Go-to Guide: Tubing with Kids Around Atlanta
Traveling down the Chattahoochee by inner tube or raft is a great way to cool off. Do it yourself, or visit one of these companies for a relaxing day on the river.
Be sure to check the website or call for special instructions.
Cool River Tubing and Adventures, Helen
This tubing company sits right in the German-inspired town of Helen, and also has a zip line, water slide and climbing areas. After snaking down the Chattahoochee River, explore the town and have a taste of German food.
Cost: Purchase tickets at the Headwaters or Chattahoochee Outposts and the Main Street Booth. $14-$16 per person; prices range from $15-$85 for other activities.
The Details: Open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The minimum age for tubing is 2 years.
Euharlee Creek Outfitters
Float along in a tube up the Etowah River to end up near the historic Euharlee Bridge, or go for a longer trip from Euharlee Creek to Etowah River. Canoe and kayak trips are also available.
Cost: $15-$25
The Details: Open Wed.-Sun., Memorial Day through Sept. 27. Minimum age for tubing is 5.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Plan an outdoor adventure with NOC with whitewater rafting, tubing, zip lining, mountain biking and more. Head to Clayton for a 5-6 hour rafting trip, or float down the Chattahoochee River in a tube. Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals and guided trips are also available.
Cost: $30+
The Details: See website for hours, and note that there are different check-in locations based on the time of year. Minimum tubing age is 8.
Chattahoochee River Tubing
Purchase tickets at the Abbots Bridge Road check-in area; a shuttle will take you to the put-in location for a four-hour ride down the Chattahoochee. Straps are available to tether your tubes together, or rent a 4-person raft.
Cost: $33-$40
The Details: Open daily through Sept. 13. Minimum tubing age is 5.
Helen Tubing
This family attraction offers a 2.5-hour tube ride from Highway 75 North to Brucken Strasse.
Cost: $14
The Details: Open daily through Sept. 15. Minimum tubing age is 2.
Appalachian Outfitters
Meet at the Dahlonega outpost for a tube ride on the Chestatee River. A shuttle will take you to the put-in site for the 30-45 minute ride. If you want to do the trip again, take a 10-minute walk back to the beginning (or pay a $3 shuttle fee for each additional ride). You can also rent canoe and kayaks for trips on the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers.
Cost: $11 per person; $3 for additional shuttle rides
The Details: Open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The minimum age for tubing is 4.
Toccoa River Tubing
This tubing adventure is worth the trip to the scenic Blue Ridge area – take a 1.5 mile trip down the calm waters of the Toccoa river. Other activities include rafting, zipline tours and the Adventure Park.
Cost: $14 per person
The Details: Open daily through Sept. 7. The minimum age for tubing is 5.
DIY Shoot the Hooch
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is open for rafting and tubing from dawn to dusk during the summer; all you need is a life vest and raft or tube. Parking is $5 at any of the parking lot access points. Make sure to leave a second car where you decide to end on the river.
Check weather reports and call for dam water release information: This provides recommended calm water times for floating. Buford Dam: 1-855-326-3569. Make sure you are in a safe location when the river begins to rise.
Minimum age to float down the river varies if renting supplies from a company; if not, it is up to parental discretion.
Ages 12 and younger must wear a life vest at all times. Ages 13 and older must have one in the raft or tube.
Rubber-soled shoes are a must for tackling slippery rocks.
Where to Go:
Abbotts Bridge to Medlock Bridge, 4 miles; 3-4 hours.
Medlock Bridge to Jones Bridge, 3 miles; 1.5-2 hours.
Morgan Falls Dam to Johnson Ferry, 2 miles; 1-2 hours.
Johnson Ferry to Powers Island, 3.5 miles; 2-4 hours.
Powers Island to Paces Mill, 3 miles; 1-3 hours.
Visit nps.gov or call 678-538-1200 for more information.
