Posted in D.C.
June 16, 2017
8 Lazy Rivers Around Washington DC That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day
A few weeks ago, we talked about one of the best lazy rivers in the area. You can read about it here! But we realized that DC is close to several perfect tubing rivers where you can relax and float your worries away all summer! When you need to soak up the summer and be in nature this summer, look no further than the eight best lazy rivers near DC!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The Shenandoah might be one of the best spots for tubing near DC. You can find places to tube near Harpers Ferry or down in Front Royal, Virginia. Either way, the ride is ideal! While it’s mostly smooth and slow, there are a few gentle rapids throughout the river and gorgeous scenery along the way!
If you are out in Harpers Ferry, you have your choices of rivers to float. The Potomac is the fourth largest river on the Atlantic coast and is great for tubing! There are companies that cater to the flat water parts of the river or you can have an adventure tubing excursion through rapids.
Terrapin Adventures in Howard County, Maryland offers tubing shuttles and tube rentals for rides on the Patapsco River in Patapsco Valley State Park. The river is 1.8 miles and floats can take anywhere between 1.5 hours and 4 hours depending on the water levels.
This tubing trip would definitely be a weekend getaway since it’s located in Blacksburg, VA, about four hours away from DC. But the beautiful New River is a stunning river and you can peacefully float the slower stretches.
The James River is another river that is a few hours south of DC near Richmond. While this float can be a relaxing ride, there are a few rapids along the way and it tends to attract a more hard-partying crowd than the other rivers in the area.
The Gunpowder in Northern Baltimore is a great local spot. The water is not extremely deep, around 2 feet but it’s a picturesque area and you have your options of tubing in calm peaceful water or faster rapids!
Deer Creek is in Harford County in Rocks State Park. Most people bring their own tubes and tune from Hills Grover to WIlson’s Picnic area. Most of the rangers will be able to direct you to areas! While it can be crowded on the weekends, it’s a beautiful and easy outing for Washingtonians!
Antietam Creek is technically a tributary of the Potomac River near western Maryland in the Hagerstown valley. You’ll float under gorgeous canopy of trees and under stone arch bridges past peaceful scenery and wildlife!
What lazy river will you be enjoying this summer? If you want a little more action in nature, visit this amazing natural waterslide near DC!
