There is nothing quite like a cool mountain river on a hot day! A fantastic way to enjoy the river and mountains around it is tubing down the river with family and friends. Come experience the spectacular scenery of the Lower Nolichucky River by tubing with us! Our tubing trips start at The Resort and includes six Class II rapids in 1 mile down to Chestoa Recreation Area. Life jackets and helmets are available and recommended. A short shuttle ride will bring you back to the put in near the Take Out Tavern where you can chill or jump back in for another thrilling float!
Please NOTE! For the safety of our guests River Tubing is only available when the river flow is below 1,000cfs (cubic feet per second). Please check the gage here or call 1-800-USA-RAFT to find out if conditions allow tubing.
Our tubing trip takes out at Chestoa Recreation Area, about 1 mile from the put in at The Resort. Ride the short 5 minute shuttle back to the Resort and go for as many laps as you’d like!
Experienced tubers can take out at Red Banks Campground 2 miles from the put in at The Resort. This is not a lazy river float and is only recommended for good swimmers. Tubing to Red Banks is only available at the discretion of USA Raft.
All tubing is at your own risk.
All ages 12 and under must wear a PFD, have a minimum weight of 50 lbs, and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We do not recommend tubing for children age 7 and below, however, this activity is advised at the guardian’s discretion.
Yes, tubing is available 7 days a week when water levels permit (Below 1,000 cfs).
9-5, and the last shuttle pick-up is at 6pm on weekends.
Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are permitted on any of our activities.
(Generally) No. Liability waivers are typically completed by legal guardians only. If you are with a Summer Camp or Youth Group, leaders and chaperones can sign the waivers provided certain conditions are met, please contact us to discuss your specific questions.
Any tubing guests that are on the river can park one vehicle at The Resort property. Additional vehicles are required to be parked at the Red Banks Campground. Guests can carpool or take a complimentary shuttle between the Resort and Red Banks. If parking is full at The Resort, all guests must park at Red Banks. Please contact us to discuss any questions. Here is a Google Map with our Red Banks Campground location.
We have a shuttle running regularly between The Resort and Chestoa Recreation Area. If you need a ride back to the put-in at The Resort from Chestoa Recreation Area, stand by the road with your tube and the shuttle driver will pick you up.
Tubing trips to Red Banks Campground are allowed only at the discretion of USA Raft Adventure Resort. If you get approval to take out at Red Banks Campground, pre arrange the shuttle with our staff or call 1-800-USA-RAFT.
Yes! After getting back to The Resort you are most welcome to visit the Take Out Tavern. If your vehicle is parked at Red Banks Campground, you are welcome to take the shuttle back to your vehicle after visiting the Take Out Tavern.
No, you cannot bring your dog tubing. Also please note that dogs are not permitted to be left unsupervised in any lodging units, and please plan accordingly for your tubing trip.
