This summer calls for making reservations – and we don’t mean for dinner. Float down one of these nearby rivers the next time you want a relaxing (but still adventurous) outing. We’ve assembled your summer guide on where to get out on the water, how to reserve your spot, and everything else you need to know for your day afloat.
Congaree River, Columbia, SC
Driving distance: Approximately 1 hours and 47 minutes
Less than 2 hours from Charlotte, the Congaree River poses a great weekend activity, without being too far away. Just 53 miles long, this river is an easy float that the whole family will enjoy. BYOT (bring-your-own-tube) or book with Palmetto Outdoors for everything you need.
New River, Boone, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes
Enjoy floating down one of North Carolina’s oldest rivers, conveniently located near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The river has parts as shallow as 2 feet, so plan for a hard-bottomed tube to ensure your float runs smoothly. Kids as young as 3 years old are welcome to float, as well as dogs. Consider Wahoo’s Adventures, High Mountain Expeditions, or Zaloo’s Canoes for your next tubing trip on New River.
Green River, Saluda, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours
Just 2 hours away from Charlotte and situated between Greenville and Asheville, you can go tubing on the Green River, hike at Bradley Falls, and enjoy the scenic mountain views all in one trip.
Dan River, Stoneville, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours
The Dan River is a great place to enjoy a leisurely float with a variety of adventure tubes available. Tubing season for the Dan river runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day and is open regularly on weekends and holidays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For your next tubing trip, you can book with Dan River Adventures for special weekday rates as well as no reservation options.
Saluda River, West Columbia, SC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes
Solo float, group float, or sunset float; Saluda Outdoor River Company does it all. Floats can go anywhere from 2-3 hours and all dogs are welcome to join in on the fun. If you feel like floating at your own pace, self-service floating options are available as long as you bring your own gear. Palmetto Outdoors provides shuttles and gear if all that planning has you feeling overwhelmed. Saluda River offers biking, kayaking, and walking tours as well.
Catawba River, Marion, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes
Scenic and peaceful, the Catawba River offers lazy river tubing all summer long. Catawba River Outdoors provides tubing on their “river recliners” starting May 23rd, with new operating hours from Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm.
French Broad River, Asheville, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes
Take a tubing trip down the French Broad River to swim, wade, and float all day. Zen Tubing, Brevard Tubing, and Asheville Tubing offer all-day trips for your next river adventure, without the hassle. Reservations for your trip are always recommended, but walk-ins are taken on an availability basis. After your relaxing day on the water, head into Asheville for a post-float dinner or dessert.
Edisto River, Orangeburg, SC
Driving distance: Approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes
Tubing, sand volleyball, cornhole, food trucks, and more can be found just a few hours south of Charlotte. Start your day of summer fun on a tubing excursion guided by Edisto River Adventures, where you can float the Edisto until you reach an exclusive sandbar. Parking, directions, and gear are all provided by Edisto River Adventures, making your float trip as easy as can be.
Cape Fear River, Lillington, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 3 hours
About 3 hours from Charlotte is the ultimate lazy river experience. Book through Cape Fear River Adventures for a 5 hour trip down a calm, deep waterway. Since this is a coastal river, expect water that is much slower and lends to a longer, more leisurely float. They also offer kayaking, rafting, SUP-ing, and canoeing trips.
Oconoluftee River, Cherokee, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes
With views of the Smokies as you float down this calm river, Oconoluftee is a Cherokee area favorite. Cherokee Rapids and Smoky Mountain Tube and Raft do all the planning for your next river adventure so all that’s left to do is sit back and relax.
Deep Creek, Bryson City, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 3 hours and 8 minutes
Looking for a weekend trip where tubing meets camping? Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground and Deep Creek Lodge Tubing offer thrilling white water tubing as well as calmer, more kid-friendly floats. Float by waterfalls through the Smoky Mountains as well as one of the best natural swimming holes. Camping is available in tents-only, popup, and RV sites.
Tuckasegee River, Bryson City, NC
Driving distance: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
You’ll know you’ve reached the Tuckasegee River once you’ve spotted the London-esque double-decker bus, labeled “RAFTING” for all to see. Schedule your float with Tuckasegee Outfitters and let them plan your day on this scenic river. With both mild and extreme white water tubing available, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. They also offer kayaks and rafts for those wanting to try something different.
Tennessee
Little River, Townsend, TN
Driving distance: Approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes
A little further out of the way, you will find Little River, a beautiful river that offers scenic mountain views throughout your float. Located near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN, you will find Smoky Mountain River Rat offering a variety of tubing trips (lazy or more adventurous) as well as swimming and rock jumping. Book in advance and save $5 off your tube and raft combo.
Georgia
Toccoa River, McCaysville, GA
Driving distance: Approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes
Nestled in the Georgia mountains you will find Toccoa River, perfect for a relaxing day of floating. Rolling Thunder River Co., Toccoa Tubing, and Blue Ridge Tubing offer a variety of whitewater tubing both for walk-ins and those who book a trip ahead. After a day on the water, stop to eat at Iron Bridge & Cafe or try your luck at gem mining, courtesy of Blue Ridge Tubing.
Chattahoochee River, Roswell, GA
Driving distance: Approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes
5 hours from Charlotte, but just north of Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River is a beautiful river to float down, as long as you are willing to make the drive. Chattahoochee River Tubing and Shoot the Hooch are two companies who will ensure your tubing experience is nothing but great times and scenic views.
