6 Best Natural Lazy Rivers for Tubing in North Carolina

Playing in the water is a quintessential North Carolina experience when the temperatures start to heat up. With an abundance of lakes, creeks, and rivers flowing throughout the state, there's no better way to explore The Tar Heel State than by water! If you're looking for a way to mix it up a bit, tubing in North Carolina is an absolute must! Grab an inner tube, a cold beverage, and some water shoes, and let's get tubing on the following perfectly floatable lazy rivers in North Carolina!

1. Deep Creek

It's no surprise we love Deep Creek for tubing. Located near Bryson City, many different tubing companies offer excursions, and you can choose the more family-friendly upper section or the adventurous lower section. You're treated to mountain views and even a waterfall or two along your way.

2. Dan River

If you grew up in the Piedmont, you've probably had a summer experience of floating down the "Dirty Dan" a time or two. With several different entrance points, the Dan provides a mountain experience right in the NW Piedmont. Tubers are treated to both calm rapids and a few thrills where the water picks up. There are several great islands for chilling and taking it in, and also some beautiful natural rock structures hanging over the river. We're pretty sure river tubing in North Carolina doesn't get better than this!

3. French Broad River

Tubing down the historic French Broad River has been a beloved summer tradition for generations of Asheville residents. While the waters do pick up in certain areas, options for entering include along the Hominy Creek River Park in Asheville, Carrier Park, or Jean Webb River Park (for a shorter ride). You'll lounge and float past mountains, breweries, and forests. During summer weekends, tubing is a popular activity, meaning things might get quite social! This is a great day trip for larger groups.

Please note that due to damage from Hurricane Helene, some of these parks have partial closures or areas where you'll need to exercise caution.

4. New River

A popular pastime for App State students or Boone residents is tubing along the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world. For a customized tubing experience, several outfitters like High Mountain Expeditions offer custom, hard-bottomed tubes that make navigating the waters easy (the water can range from two to eight feet). You'll find that this gorgeous river can be as peaceful or as exhilarating as you'd like.

5. Green River

While the rapids of Green River near Saluda attract adventurous whitewater rafters, portions of the river are also gentle enough for a day of tubing. You'll coast through dense forests near Green River Gorge. For tubing and navigation, Wilderness Cove Tubing is a terrific option. Kayakers love this river too!

6. Cape Fear River

Tubing the Cape Fear might seem intimidating, but Cape Fear River Adventures makes it easy. Located in Lillington, the entry point and ride guides you along two unspoiled miles of lazy river featuring coastal forests and a wildlife sighting or two. In comparison to its mountain counterparts, the Cape Fear is deep enough that you'll really be floating and relaxing the entire journey.

If you haven't ever gone river tubing in North Carolina yet, add it to your summer bucket list! And if you are looking for even more summer adventure inspiration, check out this road trip route.