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NatureBeaches, Lakes & Rivers

6 Lazy Rivers In West Virginia That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day

Discover the best places for lazy river tubing in West Virginia, including top rivers and companies for a perfect tubing experience.

Updated Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Allison Burnell

Lazy river tubing in West Virginia is an alternative to the state's well-known whitewater rapid adventures. While those are exhilarating, if you're in the mood for something slower-paced, plenty of places exist in the state for flatwater fun. Spend a lazy afternoon on an inner tube floating down the river. Below are a few of the best lazy rivers in the Mountain State and companies that can set you up with the perfect floating experience.

1. Potomac River

A river scene filled with people in colorful kayaks and tubes, surrounded by greenery and rocky outcrops.
Glen Mazza/Flickr

The Potomac River offers a mix of whitewater and flatwater for river tubing in West Virginia. Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is located in Purcellville, Virginia, and can hook you up with either one. You will float down the Potomac River, past historic and scenic Old Town Harpers Ferry, and through the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers while experiencing the thrills of beginner class I-III rapids. A shuttle will pick you up at the end of your adventure. Discover more on the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center website. Other companies that can set you up with the perfect day of tubing include River Riders Inc.

2. Cheat River

Two people relax on a river float, with sunny skies and trees in the background, enjoying a peaceful day outdoors.
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures/Facebook

You can cool off on a hot summer day tubing the flatwater of the Cheat River. Located in Parsons, Blackwater Outdoors will hook you up with everything you need for your outdoor adventure. Rent a cooler tube for the ultimate lazy river experience. Visit the Blackwater Outdoors website for available float times.

3. New River

A scenic view of a river surrounded by lush green trees, with a large arch bridge spanning above it under a cloudy sky.
Bill Dickinson/Flickr

The New River passes underneath the long, scenic New River Bridge. Cantrell Ultimate Rafting is a family-owned and operated West Virginia company situated near the village of Fayetteville and the village of Hinton. Check out the Cantrell Ultimate Rafting website for your day of fun and some of the best river tubing in West Virginia.

4. Greenbrier River

A serene river scene with calm water, rocky banks, and lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Angie/Flickr

The Greenbrier is the longest undammed river in the eastern United States. It runs a total of 173 miles and supplies the New River with an estimated 30 percent of its volume. Greenbrier River Campground in Alderson, West Virginia, offers day trips of various lengths from Caldwell to Alderson and the river provides a variety of challenges depending on the season.

5. Tygart River

A serene river flows through a lush green landscape, surrounded by rocky banks and trees under a clear blue sky.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

For West Virginia tubing on the Tygart River give Taylor County Adventure Club in Grafton a try. Offering tons of outdoor recreation opportunities both in the water and on land, it's one of the best places to go tubing in West Virginia! The Lazy River is open on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer by reservation only. Call 304-694-5664 or visit 1318 Parkway Road in Grafton, WV. Discover more on the Taylor County Adventure Club Facebook page.

6. Elk River

A serene river surrounded by lush green trees, reflecting clouds and blue sky on its calm surface.
Elk River Water Trail/Facebook

If you don't have an entire afternoon to devote to a float trip, check out the annual Elk River Canoe and Kayak Float typically held in July. The float departs from the Sutton Dam in Sutton and ends in Gassaway. The float is about 5 miles and takes between two to three hours to complete. The event is free and open to all. Read all about it on the Elk River Canoe and Kayak Float Facebook page.

Lazy river tubing in West Virginia is the way to beat the heat this summer. Do you have a favorite place to float? Tell us about it in the comments below or on our nomination page, and you might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.

For some more adventures in this Wild and Wonderful state, take one of these summer road trips in West Virginia. Plan to stay away by reserving a room on Expedia.com.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/best-summer-day-trips-wv/

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