Are you up for a little adventure in The Tar Heel State? So are we! While there are abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation in the state, these lazy river summer tubing adventures might be our favorite. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline-pumping, epic ride down a rapid river, or a lazy float where you can take in the North Carolina scenery, these tubing trips are sure to be a blast!
- Zen Tubing - Asheville
Google Local/Chris Smith Float along the picturesque French Broad River on what will certainly be a highlight of your summer. No reservations are required at this time and kids as young as four are allowed to tube! Find more information here.
- Cape Fear River Adventures - Lillington
TripAdvisor/Management Spend a lazy day floating aimlessly down the Cape Fear River. Registration takes place entirely online in order to meet social distancing guidelines and all tubes are sanitized after each use. Note that high water levels may mean tubing is a no-go, but current water levels and tubing status can be found on the homepage of the official website of Cape Fear River Adventures.
- Dan River Adventures - Stoneville
Google Local/Dan River Adventures Located just 40 minutes from Greensboro, Dan River Adventures offers a campground, canoe and kayak rentals, and some of the best river tubing along the Dan River.
- Smoky Mountain Tubing - Cherokee
Google Local/Robert thigpen Always wanted to tube on the Oconaluftee River? Here’s your chance! Spend a couple hours enjoying the fresh air and extraordinary views on this trip that allows kids as young as five to participate. Here’s all you need to know to book a tubing trip with Smoky Mountain Tubing.
- Silver Creek Tubing - Saluda
Google Local/Different Directions Link your group’s tubes together and relish in the fun of swiftly moving at a snail’s pace down the Green River outside of Saluda. What could be more fun than spending some quality time on the water with family? Silver Creek Tubing is a unique adventure.
- Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing - Bakersville
TripAdvisor/AM3 Bask in the beauty of the scenic Toe River on perhaps one of the most adventurous tubing trips you’ll find in North Carolina. Stop along the way to take it all in as you perch on one of the huge island rocks in the middle of this gorgeous river. Learn more about tubing at Loafers Glory here.
- Dillsboro River Company - Sylva
TripAdvisor/Shannon L Tube the Tuck (Tuckasegee River) on one of the two sections suited for tubing. The Tuck is better known for rafting trips, but Dillsboro River Company is the way to go if your heart is set on tubing the Tuck!
In light of current circumstances related to the pandemic, tubing companies around the state are implementing new protocols to respond to new social distancing measures (check with each company to learn their safety plans), so there’s one less thing to worry about. Some tubing companies listed above may not have opened for the season yet, but you can check back with them as the weeks pass for more up-to-date information.
Google Local/Chris Smith
Float along the picturesque French Broad River on what will certainly be a highlight of your summer. No reservations are required at this time and kids as young as four are allowed to tube! Find more information here.
TripAdvisor/Management
Spend a lazy day floating aimlessly down the Cape Fear River. Registration takes place entirely online in order to meet social distancing guidelines and all tubes are sanitized after each use. Note that high water levels may mean tubing is a no-go, but current water levels and tubing status can be found on the homepage of the official website of Cape Fear River Adventures.
Google Local/Dan River Adventures
Located just 40 minutes from Greensboro, Dan River Adventures offers a campground, canoe and kayak rentals, and some of the best river tubing along the Dan River.
Google Local/Robert thigpen
Always wanted to tube on the Oconaluftee River? Here’s your chance! Spend a couple hours enjoying the fresh air and extraordinary views on this trip that allows kids as young as five to participate. Here’s all you need to know to book a tubing trip with Smoky Mountain Tubing.
Google Local/Different Directions
Link your group’s tubes together and relish in the fun of swiftly moving at a snail’s pace down the Green River outside of Saluda. What could be more fun than spending some quality time on the water with family? Silver Creek Tubing is a unique adventure.
TripAdvisor/AM3
Bask in the beauty of the scenic Toe River on perhaps one of the most adventurous tubing trips you’ll find in North Carolina. Stop along the way to take it all in as you perch on one of the huge island rocks in the middle of this gorgeous river. Learn more about tubing at Loafers Glory here.
TripAdvisor/Shannon L
Tube the Tuck (Tuckasegee River) on one of the two sections suited for tubing. The Tuck is better known for rafting trips, but Dillsboro River Company is the way to go if your heart is set on tubing the Tuck!
How many of these North Carolina lazy river tubing adventures have tried? Did we miss any epic lazy rivers in the state? Let us know in the comments below!
And for more aquatic adventures in The Tar Heel State, be sure to check out these six fun waterparks.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1648 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, USAAddress: 100 S Main St, Lillington, NC 27546, USAAddress: 724 Webster Rd, Stoneville, NC 27048, USAAddress: 1847 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USAAddress: 3111 Silver Creek Rd, Saluda, NC 28773, USAAddress: 7550, 2637 NC-226, Bakersville, NC 28705, USAAddress: 18 Macktown Rd, Sylva, NC 28779, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Carolina Lazy River Tubing April 06, 2021 Sarah What are some of the most pristine swimming holes in North Carolina? North Carolina is home to some of the most picture-perfect, pristine swimming holes in the country. Between lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean, there’s an endless supply of clear waters where you can enjoy outdoor recreation. One of our favorites is Lake James. Located at the base of North Carolina’s Grand Canyon, Linville Gorge, the water at Lake James is pristine, crystal clear, and also on par with what you’d find in bottled water at the grocery store. The fresh, clean mountain water is only the cherry on top. You get to marvel at incredible, 360-degree views of some of the best scenery in the western part of the state. When it comes to pristine swimming holes in North Carolina, Lake James tops the list. What’s the best place to go river tubing in North Carolina? While you’ve likely heard of man-made lazy rivers at resorts at waterparks, few people realize that the Tar Heel State is blessed with an abundance of natural options, too! Deep Creek, a beautiful waterway near Bryson City that winds through the Great Smoky Mountains, offers perhaps the most scenic tubing adventure in The Tar Heel State. Deep Creek consists of two sections: the ‘upper’ whitewater section that flows from Indian Creek into Deep Creek Gorge, and the lower section that is wider and more family-friendly. For tubers looking for a somewhat wild and bouncy experience, the upper section is the way to go. But if you’re looking for relaxation and also a fun activity for small children, the lower section provides a smooth and easy float down the river. This is what’s lovingly referred to as “lazy tubing.” Hop on a tube, and you’ll enjoy first-hand what makes this North Carolina lazy river tubing spot so spectacular! Does North Carolina have many swimming holes? Swimming holes in North Carolina are abundant; a time-honored Hallmark of the summer season in The Tar Heel State. From a secret ‘Midnight Hole’ high up in the Smokies, to pristine beaches with turquoise water and white sand, and even a crystal clear lake, North Carolina’s swimming hole game is strong. With these utterly picturesque swimming holes in North Carolina, you can look forward to endless adventures this season.
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Carolina Lazy River Tubing
April 06, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the most pristine swimming holes in North Carolina? North Carolina is home to some of the most picture-perfect, pristine swimming holes in the country. Between lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean, there’s an endless supply of clear waters where you can enjoy outdoor recreation. One of our favorites is Lake James. Located at the base of North Carolina’s Grand Canyon, Linville Gorge, the water at Lake James is pristine, crystal clear, and also on par with what you’d find in bottled water at the grocery store. The fresh, clean mountain water is only the cherry on top. You get to marvel at incredible, 360-degree views of some of the best scenery in the western part of the state. When it comes to pristine swimming holes in North Carolina, Lake James tops the list. What’s the best place to go river tubing in North Carolina? While you’ve likely heard of man-made lazy rivers at resorts at waterparks, few people realize that the Tar Heel State is blessed with an abundance of natural options, too! Deep Creek, a beautiful waterway near Bryson City that winds through the Great Smoky Mountains, offers perhaps the most scenic tubing adventure in The Tar Heel State. Deep Creek consists of two sections: the ‘upper’ whitewater section that flows from Indian Creek into Deep Creek Gorge, and the lower section that is wider and more family-friendly. For tubers looking for a somewhat wild and bouncy experience, the upper section is the way to go. But if you’re looking for relaxation and also a fun activity for small children, the lower section provides a smooth and easy float down the river. This is what’s lovingly referred to as “lazy tubing.” Hop on a tube, and you’ll enjoy first-hand what makes this North Carolina lazy river tubing spot so spectacular! Does North Carolina have many swimming holes? Swimming holes in North Carolina are abundant; a time-honored Hallmark of the summer season in The Tar Heel State. From a secret ‘Midnight Hole’ high up in the Smokies, to pristine beaches with turquoise water and white sand, and even a crystal clear lake, North Carolina’s swimming hole game is strong. With these utterly picturesque swimming holes in North Carolina, you can look forward to endless adventures this season.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Carolina is home to some of the most picture-perfect, pristine swimming holes in the country. Between lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean, there’s an endless supply of clear waters where you can enjoy outdoor recreation. One of our favorites is Lake James. Located at the base of North Carolina’s Grand Canyon, Linville Gorge, the water at Lake James is pristine, crystal clear, and also on par with what you’d find in bottled water at the grocery store. The fresh, clean mountain water is only the cherry on top. You get to marvel at incredible, 360-degree views of some of the best scenery in the western part of the state. When it comes to pristine swimming holes in North Carolina, Lake James tops the list.
What’s the best place to go river tubing in North Carolina?
While you’ve likely heard of man-made lazy rivers at resorts at waterparks, few people realize that the Tar Heel State is blessed with an abundance of natural options, too! Deep Creek, a beautiful waterway near Bryson City that winds through the Great Smoky Mountains, offers perhaps the most scenic tubing adventure in The Tar Heel State. Deep Creek consists of two sections: the ‘upper’ whitewater section that flows from Indian Creek into Deep Creek Gorge, and the lower section that is wider and more family-friendly. For tubers looking for a somewhat wild and bouncy experience, the upper section is the way to go. But if you’re looking for relaxation and also a fun activity for small children, the lower section provides a smooth and easy float down the river. This is what’s lovingly referred to as “lazy tubing.” Hop on a tube, and you’ll enjoy first-hand what makes this North Carolina lazy river tubing spot so spectacular!
Does North Carolina have many swimming holes?
Swimming holes in North Carolina are abundant; a time-honored Hallmark of the summer season in The Tar Heel State. From a secret ‘Midnight Hole’ high up in the Smokies, to pristine beaches with turquoise water and white sand, and even a crystal clear lake, North Carolina’s swimming hole game is strong. With these utterly picturesque swimming holes in North Carolina, you can look forward to endless adventures this season.
