Awesome Tubing Adventures in Bryson City to Help You Stay Cool This Summer
It's time to grab your sunscreen and river shoes for some family fun out on the mountain waters of the Smokies. If whitewater rafting is a little too high-adrenaline for you, then consider tubing down one of the mountain creeks or rivers during your Bryson City, NC vacation. Tubing is a nice mix of rolling river fun combined with a lazy river feel. It's the perfect summer adventure for those who love to be out on the water and want to enjoy the scenic surroundings of this beautiful area.
There are two great tubing spots that are not far from your Bryson City, NC cabin rental. Tubing companies typically are open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day—but if the weather cooperates, they will open up earlier or stay open beyond the summer season. Pair your tubing adventures with other outdoor favorites like biking, hiking, picnicking, waterfall exploring, and swimming for a fantastic day out in nature.
Deep Creek Tubing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cool down on a scenic and relaxing float down Deep Creek located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here's what you need to know about this fun and family-friendly tubing experience. You can find a map and more related outdoor activities in the Deep Creek area here.
Several tube rental companies are located near the entrance to Deep Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on West Deep Creek Road. These tubing outfitters rent light-weight inflatables with seats, with daily rental rates. Children 13 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket while tubing. Bring your own, or rent one along with your tube.
There are two parking lots at Deep Creek. The first one is the picnic area with public restrooms and easy creek access. However the second parking lot is located at the Deep Creek trailhead. Both parking areas are close to each other, so try the trailhead lot first. If it is full, go back to the first parking lot.
Although you can float in your tube anywhere along the creek or picnic area, the best and most popular float requires you to carry your inner tube upstream along the Deep Creek trail. The first put-in will be on your left, just after you cross the first bridge (about a half mile in). This location ensures a more leisurely ride. Or travel further upstream on the Deep Creek trail to a well-marked put-in, located where Indian Creek flows into Deep Creek.The initial ride on the second put-in will be a bouncier ride, until you reach the bridge area (near the first put-in) where the creek transitions to a more leisurely float.
Deep Creek Tubing Outfitters and Rentals
- Deep Creek Lodge Tubing: 1881 West Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC, (828) 488-2587
- JJ's Tube Rentals: 1401 West Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC, (828) 488-3018
- Smoky Mountain Campground and Tubing: 1840 West Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC, (828) 488-4403
- Tube World: 1157 West Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC, (828) 341-5003
Cherokee NC Tubing Down the Oconaluftee River
Another wonderful tubing location is on the Oconaluftee River in nearby Cherokee, North Carolina. With Class I and II rapids, enjoy a float down of the cleanest, clearest rivers in the Southeast United States. The local outfitters will assist you with put-ins and take-outs at the prime tubing sites along the river.
Oconaluftee River Tubing Outfitters and Rentals
Cherokee Rapids Tube Rentals: 1681 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC (828) 736-4231
Smoky Mountain Tube & Raft: 1847 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC (828) 497-4545
Have you gone tubing in Bryson City, NC?
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