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.
Please note that because companies are taking safety precautions during COVID-19, you may experience longer wait times or reduced capacity for rentals. Be sure to check the website or call for special instructions.
Cool River Tubing, 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. $10-$16 per person; prices vary for other activities.
The Details: Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The minimum age for tubing is 3.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Float down the Chattahoochee River at one of NOC’s three outposts: Roswell at Azaelea Park, Powers Island or Johnson Ferry. Kayak, canoe, paddleboard and raft rentals and guided trips are also available; book tickets online.
Cost: From $25 per person.
The Details: Open daily at 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 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: $23 (4 hour trip)
The Details: Open daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (last trip leaves at 4:30 p.m.). Minimum tubing age is 5.
Helen Waterpark
This family attraction in Helen offers a 2.5-hour tube ride from 2 launch locations – Highway 75 N. or Brucken Street. While you’re there, enjoy the waterpark’s slides and activities.
Cost: $12-$16 per person for a single-tube trip (prices vary on weekends and holidays).
The Details: Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Shoot the Hooch
Tube the Chattahoochee on a 2-3 hour trip, from Power Island Park NPS to Paces Mill NPS.
Cost: Starting at $25 per person.
The Details: Open daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Minimum tubing age 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.
Appalachian Outfitters
Meet at Appalachian Outfitters’ 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 $2 shuttle fee for each additional ride). You can also rent canoe and kayaks for trips on the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers.
Cost: $6 per person; $2 for additional shuttle rides.
The Details: Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 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. Single and two-person funyaks and kayaks are also available for rental.
Cost: $15 per person.
The Details: Open daily 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.; reservations are not required. The minimum age for tubing is 5.
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