There are a lot of great ways to beat the summer heat, but one of the ways that everyone loves is tubing. Asheville is home to one of North Carolina's iconic rivers, The French Broad river. This pristine river meanders through Asheville and the North Carolina mountains all the way to Tennessee. Tubing is cheap, fun, and a great way to spend a day with the kids. This week we have great information for all those looking to go tubing during their Asheville vacation.

Where to float

Jean Webb River Park (River Arts District)

Length of trip: 45 minutes - This is the shortest float trip available and is perfect for first timers. This float takes you through the River Arts District and includes views of some of the town's best attractions. Drift along looking at New Belgium Brewing, Smoky Park Supper Club, and the I-26 connector bridge. 

Tip: Start your trip at the Wedge, right across the tracks from the put-in.

Carrier Park (West Asheville)

Length of trip: 1.5 hours - At the edge of the Biltmore Estate, a tranquil put-in that’s timed for the floater who wants a good excursion that’s not too long. Have a picnic at the park beforehand.

Hominy Creek River Park (West Asheville)

Length of trip: 3-4 hours - Located at the intersection of Hominy Creek Rd. and the French Broad River Greenway, this is the perfect spot if you want to float the day away. Bonus: the French Broad Outfitters Hominy Creek outpost is a perfect place to grab a beer + nosh on offerings from a food truck. Bonus: hammocks.

Stay safe

We want your time on the river to be all smiles. Make sure to take a few moments to go over river safety with your kids. Life jackets are recommended for the little ones. Of course, make sure everyone can swim. Tying each other's rafts together is another great way to keep an eye on the kids. Many people go barefoot, but we recommend wearing old shoes or water shoes as the river bottom can be sharp. 

Local Tubing Companies

Zen Tubing | 608 Riverside Dr. and 1648 Brevard Rd. | 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | $20 / tube rentals, $5 / cooler carrier. Bonus: one shuttle ride is included with your rental, additional shuttle rides are $5.

Asheville Outdoor Center | 521 Amboy Rd. | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday | $18 / tube rental, $34 / kayak rental, $55 / SUP rental | Tubes, kayaks, SUPs, Canoes + more. No shuttle provided for tubers.  

French Broad Outfitters | 704 Riverside Dr. and 230 Hominy Creek Rd. | $15 / tube rental, $30 / kayak rental, $40 / SUP rental | $5 tubing shuttle and $5 cooler tubes.

There is only one thing left to do! Go ahead click the blue button below and explore our current inventory of vacation homes. If you prefer to call, dial 828-274-6978 to speak with one of our friendly reservationists. We look forward to seeing you in Asheville soon.