 miles for a fun and thrilling experience! If you choose to do a zipline tour, they have 2 options to choose from and feature 20 ziplines in total.
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park is nestled in the scenic foothills of North Carolina conveniently located with no icy back roads. Making it easy to get to throughout the winter season.
This snow tubing park offers a family-friendly environment with an uphill conveyer belt to make it easy to enjoy the snow-covered runs. Jonas Ridge offers comfortable tubes and several tubing runs with steep slopes and short wait times.
It’s a fun experience for all ages.
And when you’re ready for a break, you can head down to their indoor lodge to warm up by the fireplace!
Cataloochee Ski Area
The Cataloochee Ski Area is located in Maggie Valley 30 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not as close to Boone but another option if you’re in the Smoky Mountains area.
While primarily known for skiing, Cataloochee Ski Area also offers snow tubing at its off-mountain location, Tube World.
Here you’ll find several snow tubing runs on a well-groomed tube hill. Plus, with the help of its magic carpet conveyer lift, you’ll be back up and ready to slide back down in no time!
It’s snow tubing fun for the whole family!
Additional snow tubing opportunities are also available at Sugar Mountain Resort Ski Lodge and Beech Mountain Resort. The reviews weren’t the greatest so I didn’t include them on the list.
Although I’ve been to both resorts, I’ve never been to either of them for snow tubing. Only snowboarding.
Since they are ski resorts, they focus more on skiing and snowboarding which is probably the reason for the poor reviews. They do offer other winter activities such as ice skating and snowshoeing but that’s about it for winter.
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Sandra Campillo
Sandra Campillo is an eco, vegan lifestyle and travel blogger and entrepreneur. Join Sandra and her community of readers on SandraCampillo.com to learn how to live a healthier, more sustainable, and compassionate way of life while creating a passive income lifestyle.
